Calvin Ellis, director of Tupelo High School’s Soundwave, said an audience full of friends and family will help get his show choir members “in the groove.”

He said he can tell they’re in the groove “when they perk up their facial expressions; when they know their choreography; and when they sing well together.”

In February, Soundwave will compete against show choirs from other schools.

Beginning Saturday at the THS Performing Arts Center, Soundwave members will get a jump on the competition by putting everything together for a hometown crowd. They’ll be ably backed by the Structure Combo.

“If you can perform for friends and family, you can perform for strangers,” Ellis said. “It’s a little bit different when you’re performing for your peers.”

“Rock What You Got” will end with Soundwave’s competition show, and that’s 17-year-old Mellie McGehee’s favorite part of the show.

“I like it a lot,” the senior said. “There’s an Aretha Franklin medley, and a variety of other great songs.”

But nothing’s set in stone for the competition show at this time.

Madeline Alvis, an 18-year-old senior, said her favorite number is “Crush Crush Crush.”

“It’s really upbeat,” Alvis said. “I like the dancing. It’s my favorite dance.”

“Crush Crush Crush” isn’t in the competition show now, but it still has a chance.

Ellis said the shows at the PAC will let him see which songs get Soundwave members into the groove and connect with audiences.

“We may need to take a song away or add another one,” he said. “We can see what’s working.”

That’s from the director’s perspective.

As for the Soundwave members, they know the audience will be filled with family and friends who want to be entertained.

“We want to have fun, and we want them to have fun,” said 17-year-old senior Bianca Glenn. “Just come out and enjoy yourself.”

Contact M. Scott Morris at (662) 678-1589 or scott.morris@journalinc.com.