Variety show unveils new productions

As a senior, Halie Sandeen has always loved the annual Mt. Pleasant High School variety show, saying it is the first chance for people to see the band performances.

Sitting in the jazz band rhythm section on bass, Sandeen said she had gone right from performing in marching band to getting ready for the event that took place in the high school gym Sunday, Jan. 13. She said the show is really the first step toward competitions that are coming up in a few weeks. The show is also a forum for kids who may not be part of a band to perform in front of an audience.

'I love this because all the kids can show off their talents in one place,” she said.

On Sunday, two shows were performed. The first show featured the middle school show choir and jazz band, while the second show featured the high school jazz band and show choir. Overall the music program has about 275 students. Of course, even students who weren't performing turned out to support their friends.

'This is the first time anyone has seen the bands' and show choirs' performances,” High School band director Jim DePriest said. 'Right after Christmas the kid get together to get ready for this.”

In three weeks, Mt. Pleasant will host a show choir invitational. After that, the jazz bands will go on the road in February and early March to compete against other bands.

Even with the tight schedule, practicing for the event became a challenge. With the snow that moved through the area Saturday, the one rehearsal that was scheduled had to be canceled. DePriest, however, was unconcerned. While setting up for the second show he said the talent of his students was sure to shine through.

'Our kids are amazing,” he said. 'They have worked so hard and there is so much talent in our school and we are really proud of those kids.”

DePriest said the show is also a fundraiser to gather money for the music booster club, which works to provide money to offset expenses during the performance season. The uniforms the young performers wore, as well as much of the equipment in use, were provided by the booster club, including the sound system.