The Great Bend High School Music Department will host the Variety Show Friday and Saturday in the GBHS Auditorium. Tickets may still be purchased, said Vocal Director Susan Stambaugh. There is no Sunday performance this year.
“This is the 45th year of the GBHS Music Department Variety Show,” Stambaugh said. “The show begins at 7:30 with a 7 p.m. pre-show concert provided by the Jazz Band. Seating is reserved and tickets are still available by purchase before school, noon hour or after school or at the door.”
This is Stambaugh’s 23rd year and Band Director Mark DeWald’s eighth year of directing the show, which features student talents ranging from musical performances to jokes and skits. All of the GBHS choirs, including the Madrigals, will be featured, along with the GBHS Orchestra directed by Isaac Enochs. Piano accompanist Nancy Baxter is the program assistant.
“Even in the era of advanced technology where anyone may YouTube a performance before an audience of thousands, this show has remained a community favorite for the students’ opportunity to provide one last performance for family, friends and the community,” Stambaugh said. “The other day I was looking back at old shows and heard (Grammy award winner) Bryan Pinkall’s solo and got a little teary. The four years that I am fortunate enough to work with these outstanding young people flies by in a flash and this is one opportunity to freeze time as we allow the seniors one more final performance. It’s also a time for the underclassmen to see what tradition has come before them that they are to continue to uphold. I am blessed that I can work with such talented, fun kiddos.”

Art display
This year Stambaugh invited the GBHS Art Department to create a display for the hallway. Visitors will be able to see student artwork showcased as the enter for the show.
Art instructor Sergio Ramirez noted that grades 9-12 are represented. Some of the art in the display was featured earlier this week in the Vortex Juried Exhibition at Barton Community College. The show will also include some of the artwork that was recognized at Fort Hays State University’s High School Art Day.
“I am extremely happy to be able to collaborate with Ms. Stambaugh and the Music Department on displaying student artwork this Variety Show weekend,” Ramirez said. “This is a great way for people around the community to view the artwork high school art students have worked hard to create all year round.” Ramirez said he hopes this can become an annual collaboration between the Art and Music departments.