The Counterpoints have experienced consistent success over the past few years, winning the state championship multiple times and nationals two years ago. The group’s prestige was recently recognized via an invitation to perform at the National Education Association’s annual gala in Washington DC.

“We’ve performed there twice before, and the organizers decided to ask us back again this year. The invitation includes the expenses for the trip, so the NEA pays for the whole thing,” choir director Michael Raunick said.

Not only are the Counterpoints performing, they are the main event.

“We are the featured performers for 1,000 people at a seated dinner,” Raunick said.

However, not all members of the choir are able to go. A select group of Counterpoints were chosen to attend. Sixteen members total are going, along with Raunick and three other chaperones.

The set they are performing is completely different from this year’s show choir set. It is compiled of songs from both this year and past years, as well as songs that the Counterpoints have never performed before.

“We are performing a song we did for camp week in 2018, our show choir opener from this year and a new ballad that we learned just for the gala,” Raunick said. “The songs are “Come Alive,” which we performed in 2018, the opener medley from this year, and a song called “A Little More Homework.’”

The trip lasts three days. The group left for DC on Thursday, February 6 and returns on Saturday. The itinerary is completely packed, between rehearsals and visiting various landmarks.

Aside from sightseeing and performing, they also get to meet two Indiana Congress members, Rep. Susan Brooks and Senator Todd Young.