"I have been Changed for Good" Theme of Worth County Concert Choir

"I have been changed for good" was the theme of the Worth County Spring Concert put on by the Concert Choir last Wednesday.

Leading off the concert were the three solo performances that went to state. Lauren Null sang "When I Bring you Colour'd Toys." Brian Hall followed with "Black Oak Tree" while Rebecca Moore sang "Homeward Bound." Following that were two numbers from the Women's Sextet that qualified to state. Members were Lauren Null, Brooke Gilland, Akaysha Ragan, Carli Jackson, Rebecca Moore, and Brianna Fletchall. Songs sung were "Omnia Sol" and "She Sings." The entire choir sang next, singing "Gaudeamus," "Bridge over Troubled Waters," and "Ashokan Farewell." The East Avenue Showstoppers then performed "Africa," "Faithfully," "Hallelujah," "Livin' on a Prayer," and "For Good." Cody Green, Brian Hall, Brooke Gilland, Lauren Null, and Akaysha Ragan each sang solos during these performances. Student teacher Ms. Emily Cloughly played guitar while teachers Adam Beatty and Jim Spiers were guest performers. Wyatt McClain played the role of peanut gallery while two of the students did a football-style chest bump to open the Showstoppers' performance.

Contest Choir members were (Bass) Brian Hall, Zach Ragan, Sam Martell, and Clayton Ross; (Baritone) Cody Green, Shane Kollitz, and Cody Straight; (Tenor) Dakota Owsley, Truman Moore, Josh Warner, and Don Gibson; (Soprano) Brooke Gilland, Akaysha Ragan, Kayla Martell, Alaina Freeman, Kaitlyn Davidson, Cassie Carter, and Teri Leigh Larison; (Second Soprano) Lauren Null, Claire Andrews, Brianna Fletchall, Alysa Lyle, and Jennifer Runde; (Alto) Carli Jackson, Rebecca Moore, Paige McPike, Starla Farnsworth, DeAnn Warne, Taylor Causey, Jennifer Runde, and Jordan Hunt. Additional Concert Choir members were Logan Ridge (Baritone), and Joel Kollitz (Tenor).

Members of the East Avenue Showstoppers were Brian Hall, Cody Green, Logan Ridge, Sam Martell, Zach Ragan, Dakota Owsley, Clayton Ross, Cody Straight, Don Gibson, Shane Kollitz, Lauren Null, Brooke Gilland, Akaysha Ragan, Carli Jackson, Alaina Freeman, Claire Andrews, Jordan Hunt, Rebecca Moore, Alysa Lyle, and Brianna Fletchall.

Among the volunteers who helped with the choir throughout the year were Merry Spiers, Merrideth Spiers, Anthony & Beth Steinhauser, Emily Cloughly, Adam Beatty, Joe Burbach, Jeanie Fletcher, Dale & Jonna Healy, Carrol Arthur, Don & Lois Null, Theran & Cindy Null, Mike & Carol Hall, Tish Warner, Loren & Amy Jackson, and Karen Fletchall.

Worth County had one of the smallest schools at District Choir, but sent nine to state; the only schools who sent more were the size of Central High School in St. Joseph or bigger. Worth County was 4th overall. Other schools included in the competition were schools like Trenton, Platte County, and Maryville.