Our History
Hurricane High School, of Hurricane West Virginia, is nestled in Teays Valley along Interstate-64 midway between Huntington and Charleston, West Virginia. With a student population of over 1000, Hurricane High is considered a West Virginia "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence."
The Hurricane High School show choir, "Red Hot" began in 1992 under the direction of Kristin Ball. Comprised of thirty-six singer/dancers, eight musicians and two stage crew, Red Hot worked diligently toward recognition in the existing state and regional show choir community. Through growth, experience and determination, Hurricane Red Hot showed that they could consistently compete and maintain high standards of excellence.
Under the direction of Kim Edwards, beginning in 1997, along with the choreography of Deana Boggs-McNeil, Red Hot first won the title of "State Show Choir Champions" in March, 1999 at the state sponsored West Virginia Music Educators Association, (WVMEA) Show Choir Festival in Martinsburg, WV.
In 2008, Red Hot began the season under new leadership as Ilse Moss was named director and Mitchell Finke as choreographer.
In 2010, Red Hot welcomed back show choir alumnus Casey Edwards as the new choreographer. And in 2011, we welcomed new director, Justin Wiget.
In 2012, Kaitlin DeSpain was named the new director and Shane Gue as the choreographer.
In 2015, we welcomed Joseph Kincaid as the the new director, Brooke Smolder as the choreographer and Shane Robinson as the instrument director.
In 2016, under the direction of Mr. Kincaid, the all-girls show choir, Heat Wave, was formed.
In 2021, we welcomed Randy Sage as one one of our choreographers. In 2022 Red Hot their 50th Overall Grand Championship.
In 2022, we welcomed Tori Brindis and Tara Tober to our choreographer list.
Through the years, Red Hot has earned many prestigious awards at competitions in West Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana and New York. Accomplishments include 15 State Championships, numerous Grand Championships along with awards for Best Vocal Sound, Best Choreography, Best Instrumental Ensemble, Best Show Concept, Best Costumes, Best Male and Female Vocalists and Best Technical Stage Crew. Red Hot has also consistently received superior ratings at competitions throughout the region.
In addition, Heat Wave has won their division for six consecutive years at the West Virginia State Show Choir Festival.