Columbus East High School - Altis Yearbook (Columbus, IN)

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The 1988 Follies East theatre walks audience through decades of the 20‘h century As the curtain opened, the 1900's came to life. Sweet Adeline, Give My Regards to Broadway, and Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home set the mood for the ragtime era. Follies 1988 had begun, leading viewers on an excursion through the decades of the twentieth century, from the ragtime of the 1900's to the upbeat rhythms of today. In less than six weeks, more than 100 cast and crew members pulled together a first-time ever three hour show, featuring all facets of the performing arts. The best thing about the show was it gave everyone an opportunity. The dancers and band each had five major numbers, drama was represented in the eight plays, as well as the choir being well represented, Ray LeBlanc,Chair of Department of Performing Arts, said. At the beginning of each decade narrators gave brief overviews of the types of music featured or social ideas that had caused changes in the music. In addition to singing and dancing numbers, an excerpt from a play written during the particular decade was presented Some of these included A Lion in Winter, the story of King Henry VIII and his wife Eleanor who wanted a king for a son, and Crimes of the Heart, the story of three very different sisters facing problems together. With 50 microphone calls, 100 different lighting changes to manage, and an average of four costume changes to each cast member during the show, there was never a dull moment backstage. My biggest concern was that the show ran too long (2 hours, 55min), but the audience stuck with us, we ran two weekends and only lost a few people, Ray LeBlanc, said. The numbers that comprised the show featured many soloists, and the members of Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, Sugar N' Spice, Clark's Bars, and Reflections, under the direction of Mary Clark. Along with accompanists Clark and Senior Betsy Fowler, additional music for the show was performed by Jazz, Inc. under the direction of Peter Foster. Dance numbers were choreographed by Donna V anKlompenberg. Because of the variety of numbers, scenery was kept to a minimum, and costuming played a major role in setting the scene for various decades. Being backstage during Follies was like walking through time. It was easy to tell what decade we were in because people walked out with different costumes every five minutes. What a madhouse! David Britt, sophomore, said. In many cases students were responsible for providing their own costumes; a task which sent many to attics or second-hand clothing stores. I went lots of places to look for my costumes, my own closet. The Clothes Tree, my grandmother's closet, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, Amy Holmes, junior, said. The nine four-hour technical rehearsals paid off, as Follies received a standing ovation after the Final performance. It really makes all the hard work worth it when the audience gives a standing ovation, Lori Houston, freshman, said. Decades (Follies)was the show that might have shown the audience that there are many talented students in the Department of Performing Arts, Gark said. By Heather Stern and Kim Sawyer I have really enjoyed being in the Follies. It has been a good experience and I have gotten the chance to meet several people. I am looking forward to it next year. Junior Cim Bowman Backstage jokes really flowed, especially between the cast and the band. I dedicated a song to Mike Vincent, a band member. Everyone knew about it ahead of time and completely cracked up! Junior Amy Holmes 26 Performances! Follies

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r Band and Choir Travels, Competition enhance performance The lights flash and then dim, the theatre is encased in darkness and silence. The curtain opens, the orchestra takes their places, and the director is ready. A tap-tap is heard, then the instruments fill the theatre with the sounds of music. Two hours later the orchestra rises, as the concert has finished without a hitch. This ideal concert was a success but it was hard to comprehend how much work was put into it to successfully pull it off. Many hours of practicing, planning, and much dedication were required from every person involved. However, that hard work, dedication, and determination paid off for East band and choir members who earned trips to Canada and Utah respectively. The band department went to Canada from May 18 to May 22 to participate in the Festivals of Music, an international competition of bands from the United States and Canada. To be invited to the Festival, bands were judged by their past performing experiences and their contest winnings. After Spring Break the groups typically practiced two nights a week and on Saturdays. Raising the money to go took just as much time, but it was a little easier. I have sold so many candy bars that I have lost track, Junior Amy Sharpe said. Band members sold cheese and sausages, candy bars, pizzas, pound cakes, and washed cars to raise money. Each person got a commission for everything they had sold. This money was put into an account so they would earn enough money. For the choir the distinction was especially meaningful since this was a second excursion to Utah. In 1985 East's choir was invited to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was so impressed with them that they told Director Mary Clark any time she wanted to bring another East choir to sing she could. This brought about the trip, in April, which included 34 choir members. Being able to go to Utah was a once in a life- time experience and I'm glad I was able to go. It took a lot of hard work, but it was worth it, Junior Curt Spurgeon said. While in Utah, choir members participated in the eighth National Choral Festival. The choir stayed and practiced at Brigham Young University. For most, the biggest thrill came from the rehearsal and performance with nearly 130 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I was a little intimidated by the Choir, but I still sang my heart out. I think 1 was more in awe than anything else, Senior Jim Frakes said. The students worked mostly in class on their numbers, but when we got to Utah they had to work under three different directors. It was a little difficult on them, Clark said. After practicing with the Tabernacle Choir the three choirs had a concert of their own. Clark thought their efforts went very well. by Sherri Arthur yr Canada was the wildest experience I ever had but it was still educational. It took a lot of work, but we had fun. Freshman Kaprecia Pridgen I was a little intimidated by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but I still sang my heart out. Senior Jim Frakes 28 Performances Choir and liand