HHS choirs dazzle at Showcase
Harrison Keely Sentinel Writer

Talented in music and dance, members of the Hayesville High School Treble and Show Choirs performed a number of songs from Broadway hits. Photos courtesy of Ken Soltys.

The Hayesville High School choral department recently presented their 2007 Showcase, featuring the Treble Choir and Show Choir, both under the direction of Leslie Setzer.

The opening of the concert included traditional music such as Rutter's "For the Beauty of the Earth" and Copland's "Ching-A-Ring-Chaw."

Setzer then presented a variety of awards to her choral students. The Senior Service Award, which is presented to seniors for years of participation, was presented to Tyler Parker, Bethel Bower, Haley Thistle, Ashlin Soltys and Ryan James.

The Senior Choral Award, an honor presented to one male and one female for years of service, leadership, commitment and participation in Honor chorus and All-State auditions/ performances, as well as section leaders went to Ryan James and, in a tie for the ladies, Ashlin Soltys and Haley Thistle.

Setzer said that James, Soltys and Thistle were the students who went "above and beyond, volunteering extra time and work toward the common good of the ensemble."

Bethel Bower in a musical pose.

Following an intermission, the real dazzle kicked in. This year's theme was "Manhattan Melodies." Students sang selections from scores of several shows, not to mention seven soloists who broke from the mold to deliver thrilling performances. Soloists included Haley Thistle ("Sunrise Sunset"), Ashlin Soltys ("Put on a Happy Face"), Ryan James ("Music of the Night") and Paige McQuade, Taylor Zink, Lizzie Lee and Hilary Nelson ("Popular").

Some of the most exciting hits proved to be songs from musicals like "Singin' in the

Rain," "Chicago," "Bye Bye Birdieand "The Phantom of the Opera."

To close the concert, both choirs joined together to sing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," a classic farewell sung to the senior class every year.

"I am truly proud of my students for their hard work and cooperation in the marathon preparation we experience every year," Setzer said. "It requires an enormous effort, focus and cooperation by my kids.....I am always so amazed by their creativity and enthusiasm."

Percussionist for the concert was Lindsey Cope and Jack Davis provided the accompaniment.

Setzer and Cope will also be directing Hayesville Middle School's concert, which is scheduled for

May 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hayesville Schools Auditorium. The seventh and eighth grades will be singing numbers from Disney's "The Lion King."

To comment on this article, email Harrison at hkeely@gmail.com.

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