DeKalb Choirs

About Our Singing Barons!

The DeKalb High School Choirs have a rich history of vocal music in Indiana. The DHS choir department is committed to offering students high-quality performance opportunities and exposure to engaging and diverse music repertoire.

The DeKalb Choirs have four home concerts each year, in addition to hosting the annual Show Choir Cabaret in November and the DeKalb Choir Festival in February. DeKalb High School has also hosted the ISSMA District Vocal Jazz Festival and ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival on various occasions.

DeKalb Choirs participate in events hosted by the Indiana State School Music Association, including Solo & Ensemble, District Jazz Festival, Concert Organizational Contest, and various ISSMA State Show Choir Finals. DeKalb choral ensembles and students consistently receive Gold ratings at district and state-level events. In 2025, the DeKalb Chamber Singers performed at the Indiana Music Education Associaion Professional Development Concference as a Invited Performing Ensemble. Classic Connection, DeKalb’s competative show choir, has been a frequent ISSMA State Finalist, including most recently in 2024 and 2025.

Both the DHS Band and Choir departments have been awarded the prestigious ISSMA All-Music Award annually since 2021. This award an indicator of musical excellence achieved by both departments receiving gold ratings in marching band, vocal and instrumental jazz, concert contests, and Solo & Ensemble participants.

DHS Choir students also participate in events organized by the Indiana Choral Directors Association and the Indiana Music Educators Association, including the ICDA All-State Honors Choir and the IMEA Future Music Educators Colloquium. The DeKalb High School Vocal Music Department offers students the opportunity to sing in three different curricular concert choirs, as well as their extracurricular jazz choir and competitive show choir.

DeKalb High School Choir Director

Joshua Doubblestein

jdoubblestein@dekalbcentral.net

260-920-1012 ext. 2130

Classic Connection

Classic Connection is a competitive show choir from Waterloo, Indiana that consists of an inclusive group of students ranging from grades 9-12. The choir works to combine rigorous choreography with intense vocals to form a competition show each year. They have competed in various competitions all over the country for 40 years, and have won numerous awards, including Grand Champion, Best Choreography, Vocals, Costuming, Crew, Best Soloist in a Show, and Show Design. Classic Connection is a 16-time ISSMA State Show Choir Finalist

Classic Connection hosts the annual Show Choir Cabaret in the fall, inviting audiences to enjoy desserts and refreshments while enjoying a themed musical revue featuring student soloists and ensemble numbers. The choir also hosts the DeKalb Choir Festival every spring, where choirs from across Indiana compete in competitive show choir divisions, open concert choir clinics, and solo voice competition.

We Are A Team That...

Is always in pursuit of excellence
Inspires others by leading by example
Has integrity
Cultivates a safe space for all

