North Central surges forward in the rankings with statement Pike performances; other top Indy groups make strong competition debuts.

PHOTO: Shot by Talon | Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Des Moines Christian, Prairie and Millard South seek to reprise finals berths from the 2025 edition of Ascension.

Mt. Zion, Troy Buchanan, Sparta, Dwight D. Eisenhower and more will show their stuff on one of Illinois' most centrally-located stages.

PHOTO: Nicki Marcum | RCB will be the first gathering for eastern panhandle choirs this season, while several Charleston ensembles will collect at Capital.