Monacan High School - Legend Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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Chipper Cook shows his talent with his fancy footwork. Tara Hicks shows her enthusiasm dur- ing the rehearsal. After days of hard work, the group finally perfects its moves. The class takes a lot of dedication, but proves to be exciting. Learning the choreography is diffi- cult, but it all pays off in the end. SHOW CHOIR 29

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Come on show me that. . . Fancv Footwork As lights dim, bodies are rest- less as Mr. Graham enters the auditorium and takes his seat behind the piano. He gives the signal. Notes flow from out of the piano as lights brighten to show a rainbow of colors. The costumes sparkle as the chorus comes to life. The chorus is ‘“composed”’ of several groups including Cham- ber Ensemble, Girls’ Chorus, Concert Choir, and Show Choir. These groups perform separate- ly and also together. These groups perform at concerts such as the Winter and Spring con- certs, Show Choir’s Cabaret din- ner, Festival competition, and “Middle schools to Monacan.” In spring, Drama and Chorus teamed up when Centerstage went to New York. They sang at the UN building and attended Broadway shows. Many stu- dents have taken chorus for many years. A junior in Show Choir said ‘“‘Over the past three years, chorus has helped me make friends. It has helped me be more outgoing.”’ Another stu- dent stated, ‘I enjoy the singing and dancing incorporated to- gether in the Show Choir. It has been a fun learning experience.” As the lights dim and the vi- brant colors of the costumes fade, the concert is coming to a close. The stream of sounds from the piano ceases and Mr. Graham takes his bow. The con- cert is over. A junior, Sarah Parker enjoys her third year in Show Choir. As the class demonstrates, Show Choir incorporates singing with choreographed moves. 28 SHOW CHOIR

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““There’s no feeling in this world like ... performing’’ Gina Kettells AFTERSCHOOL Throughout the school year many practices took place. These practices have involved time and energy from both the students and those faculty mem- bers involved. The first drama production this year was 42nd Street, di- rected by drama teacher Ms. Tina Robertson. One of her stu- dents, Ginna Kettels, said, “Drama, | think, is just about the best class any student could take; not just the ones who are interested in becoming an actor or actress. It helps you to learn how to speak in front of a crowd, how to become a leader, and how to gain confidence. In dra- ma we do many projects such as one act plays, scenes, mono- logues, make-up, everything and anything that has to do with the theatre. We even write and di- rect our own scenes.”’ This may look like a lot of fun, but in actuality, it’s really a lot of work. Jim Morgan, a senior, also be- lieves, “‘Being in 42nd Street has been one of the most challenging roles that I have had. A lot of sweat, stress, and tears have flown in and out of me; but in the end, it’s worth it. 42nd Street will be a fine performance. It’s hard to keep my priorities in line; a lot of times I take per- forming over academics and that causes friction.”” The work in- volved is time consuming and the hours involved are full of practicing parts, memorizing lines, and working together as a team to make the production complete. Other practices have involved sports. They happened after school, since there was more time to accomplish needed work. Football was one of the big ones. The guys practiced vig- orously after school in order to prepare themselves for the up- coming games. Their practice sessions were long and hard; but hopefully beneficial when it came to game time. Bill Scott of the varsity football team said 2 TR. ¢ % Anne Tutwiler making a fast break for a slam dunk. 30 AFTERSCHOOL “Football is a very exciting sport for me. It’s hard work but it pays off during the games. Practice starts in the summer, and during school it lasts from about 2:30 until 5:30. It surely doesn’t give me much free time. Between school, practice, and studying, my only free time is on week- ends.”’ Other sports, like field hockey and cross-country, in- volved time and sweat too. Again these sports always de- mand endurance and teamwork. Jeanna Saggese of the field hockey team said, “‘Field hockey helps to teach you how to work with other people, as one per- son. This cooperation is very im- portant to a winning team. Prac- tices are long (from 2:00 to 4:15 p.m.), and hard (sprint, cross- country, drills, and scrimmages), but definitely worth it when we win. We have gotten over some personality conflicts and have learned to play like a real team should.”” Teamwork is the key in sports, and practice is the only way to get it. But sports aren’t the only practice after school; band, flags, and cheerleading are there too. ““When school starts, after school practices begin. That’s where it’s the toughest because all that’s left to do now is to perfect the show. And while you’re out there, it’s hard to concentrate. Very hard. It’s usu- ally boiling hot. You’re tired from school and you know you have to go home and do major amounts of homework; some of us even have jobs to go to straight from practice.’ said Ginna Kettels of the flag squad. Those with invitations to de- tention hall are certainly not the only ones who are here long af- ter the 1:40 bell. It’s not easy to stay after school for practice, but each practice has stayed and tried to accomplish the coordi- nation and perfection to be the best. Mike McCormick finding a hat with the fit that makes the fashion.