Showchoir Rise Up
Choir presentation
Showchoir Rise Up was founded in September 2006 and consists of 30 girls aged 12 to 25. Taking part in the choir gives them the opportunity to develop not only their musical skills, but also their self-confidence.
Show choirs are still very new in Belgium. Karin Lauwers got the idea in the United States, where show choirs are a real phenomenon. A show choir is not just a choir—it is much more: dance, theatre, artistic choreography, flashy outfits and colourful spotlights. The repertoire consists of genuine choral songs, pop music and musicals.
Rise Up presents its own show every year and is regularly invited to perform as a guest. It takes part in competitions and festivals in Germany and abroad. Overall direction has always remained in the hands of founder Karin Lauwers. Since September 2023, Elina Vanderhenst has been the conductor and Marlou Vriens has been the regular vocal coach. Choreography, dance and presentation are by Sander Camps from the ODACS dance studio. The pianist is Johan Camp.
THE CHOIR DIRECTOR: Karin Lauwers and Elina Vanderhenst
In 2006, Karin Lauwers founded the show choir Rise Up.
Karin’s deep passion for music, especially choral singing, has been evident since her early years. As a child, she immersed herself in the world of music by taking solfège and piano lessons at the Academy of Music, Speech and Dance. However, it was in 1986, after a one-year world tour with the renowned international group Up With People, that she developed a true affinity for choirs and shows. She subsequently founded a youth choir, which she led for an impressive decade.
In 1987, Karin obtained her choir conducting diploma from the Flemish choral federation Koor en Stem. Her dedication to learning and refining her craft continued when she took singing lessons at the Hasselt Municipal Conservatory of Music from 1993 to 1997. Later, she completed a one-year training programme as a light music choir conductor in the Netherlands. In addition, she took part in the conducting module of the International Show Choir Camp Europe organised by BALK Netherlands in 2005 and the Pop and Jazz Vocal module in 2006. Currently, Karin is engaged in studying “vocal leadership”, demonstrating her ongoing pursuit of musical knowledge.
Showchoir Rise Up
Choir presentation
Showchoir Rise Up was founded in September 2006 and consists of 30 girls aged 12 to 25. Taking part in the choir gives them the opportunity to develop not only their musical skills, but also their self-confidence.
Show choirs are still very new in Belgium. Karin Lauwers got the idea in the United States, where show choirs are a real phenomenon. A show choir is not just a choir—it is much more: dance, theatre, artistic choreography, flashy outfits and colourful spotlights. The repertoire consists of genuine choral songs, pop music and musicals.
Rise Up presents its own show every year and is regularly invited to perform as a guest. It takes part in competitions and festivals in Germany and abroad. Overall direction has always remained in the hands of founder Karin Lauwers. Since September 2023, Elina Vanderhenst has been the conductor and Marlou Vriens has been the regular vocal coach. Choreography, dance and presentation are by Sander Camps from the ODACS dance studio. The pianist is Johan Camp.
THE CHOIR DIRECTOR: Karin Lauwers and Elina Vanderhenst
In 2006, Karin Lauwers founded the show choir Rise Up.
Karin’s deep passion for music, especially choral singing, has been evident since her early years. As a child, she immersed herself in the world of music by taking solfège and piano lessons at the Academy of Music, Speech and Dance. However, it was in 1986, after a one-year world tour with the renowned international group Up With People, that she developed a true affinity for choirs and shows. She subsequently founded a youth choir, which she led for an impressive decade.
In 1987, Karin obtained her choir conducting diploma from the Flemish choral federation Koor en Stem. Her dedication to learning and refining her craft continued when she took singing lessons at the Hasselt Municipal Conservatory of Music from 1993 to 1997. Later, she completed a one-year training programme as a light music choir conductor in the Netherlands. In addition, she took part in the conducting module of the International Show Choir Camp Europe organised by BALK Netherlands in 2005 and the Pop and Jazz Vocal module in 2006. Currently, Karin is engaged in studying “vocal leadership”, demonstrating her ongoing pursuit of musical knowledge.