Nicole Whitby
Choral Director
Ms. Whitby is a 2017 graduate of Manchester High School in Midlothian, Virginia. During her high school career, she was an active member of the Manchester Choral Program. She performed with Touch of Swing, their all-girl show choir, and Capital Swing, their mixed show choir. In 2021, she graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a minor in Psychology. For the 2021-2022 school year, Ms. Whitby taught at Voyager Academy HS in Durham, NC teaching their show choirs. She is excited to be returning to Clover Hill HS for her third year as a Cavalier!
Ben Eklund
Choreographer
Ben Eklund is a freelance choreographer residing in Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up in nationally recognized choral environments sparked his passion for working in the show choir industry. After graduating from Lincoln Southwest High School, he went on to study Music Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Currently, Ben designs shows, choreographs, and clinics for a number of schools across the country. These schools have earned finals appearances, best vocals, best choreography, and grand champion honors. When the choreography season slows down, Ben often spends his weekends traveling around the Midwest judging competitions and attending NBA games with his wife Melissa. Previously, he has judged for FAME, Heart of America, and many other prestigious competitions. He feels truly blessed to work with such talented directors and fine young performers. Ben would like to thank all, especially his wife Melissa, who has supported and aided his growth as a choreographer and educator.
Matt Watson
Choreographer
Matt Watson is a freelance choreographer currently residing in Lincoln, Nebraska. His show choir journey began at Lincoln Southwest High School, where he eventually became a dance captain and two-year member of the award-winning show choir, Resonance. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. During his time at UNL, he was a four-year member and dance captain of the nationally recognized collegiate show choir, Big Red Singers. Additionally, Matt was a member of the university’s top choral ensemble, University Singers. He spent several summers at the Nebraska Show Choir Camp as a camper, counselor, and dance captain for various choreographers. The past two years he has been selected to be a choreographer at camp.
Seven years ago he began his professional choreography career. He now choreographs over 25 competitive show choirs throughout the Midwest. Additionally, he is a clinician and assistant choreographer for another 10 groups. This year Matt has traveled throughout Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Virginia to work with various award-winning show choirs. He wants to thank all those who have helped guide him the past few years.