Classic Connection Awards

2025 Awards:
- Ball State Mid America Show Choir Championship - Grand Champion, Best Vocals, Solo Competition Grand Champion (Marissa Rowe) and 2nd Runner Up (Maya Sells)
- Anderson A-Town Showdown - 2nd Runner Up, Best Female Soloist (Marissa Rowe)
- Lafayette Jefferson Xtreme Show Choir Showdown - 3rd Runner Up, Solo Competition 1st Runner Up (Ella Hathaway)
- Columbia City Cup - 4th Runner Up
- ISSMA Small School Show Choir Finals - 4th Place
2024 Awards:
- East Noble Knight Edition - 1st Runner Up, STAR Award, Solo Competition 2nd Runner Up (Marissa Rowe)
- Ball State Mid America Show Choir Championship - 3rd Runner Up
- Homestead Classic Showcase - 4th Runner Up, Best Crew
- Southmont Mountie Nation Invitational - Grand Champion, Best Vocals, Best Visuals, Best Show Concept, Best Male Soloist (Ewan Wells), Spirit Award, Solo Competition 1st Runner Up (Marissa Rowe)
- Norwell Show Choir Invitational - 2nd Runner Up, Best Large Mixed Vocals, Solo Competition Grand Champion (Ewan Wells)
- ISSMA Small School Show Choir Finals - 3rd Place
2023 Awards:
- Northrop Classique - 2nd Runner Up
- Bishop Luers Midwest Invitational - 4th Runner Up Overall Mixed
- Norwell Show Choir Invitational - 2nd Runner Up Overall Mixed, Best Large Mixed Crew
2022 Awards:
- Bishop Dwenger Summit Show Choir Invitational - 1st Runner Up, Best Choreography, Best Female Soloist (Dorian Underwood), Citizens of Two Worlds Award
- Northrop Classique - 2nd Runner Up, Solo Competition Grand Champion (Madeline Steck)
- Homestead Classic Showcase - Best Crew, Best Male Soloist (Gabe Tobierre)
- Carroll Classic - Best Male Soloist (Gabe Tobierre)
- Garrett Railroader Rush - 3rd Runner Up, Best Male Soloist (Gabe Tobierre)
- Columbia City Cup - 3rd Runner Up Overall Mixed, People's Choice Award
2021 Awards:
- Beech Grove South Side Showdown - Solo Competition Grand Champion (Madeline Steck)
- Fairfield Festival of Champions - 2nd Runner Up
- Bishop Dwenger Summit Show Choir Invitational - 3rd Runner Up
2020 Awards:
- Bishop Dwenger Summit Show Choir Invitational - 3rd Runner Up
- Homestead Classic Showcase - Best Crew
- Churubusco Show Choir Invitational - Best Male Soloist (Gabe Tobierre)
2019 Awards:
- Garrett Railroader Rush Show Choir Invitational - 5th Runner Up
- Norwell Knight Show Choir Invitational - 4th Runner Up
2017/2018 Awards:
- Bluffton Street Fair - 3rd Place
- Twin Lakes Show Choir Invitational - 3rd Place, Best Male Soloist (Alex Gray)
- Bishop Dwenger Summit Show Choir Invitational - 5th place
- Northrop Classique - 4th place, Excellence in Music Education (Shelley Johnson)
- Ben Davis Giant Spectacular - 2nd place, Best Choreography, Best Male Soloists (Austin Osterhout & Matt Lamson)
- Huntington North Midwest Showcase - 1st place, Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Crew
- Indiana State Small School Finals - 7th place
2016/2017 Awards:
- Bluffton Street Fair - 2nd place
- Bellmont Winter Spectacular - 3rd place
- Twin Lakes Show Choir Invitational - 2nd place, Best Choreography (Tie)
- Bishop Dwenger Summit Show Choir Invitational - 5th place
- Ben Davis Giant Spectacular - 4th place
- Huntington North Midwest Showcase - 2nd place, Best Choreography
- Bishop Luers Midwest Choir Invitational - 5th place
- Indiana State Small School Finals - 5th place
2015/2016 Awards:
- Bluffton Street Fair - 1st place
- Southmont Show Choir Invitational - 3rd place, Best Choreography, Best Male Soloist (Nick Buttermore)
- Twin Lakes Show Choir Invitational - 3rd place
- Bishop Dwenger Summit Show Choir Invitational - 2nd place, Best Female Soloist (Caroline Harlow), Best Crew
- Ben Davis Giant Spectacular - 5th place
- Twinsburg Northcoast Invitational - 4th place
- Lafayette Jefferson Xtreme Show Choir Showdown - 3rd place
- Indiana State Small School Finals - 5th place, Best Choreography
- FAME Branson - 2nd place, Best Female Soloist (Meagan McBride), Best Female Stage Presence (Caroline Harlow)
- FAME Show Choir National Finals - 4th place
2014/2015 Awards:
- Bluffton Street Fair - 2nd place
- Southmont Show Choir Invitational - 1st place, Best Vocals, Best Choreography
- Twin Lakes Show Choir Invitational - 3rd place, Best Female Soloist
- Bishop Dwenger Summit Show Choir Invitational - 3rd place
- Churubusco Show Choir Invitational - 1st place, Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Female Soloist
- Northridge Choral Invitational - 5th place
- Twinsburg Northcoast Invitational - 3rd place
- Bishop Luers Midwest Show Choir Invitational - 2nd place
- Lafayette Jefferson Xtreme Show Choir Showdown - 3rd place
- Indiana State Small School Finals - 2nd place
Joshua Doubblestein, Show Choir Director

Joshua Doubblestein serves as the Director of Choirs at DeKalb High School, where he oversees the direction of three concert choirs, a vocal jazz choir, a competitive show choir, and is the vocal music director for the annual spring musical. Concert and jazz choirs under his direction have consistently received gold ratings at ISSMA events, with the DeKalb High School Choirs consistently receiving the ISSMA All-Music Award since 2021. DeKalb High School’s competitive show choir, Classic Connection, has received various awards under Doubblestein’s directorship, including best vocals, best choreography, best show concept, and multiple appearances at the ISSMA State Show Choir Finals

