GHS Swing Choir Rocks Glasgow

Glasgow High School's Swing Choir hosted their 12th annual fundraiser at the Ridgerunners on May 9 and the crowd was certainly not disappointed. Community members of all ages came together to dance, sing along and enjoy the music produced and executed by high school students, staff and other members of the community.

Under the direction of Luree Green-Chappell, the Swing Choir sang an hour and 20 minutes worth of songs ranging from modern to oldies with the accompaniment of the band comprised of Todd Archambeault, Ben Miller, Chris Pippin, Hayley Nybakken, Justin Pattison, Bergen Miller, Max Knodel, Dr. Brad Persigner, Colin Jamba, Vincent Chappell, Isabelle Griffin, Jenna Johnson and Hannah Anderson. Even Swing Choir alumni came back and joined in the fun, including Hannah Mikelson, Rachel Sigmundstad, Tayte Prewett, Rachel Pewitt and Britney Archambeault. Desiree Johnson and the GHS acting class helped with production while Joe Rennick was the sound engineer.

For their 12th year, there were a lot of firsts for the event, including a record show during the first performance of 250 people, a marriage proposal and acceptance from T.J. Synan to Tyana Rasmusan, a performance encore after the first set as well as a two-minute ovation for retiring Dr. Brad Persigner after the second performance. "He was very humbled," explained Green-Chappell of the ovation.

"A lot of people stayed for the second show, and of course more new people came. We pushed 500 people this year," said Green-Chappell. As a good-will gesture event, those in attendance had the opportunity to donate funds to the Swing Choir program, of which over $2,000 was raised during the one-night only event. "The funds raised helps us afford to keep the program going. We purchase sheet music, gig space, costumes and equipment," explained Green-Chappell.

The event certainly has grown in size and caliber since the first show 12 years ago. "We had 35 people at our first show at the eating side of the Elks where the Durum was. Now we are outgrowing the Ridgerunners!," recalled Green-Chappell. The motivation for keeping the event year after year is not only funding for the program but also a fun night out for families. "My favorite part of the night is seeing whole families come together," said Green-Chappell.

The show doesn't just come together overnight, as a lot of hard work and preparation is required to pull it off. "I think I spent around 150 hours writing the show," said Green-Chappell. She has already started writing down ideas for songs for next year's performance even though the next show is a year away. "I try to pick songs that have audience appeal, not too new and not too old," stated Green-Chappell.