Lincoln East Exceeds Expectations in 2020s despite obstacles

By Blake Chamberlin, Nebraska Contributor

Lincoln East "Express" performs at their 2025 Spring show | PHOTO: Olivia Muffler / The Oracle

The Cornhusker State is well-versed when it comes to show choir, many different programs have cemented themselves in history for various reasons. An example of one of these programs is located in the capitol of Nebraska: Lincoln East “Express.”

Express back in the day was no power program, they could make finals, but they wouldn't place much higher than fourth. The foundations for a group were set; they just needed somebody to act upon them. Brett Epperson was the director to do just that. Express in their 2014 season – Epperson's first year as director – produced results that were standard of Express at the time. While the students adjusted to a new director in 2014, the group experienced a major shift in Epperson’s second season. In 2015, Express finished their season with a record of four podium placements and made finals at all five of their competitions. They took home seven more podium placements before winning the program’s first grand championship at Lincoln Southwest in 2018 over notable established programs like Norris and Papio. In 2019, they won two more times, sweeping both competitions. 

The 2020 season soon came, and with the new decade came a shift in leadership. Brett Epperson stepped down as director with Express alum Aaron Zart, assistant director at Troy Buchanan, and Lisabeth Wissink, Director of Elevation, Lincoln East's prep group, taking over as the new directors. Most people would think that a director change of this magnitude may slow down their success. But Express showed no sign of slowing down, taking home podiums at three of their four competitions. This included a grand championship at Norris Fields of Talent against an exceptionally strong Papio South.

Schools would shut down due to COVID-19 in 2021. This event would serve as a giant setback for many programs around the nation. Express was not one of them. They would take home two podium finishes and a grand championship in their 2022 season. They then took another big step forward in 2023, placing no lower than second at all five of their competitions, winning two, including a notable win at a stacked Norris Fields of Talent. Express was now on the front door of the Nebraska powerhouse programs, all they needed to do was finish it off.

If there was a definitive year for Express, it would be their 2024 season. But it didn't come without surprises. Aaron Zart stepped down with Micah Friesen, another Lincoln East alum, taking his place as an assistant director. As with the departure of Epperson back in the 2020 season, losing Zart could've dealt a pretty heavy blow to Express, but apparently not. Express went on to win four of five competitions, three of which being sweeps. The lowest they placed was third at UNL's Midwest Cup to Wheaton Warrenville South and Lincoln Southwest (who they later beat at Norris). These wins came against strong Midwest programs. At Lincoln Southwest, they swept Mitchell, S.D, arguably the best South Dakota group at the time. At Norris they took vocals in a massive upset against Ankeny Centennial, in which they were predicted fourth. At Lewis Central, Iowa, they swept the long-standing powerhouses of Nebraska: Westside and Millard West in yet another upset. They were crowned the second-best varsity mixed show choir in 2024’s postseason poll, only behind possibly the greatest Nebraska show of all time that was Gretna Revolution.

Entering 2025, some underlying factors complicated Express’ road to repeat their 2024 success. Mainly, Standing Bear High School had opened in 2023, taking a chunk of Lincoln East's attendance zone. Another factor was the mile-high expectations Express had to live up from the past few seasons’ standout performances. The 2025 season arrived, and it was one of Express's toughest seasons since the pandemic. They swept over Ralston's competition, defeating Millard South and Lewis Central, but then they placed fourth at every following competition. All choirs are bound to have tough years, as it’s incredibly difficult to remain at the top of the competitive Nebraska scene.

The 2026 season fared better for Express in some departments. After starting the season with a 6th place in their first Gretna Primetime appearance since 2017, they had to subsequently drop out of Gretna East Echoes of the East due to sickness. In their return, they bounced back with a win and Best Choreography at the Lincoln Southwest Showdown over a powerful Elkhorn South. To close out the season, Lincoln East got a pair of fourth places before achieving a podium placement at Lewis Central.

While Express may not have had stellar seasons like 2023 and 2024, that does not mean they are less capable, as they won a caption at all of their 2026 competitions. Since 2018, they've won at least one grand championship every year – excluding a pandemic shortened 2021 season – totaling thirteen GCs for the rising Lincoln-based program.

Even with obstacles in recent years, including director changes and schools opening nearby, there is always one thing for certain about the current Express: they'll put on a show that anyone can enjoy!