Doubblestein earned his bachelors of music education degree from Central Michigan University, where he studied voice with Dr. Meghan DeWald and Dr. Jeffery Springer, and choral conducting with Dr. Nina Nash-Robertson and Dr. Amon Eady. In addition to directing his school choirs, Doubblestein performs with Heartland Sings, the Auburn Community Chorus, and enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. He currently lives in Auburn with his beautiful wife Kaitlynn and two precious daughters, Nora and Sophia.

Kaitlynn Doubblestein, Assistant Show Choir Director

Kaitlynn Doubblestein is an enthusiastic and dedicated music educator who believes every child deserves a safe, supportive space to discover their creativity. After graduating from Central Michigan University in 2018, Kaitlynn began teaching choir for grades 6–12, spending three years nurturing young voices before transitioning to elementary general music with DeKalb Central Schools, where she has happily taught for the past five years.

Beyond the classroom, Kaitlynn serves as the assistant director for the Classic Connection show choir and is one of the founding directors of the Auburn Community Chorus. Believing strongly in the power of community music-making, she sees the chorus as an important way to keep the arts alive locally and to provide a joyful space for people to sing together again.

At home, Kaitlynn cherishes time with her husband and two young daughters, finding balance between a busy teaching life and creating meaningful memories with family. Guided by the belief that music unites, inspires, and allows people to truly be themselves, Kaitlynn is passionate about cultivating a lifelong love of learning, self-expression, and connection in every student and community member she meets.

Nikki Prichard, Show Choir Choreographer

Nikki Prichard has been a professional choreographer for over 25 years. She has choreographed for many award winning show choirs, and dance teams. She is the owner of AMP TAP BOARD, a portable tap floor business, and co-owner of Mudita Movement, a dance studio in Northeast Indiana. Notably her choreography can be seen on the Showboat Branson Belle in Branson, Missouri. Nikki travels to choreograph as a guest teacher and choreographer for many different studios. She has choreographed at amusement parks such as Cedar Point, King’s Dominion, Kings Island. Carowinds, and Dorney Park.

Nikki has won 8 international choreography awards for amusement parks. She choreographs for NBA half time shows, America’s Got Talent finalists, The MOTHMEN, recording artist, Chaz Robinson, On the Fly Entertainment, studios, dance teams, show choirs, and pageants. She is a dance convention teacher and judge for a number of different companies. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from Ball State University, and is an Acro Arts certified instructor. As a professional performer she has performed on Carnival Cruise Lines, Legends In Concert, the Isle of Capri Casino’s, Beef and
Boards Dinner Theatre, the Carousel Dinner Theatre, Cedar Point, a featured tap dancer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra NYC, the Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour, The Magic of Tim Hill, and many others.

Dynamix

Dynamix is our vocal jazz and chamber choir, and performs at local community events, as well as ISSMA Jazz Festival and ISSMA Solo & Ensemble each year. Students are accepted through audition only, and rehearse outside of the school day, in addition to during select homerooms. They also sing in all home concerts at DHS as well as the annual Show Choir Cabaret each fall. You can also see Dynamix sing the National Anthem at home football games in the fall.

Concert Choirs

DeKalb High School students have the opportunity to sing in three curricular choir courses, including the DeKalb Singers, Dolce, and BaronTones.

CHAMBER SINGERS - Our advanced mixed chorus. Students sing in four concerts each year, and compete at ISSMA Concert Contests, where they have consistently received gold ratings in both performance and sight reading. The DeKalb Chamber Singers has participated in the Three Rivers Choral Festival at PFW, Choral Vocal Day at Central Michigan University, the Heartland Sings Vocal Arts Conference, and makes appearances at various community events and other choir festivals throughout the Midwest. This is an auditioned ensemble, with students having the opportunity to audition in the spring semester for the following academic year.

DOLCE - Our beginning chorus for soprano and alto singers, and students who have not taken choir before. Students sing in four concerts each year, as well as compete at the ISSMA Concert Contest. Students have the opportunity to audition for the DeKalb Singers in March.

