Arts & Entertainment
Saline Varsity Blues Show Choir Takes Stage for 30th Year
Participants love performing, making friends.
Singing, dancing and performing is nothing new for the Saline Varsity Blues Show Choir.
They've been doing it for 30 years.
First grade students to seniors have been eager to take the stage for the choir, which recently held auditions.
Find out what's happening in Salinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We’re a lot like Glee,” said Saline High School student Louisa Antonelli. “We dance and sing songs.”
Antonelli just completed her tenth audition, and has been part of Varsity Blues since elementary school. Antonelli said she has always looked forward to performing in Varsity Blues, and is continually amazed at how much castmates bond.
Find out what's happening in Salinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We become great friends,” she said.
Senior Alex Jasman has also been in the production since elementary school. Jasman also loves making new friends and going on tour.
“It’s really fun to sing and dance,” he said.
With a cast of 110, students practice once a week, but are encouraged to practice more in their free time. The production is composed of group performances and usually contains two or three solos.
The group is a non-profit organization, and the students and board raise money through a variety of events including ticket, concession stand and flower sales and raffles for stage pieces.
The biggest fundraiser is near Thanksgiving, when students sell pies from the Achatz Pie Company. Local business can also sponsor the production.
“All money raised stays within the organization,” said director Patricia Douglas.
In July, part of the fundraising dollars will help the cast go on tour and perform. In previous years, groups have traveled to Boston, Branson, Nashville, Chicago and Disney World.
Last year, the students traveled to New York City and performed “Wicked” near the Statue of Liberty. According to Douglas, Universal Studios in Orlando may be the city of choice this year.
Douglas said the best thing about Varsity Blues is that you don’t have to be an amazing vocalist or dancer. The more you perform the better you become.
The group will perform "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Dec. 14 and 15 at the Saline High School Auditorium. For more information on the production or sponsorship, visit www.salinevarsityblues.com.
