Let's Get Our Show On The Road

From Ripley, WV, the show choir "Blue Persuasion" captivated the community from 1982 and thrived for over 20 years. In 2005, the show choir was taken out of the program of study at Ripley High. Today, the community fondly reflects back on those days and many claim "Blue Persuasion" as where their most fond memories were made in school. Nearly 20 years have now sat quiet- silenced. Until now. The students have shown up to put their ensemble back on the map. They are working hard to get their competition show on the road, under their own name "Phoenix Blue". This title pays tribute to the old ensemble by keeping "B. P.", but includes the mythical "Phoenix" that rises from the ashes. We have welcomed 21 students to serve as the first "fleet", with a second round of auditions coming in August.

We are seeking sponsorship to offset the start-up costs as our ensemble "takes flight". This investment would allow our students to take their talents outside the walls of the school, and to help our show reach its full potential. This is an all-in attempt to jump-start our students' success by equipping the department with the means necessary to take a professional show to and from competitions.

The students are extremely talented and, due to the lack of resources, limited. They are truly pouring into this department. If you have ever been in show choir, you may have experienced the leadership opportunities that shape young minds into leaders. Choir provides opportunities for all students to find a home within high school, and often leads to personal and professional growth that spans far beyond the classroom environment. As the director, I'm reaching out to do all that I can to get our students what I can without exhausting our small community. The start-up costs for our ensemble are astronomical- between buying show choir risers and a trailer, to hiring a choreographer and purchasing music, to paying competition registration fees and transportation costs- it adds up very quickly. Donations over $1,000.00 will have their name/business posted on our trailer, but every donation- big or small- allows our students to soar.

From the dark, a light.

From the void, a voice.

What was old, made new.

From the ashes "Phoenix Blue".