BARONTONES - Our beginning chorus for tenor and bass singers, and students who have not taken choir before. Students sing in four concerts each year, as well as compete at the ISSMA Concert Contest. Students have the opportunity to audition for the DeKalb Singers in March.

DeKalb Choir Festival

2026 DeKalb Choir Festival

Join us in Waterloo, Indiana, for the 2026 DeKalb Choir Festival on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at DeKalb High School! We pride ourselves on a clean and accommodating facility, highly qualified judges and clinicians, delicious food options for both performers and directors, and a competition that runs on time, all of the time!

We welcome small and large school show choirs and concert choirs, and every choir will receive a clinic immediately following their performance with one of our two highly qualified adjudicators. We also welcome students to compete in our solo voice competition. We are an ISSMA State Show Choir qualifying site for Indiana show choirs, and operate a one-and-done contest.

Registration
Awards History

2025 DeKalb Choir Festival
- Mixed Grand Champion: New Castle RED HOT BLUES
- Univoice Grand Champion: New Castle DYNAMIQUES
2024 DeKalb Choir Festival
- Mixed Grand Champion: Huntington North VARSITY SINGERS
- Large Univoice Grand Champion: Avon ATTRACTION
- Small Univoice Grand Champion: Huntington North VIKING VOLUME
2023 DeKalb Choir Festival
- Large Mixed Grand Champion: Homestead CLASS ROYALE
- Large Unisex Grand Champion: Avon ATTRACTION
- Small Mixed Grand Champion: Northridge NORTHERN LIGHTS
- Small Unisex Grand Champion: Northridge STAR LIGHTS
2022 DeKalb Choir Festival
- Large Mixed Grand Champion: Avon ACCENTS
- Large Unisex Grand Champion: Avon ATTRACTION
- Small Mixed Grand Champion: Northridge NORTHERN LIGHTS
- Small Unisex Grand Champion: Northridge STAR LIGHTS
2021 DeKalb Choir Festival
- Large Mixed Grand Champion: Avon ACCENTS
- Large Unisex Grand Champion: Avon ATTRACTION
- Small Mixed Grand Champion: New Castle RED HOT BLUES
- Small Unisex Grand Champion: Columbia City CITY LIGHTS
- Virtual Mixed Grand Champion: Sioux Falls Roosevelt EXECUTIVE SUITE
- Virtual Unisex Grand Champion: Sioux Falls Roosevelt CAPITOL HARMONY
2020 DeKalb Choir Festival
- Mixed Grand Champion: Avon ACCENTS
- Unisex Grand Champion: Anderson VOCAL ELEGANCE
2018 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Large Mixed Grand Champion: Twinsburg GREAT EXPECTATIONS
- Small Mixed Grand Champion: Fairfield FUSION
2017 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Large Mixed Grand Champion: Twinsburg GREAT EXPECTATIONS
- Small Mixed Grand Champion: Columbia City CITY HEAT
2016 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Large Mixed Grand Champion: Twinsburg GREAT EXPECTATIONS
- Small Mixed Grand Champion: Churubusco NEW ERA
2015 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Large Mixed Grand Champion: Waubonsie Valley SOUND CHECK
- Small Mixed Grand Champion: Bishop Dwenger SUMMIT SOUND
2014 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Twinsburg GREAT EXPECTATIONS
2013 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Twinsburg GREAT EXPECTATIONS
2012 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Buffalo Grove EXPRESSIONS
2011 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Buffalo Grove EXPRESSIONS
2010 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Buffalo Grove EXPRESSIONS
2009 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Buffalo Grove EXPRESSIONS
2008 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Waubonsie Valley SOUND CHECK
2007 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Buffalo Grove EXPRESSIONS
2006 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- No Data. Please let us know if you have competition information from 2006!
2005 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Teays Valley PROMINENT RENDITION
2004 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Findlay FIRST EDITION
2003 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Mount Zion SWINGSATIONS
2002 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- No Data. Please let us know if you have competition information from 2002!
2001 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Mount Zion SWINGSATIONS
2000 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Lakeview SPARTANAIRES
1999 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Findlay FIRST EDITION
1998 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Huntington North VARSITY SINGERS
1997 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Huntington North VARSITY SINGERS
1996 DeKalb Show Choir Invitational
- Grand Champion: Findlay FIRST EDITION
Additional Historical Competition Results