HLV raises money for sound equipment

VICTOR — Putting together a musical every spring at HLV requires that sound equipment be transported from Belle Plaine to HLV High School in Victor for practices and performances.

A fundraising effort is underway to buy equipment for HLV to remove that challenge.

“HLV does have a lot of what we need,” said first year HLV theater director Carolyn Allee. “We have our own sound board, some things like that.”

The school doesn’t need to start from scratch, Allee said, “just finish what is already here.”

Every fall, HLV students are invited to perform in Belle Plaine’s play. In the spring, the Belle Plaine students participate in HLV’s musical, and HLV borrows equipment from Belle Plaine.

But Belle Plaine also has concerts during that time, and the equipment has to be moved back and forth.

Although this is the first year Allee will direct the spring musical, she’s been helping with costumes since 2020, she said. “I’m a parent of four HLV students. I do a lot of volunteer work with the school.”

That volunteer work now includes raising money to complete the sound system.

“People have been extremely generous. We’re right around halfway to that goal right now,” Allee said.

HLV volunteers served a coffee and cocoa at a craft show during the annual holiday celebration in Victor, and Udders Burgers and More in Belle Plaine hosted a fundraising night. HLV theater is also applying for grants, Allee said.

Allee has sent out letters to businesses and organizations asking for donations, and the Facebook page HLV/BP Musical will post updates as well as biographies of the students who will perform “Legally Blonde, Jr. The Musical” at HLV March 27 and 28.

Sponsorships of different levels include perks such as recognition on the playbill, a sponsor banner and, for sponsorships of $1,000 or more, a cast and crew T-shirt and two complimentary tickets to a show.

HLV will need to purchase 20 microphones with packs and cords; wireless receivers, antennas and an antenna splitter with a wall rack to mount them in; a digital stage box; a 200-foot digital snake; a hardshell case for microphone storage; a monitor speaker to complete the needed set of three; and various other small needs such as power strips and drop cords, reels for cord storage, a sound board light and table covers, Allee said in the fundraising letter.

The school will also need it own spotlight that is compatible with its existing lighting system.

The cost, if HLV uses the same vendor it has used in the past, will be about $22,325 with shipping and handling. An additional $1,225 for items not quoted comes to a total fundraising goal of $23,550.

This would be HLV theater’s “dream setup” with incredible quality equipment, Allee said. The school would like to hard-wire the digital snake and speakers eventually to avoid cords training along the gym floor.

Allee said that buying different brands or models could reduce the purchase price of the microphones and wireless receivers, which make up the bulk of the price — $19,625.

“This is a significant investment,” said Allee.

Donations can be sent to HLV Community Schools, 402 Fifth St., Victor, IA 52232. Be sure to note that the money is for the sound equipment.

Contact Allee at hlvmusical@hlv.k12.ia.us with questions about sponsorship levels.

Meanwhile, cast and crew will be practicing for “Legally Blonde, Jr.” HLV senior Mackenzie Allee will play Elle Woods and HLV senior Bennett Scoville has been cast as Emmett Forest.

Warner Huntington III will be portrayed by Derek Willett, an HLV senior, and the part of Vivienne Kensington will be performed by Belle Plaine freshman Emma Manley.

Rounding out the cast are Belle Plaine senior Hailey Manley as Paulette Buonufonte, Belle Plaine junior Niko Werth as Professor Callahan and HLV sophomore Paisley Allee as Brooke Wyndham.

Also Belle Plaine junior Maggie Bostian, HLV senior Elly Cash, Belle Plaine eighth grader Lucy Smith, HLV senior Hannah Hofacker, Belle Plaine junior Sawyer Neuhaus, Belle Plaine freshman Jesse Upton, Belle Plaine senior Laken Jones, Belle Plaine sophomore Damontre Morris, HLV freshman Katelyn Arens and Belle Plaine eighth grader Rawnie Derby.

Also HLV freshman Annie Balvin, Belle Plaine junior Cayllen Purk, Belle Plaine junior Sawyer Neuhaus, HLV junior Isabelle Sternhagen, Belle Plaine senior Laken Jones, HLV freshman Alexis Petrie, Belle Plaine freshman Cora Hemmingsen-Brinkm, an, HLV freshman Sophia Chandler, HLV freshman Megan Thys, HLV freshman Ana Grimm, HLV seventh grader Emery Allee, HLV seventh grader Katie Newquist, HLV freshman