Central Singers Inc. Keeps Raising the Bar

By Liz Fontenot, Iowa Contributor

Davenport Central "Central Singers, Inc." celebrates after winning FAME Orlando in 2026.

Davenport Central High School's Show Choir, “Central Singers Inc.,” has been entertaining audiences for more than 45 years. Since its founding in 1980, the group has built a legacy of excellence and continues to cement its place as one of the premier show choirs in Eastern Iowa.

The 2026 season marked a milestone for the program as longtime director Michael Reese celebrated his 20th competition season leading “Central Singers Inc.” It proved to be a memorable year, as the group earned five Grand Championship titles, including top honors at FAME Orlando and the 2026 FAME Show Choir National Finals in Branson, Missouri. Throughout the season, the group topped Iowa powerhouses Ankeny “Visual Adrenaline” and Des Moines Valley “Choralation,” as well as groups from nine other U.S. states (Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Utah, and Wisconsin).

Adding even more excitement to the 2026 season was the arrival of the group’s new choreographer, Heath Gemar. Andy Haines choreographed “Central Singers Inc.” from 2006-2025, so Gemar had some big-time shoes to fill at the program. The transition proved to be a successful one, however, as the group earned the Best Choreography caption at all six competitions they attended.

Of course, this past season's success did not happen overnight. Entering 2026, “Central Singers Inc.” was already riding the momentum of an undefeated 2025 season and a streak of podium finishes at every competition over the previous five years. The group has continued to raise the bar each year while maintaining its high standard of excellence.

With an award-winning creative team, talented performers, and a tradition of excellence that continues to grow stronger every year, “Central Singers Inc.” is poised to bring another fantastic show to audiences in 2027.

Next year’s confirmed competition performances for Davenport Central include Davenport North The Big Dance on January 30th, 2027 and Western Dubuque The Main Event on February 27th, 2027. They will also be hosting the 25th annual Great River Show Choir Invitational on February 20th, 2027. This event takes place in the beautiful and historic Adler Theatre, located along the Mississippi River in Davenport.