In three weeks, Great Bend High School’s A Cappella Choir, including its select group, the Madrigal Pops Singers, will be headed to Washington, D.C. The group has been busy this month with their final fundraisers, which included Madrigals delivering singing valentines and a performance Wednesday for the Noon Kiwanis Club.
They started the program with “More,” which was also the first song they performed for singing valentine recipients.
Choir director Susan Stambaugh said she is thankful for the community support that has allowed the students to raise the money required for this year’s trip in only a few months. Previously, students had two years to prepare for the trip but the excursions were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last June, the school board approved this year’s trip during spring break. At that time, Stambaugh noted that now that the sophomore choir has been combined to join juniors and seniors in the A Cappella Choir, the GBHS vocal department is on a three-year rotation for these trips.
The vocal department used to alternate years with the band, and now the GBHS orchestra has been added to make it a three-year rotation. Last July, Orchestra Director Isaac Enochs received permission for approximately 50 orchestra students to take a four-day trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado, during this year’s summer break, with plans for a longer trip in three years.
GBHS Band Director Grant Mathews said the band will be going to Orlando, Florida, during the spring break of 2024.
Rent a student
The vocal music department is taking 75 students and sponsors. They will leave on March 15 and return on March 30. During the trip they will have opportunities to visit educational sites and will have multiple performances.
Family members and friends can catch a send-off performance around 8:30 a.m. in the GBHS Auditorium.
Choir members are still raising money and community members are invited to “rent a student” for a donation. In the past, students have helped with raking leaves, snow removal, washing windows, helping with inventory and estate sales, stripping wallpaper and shampooing carpets. Other ideas include doing laundry, office work, or baking. For more information call 620-792-5374.
