Vermillion Rhythm in Red is South Dakota's Tiny Titan
By Heath Jacobs, South Dakota contributor
The “little guy versus big guy” storyline is one of the most universally-loved narratives. It tells of finding courage, passion, and triumph in unexpected places. Stories like David vs. Goliath, Luke Skywalker vs. the Empire, and Katniss vs. the Capitol all feature small heroes who punch above their weight.
Year after year, South Dakota show choir showcases a “little guy vs. big guy” storyline of its own: Vermillion Rhythm in Red (RIR) against the field. RIR was established in 2001 and has been competing for 25 years against bigger schools and bigger choirs.
With a total student body of only 418, this tiny titan isn’t afraid to take on schools three and four times its size. It’s not uncommon to find Vermillion traveling to any of four states to face tough competition. They’ve faced powerhouse groups like Gretna Revolution, Waukee Northwest Eos, and Millard West West in the Groove.
In the past five years, Rhythm in Red has amassed an impressive six division championships and seven runner-ups. How do they do it? By taking audiences on emotional journeys.
In 2024, RIR used Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” to tug at audiences’ heartstrings. Their simple lyrics had a clear message: we can all be better. That year at Shake the Lakes, RIR, who competed in the third division in prelims, rode those simple lyrics into finals at Shake the Lakes, beating choirs from two larger divisions to do it.
The 2026 season is another example. How does a group get from Wicked’s catchy “Popular” to a tear-jerking “Letters from War?” Just ask RIR. They conquered this emotional transition seamlessly in their 2026 show, and audiences ate up every moment.
Rhythm in Red’s 2027 season will take them to familiar comps, with Sioux Falls Jefferson, Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Mitchell, and Hinton all on the schedule. They’ll also hit the road to the Chicagoland area to compete at Wheaton Warrenville South. Each step of their journey will be another chance for RIR to write the next chapter in their ever-unfolding “little guy vs. big guy” drama.
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