Oceanside Sound-Off Brings the Noise to Close California's 2026 Season

By Andrew Estrella, Western contributor

The community comes together this weekend for Oceanside, which is the last major event not only of the California season but also the nationwide show choir season this year. With 48 groups across three days, this competition serves as the ultimate season finale for choirs in attendance. As the 2026 season comes to a close, everyone is anticipating a spectacular final hurrah.

Advanced Mixed 1

John F. Kennedy “Executive Order”

John Burroughs “Powerhouse”

Burbank “In Sync”

Los Alamitos “Sound FX”

Here we go: it's the last and only full-roster Tier I showdown of the season. The closest matchup earlier this season was at Burbank, with In Sync missing in action, so a lot has changed since then. Most notably, the “big three” all hit the road and won their respective national trips. Powerhouse broke the California curse at Wheaton Warrensville South, a feat no Cali group had accomplished in the event's history. Sound FX had an incredible showing at Heart of America, beating the likes of Johnston, Westside, Mt. Zion and Olentangy. Lastly, In Sync traveled to the Midwest for the first time since their legendary 2019 season, competing at the Marysville Showcase, where they defeated Fishers, Lafayette Jefferson, Olentangy, and Ross.

This season, In Sync has looked especially strong, and beating Sound FX at Esperanza really launched their momentum. Kennedy, on the other hand, has had a transition season with new leadership, losing a podium spot at Burbank to a stellar Horizon group. While it looks like Powerhouse or In Sync could take it, Oceanside is famous for upsets, with Sound FX pulling off unexpected wins in the past.

Advanced Mixed 2

Large

Valley Vista “Vocal Thunder”

Chaparral “Platinum FX”

Glendora “Royal Stewarts”

Small

Bonita Vista “The Music Machine”

Carlsbad “Sound Express”

With separate large and small divisions, these groups are fighting not for a podium, but for the top spot. In the large division, Valley Vista and Glendora headline a strong field. Valley Vista, with two podium finishes and a great showing at the Burroughs Music Showcase, looks good to contend for the win. Glendora has also had a solid season, earning three second-place finishes and a third. Chaparral could also make waves if they manage to steal a first- or second-place finish.

In the small division, Bonita Vista and Carlsbad face off. Carlsbad’s strong season puts them in the leading position, though The Music Machine will undoubtedly deliver a solid performance, especially with standout moments in their acappella sections.

Advanced Treble

Walnut “Rhapsody in Blue”

John F. Kennedy “First Ladies”

John Burroughs “Sound Sensations”

Los Alamitos “Soundtrax”

Burbank “Blue Impressions”

Mirroring its mixed counterpart, Advanced Treble features four familiar contenders plus one new face. Walnut’s Rhapsody in Blue makes a bold move into this division, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Expect a strong, season-ending showdown from this group of competitors. Sound Sensations will undoubtedly look to close off their undefeated season, with Sound Trax being close behind. Last week Blue Impressions earned a great win over First Ladies at Burroughs, showing their growth as a group.

Intermediate Mixed Large

John Burroughs “Sound Waves”

Los Alamitos “Connexion”

The intermediate division giants will go toe-to-toe with each other for the second time this season. At Burbank, Connexion managed to snag a first-place finish, along with best music, notably due to a time penalty assessed to Sound Waves. Without the time penalty Connexion still would’ve earned best music, showing that the two groups are still closer than in years past.

Intermediate Treble Large

Glendora “Silhouettes”

Valley Vista “Tempest”

Los Alamitos “Xquisite”

John Burroughs “Decibelles”

This division is shaping up to be one of the most competitive of the weekend (outside of Advanced Mixed 1, of course). Tempest, Xquisite, and Decibelles have all earned multiple division wins this season. Tempest notably swept their divisions at Boulder Creek and the Burroughs Showcase, Xquisite swept their only contested division at Esperanza, and Decibelles took wins at Brea, Burbank, and Cypress. All three are serious contenders for the top spot. While Xquisite will aim to maintain their position, Tempest and Decibelles are not to be underestimated. If Silhouettes can secure a podium placement, it would be a notable achievement.

Bass

Los Alamitos “Xtreme”

John Burroughs “Men@Work”

Los Al and Burroughs have yet another head-to-head battle between their famously fan favorite mens groups. Xtreme and Men@Work have a great rivalry that spectators flock to see. With Men@Work usually taking the top spot, Xtreme really did themselves proud by taking M@W down at Oceanside last year, effectively ending their win streak. This year M@W reclaimed their spot by defeating Xtreme at Burbank, and will look to do the same this weekend.