CHELSEA – Chelsea High School’s “Out of the Blue” competitive show choir returned from the Heart of America competition at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville with national recognition on Saturday, Feb. 24.

According to a press release from the ChHS choral department, “Out of the Blue” was named as a first runner up in the preliminary open division and overall fourth runner up. Student Patricia Noel was also named as the overall best female soloist. The first runner up title earned “Out of the Blue” a spot in the final round of the competition.

During the competition, “Out of the Blue” performed alongside show choirs “double their size with triple the experience,” from schools all over the country.

While in Nashville, “Out of the Blue” had the opportunity to perform two of its contest songs, “I Look to You,” by Whitney Houston and “Devil in Disguise,” by Elvis Presley, in the historic RCA Studio B while playing some of the original instruments used in Presley’s 1963 record.

“Out of the Blue” is directed by Kay Dick. Choreography and show design is done by Dallas Pritt, who is assisted by Isaiah Ruyf. Music arrangements were done by Nick Brockcamp, the show band is directed by Melodie Dean and Landon Jones and technical direction is done by Teal Dick and Billy Mitchell.

“Out of the Blue” is comprised of 32 students who sing and dance, seven band members and a five-person technical crew.

The show choir was escorted home from the competition by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chris George, and received a warm reception upon arrival.

“They were met at the school by cheering fans, family and friends as the bus pulled up and students unloaded from a very eventful, memorable and successful weekend,” the press release read.