The Choirs of Manchester High School have a rich Tradition of Excellence
spanning nearly 4 decades!
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The department features 6 choral ensembles, including two nationally recognized show choirs, Touch of Swing and Capital Swing, two directors, choreographer, technical director, band director, show band, show designer, music arrangers, costumers, and lighting designer all supported by
The Manchester Choral Association, the administration and staff of Manchester High School,
along with Chesterfield County Public Schools. 
 
Capital Swing, Touch of Swing and The Chamber ensemble have competed throughout the US at local and regional competitions in Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, New York, Tennessee, and Florida. Nationally, the groups have been participants in the Showstoppers Nationals Competition in Chicago, Nashville, NYC, and Orlando. Capital Swing has served as the honor choir for Showstoppers and Touch of Swing has earned Grand Champion honors 3 times!
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Beginning in 2004, the groups began competing at the FAME National Competitions in Chicago, NYC, and Orlando. Touch of Swing has earned Grand Champion honors at this event twice. The Chamber Ensemble has earned Grand Champion honors of this event twice, being recognized for Best Repertoire and Best Choral Tone.
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In 2017, the groups travelled to Nashville, TN to compete in the Heart of America Competition. Capital Swing competed in the highly competitive Championship division, which was dubbed "the premier show choir event of 2017!"
Capital Swing was honored to be named as a finalist and was recognized for Best Crew!
 
In 2018, both show choirs were given the distinguished honor of hosting the
Heart of America national competition at the Orlando Convention Center, a distinction historically reserved for college programs. The two venue event once again featured the top show choir programs in the country from California, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, and more! The Manchester students were recognized for their outstanding professionalism and poise. Both choirs presented outstanding performances to conclude the epic event.
 
The department had competed in or hosted a National competition every year for over 30 years until the pandemic restricted travel.
 
The choirs and the choral boosters are the founders of The Koste Classic- named for Pete Koste, former principal of MHS for 23 years. Mr. Koste was a huge lover and supporter of the arts. The competition is entering its 35th year and is hosted by Capital Swing, Touch of Swing, the Chamber Ensemble, and the Manchester Choral Association. The 2020 competition added a Chamber, Concert Choir, and Acappella Division.
 
In June of 2020, the department presented the "HOPE" concert at Lloyd Swelnis Stadium on the campus of Manchester HS and proved that there is nothing that can take the love of music away from our students and community.
 
In the fall of 2020, after 598 days without performing on the Manchester stage, the choirs returned HOME. They are beyond thrilled to be showcasing their talents with our amazing village once again!