LEAP YEAR ALUMNI SHOWCASE IS TODAY (THIRD IN A SERIES OF A THREE-WEEK SERIES)

Brian and Amy Law

As one reads this issue of the USA Signal, the Jackson High School's participating alumni will be busy putting last minute touches on today's "Leap Year Alumni Showcase" concert.

The concert begins today at 3 p.m. in the "C" Building auditorium.

Of course, our goal is to raise awareness of the need (and hopefully the funds) to purchase and install new lighting, and eventually "sound" in the 61-year-old auditorium. The productions, held through the years in that auditorium, have meant so much to so many people.

"I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have personally stood on that stage," remarked Jean Schweain, choral teacher, "performing in elementary plays and musicals as far back as the 50's, then high school plays, recitals, and concerts in the '60's. I began teaching at Jackson (R-2) in the mid-'70's, directing numerous elementary and, later, high school musicals in that auditorium.

"I have so many fond memories of former students boldly singing, with all their hearts, from that stage. And of my own children, their excitement brimming, performing for their dad and I."

While restoration of the historic WPA auditorium is already well underway, those associated with the vocal music programs are eager to see further improvements made, which will impact the quality of performances.

"It is imperative that we continue to offer our students (both now, and in the future) a facility where they can develop and perform their gifts and talents," Schweain said. "The high school choral department is so grateful to all participating alumni for their enthusiasm and support of this project."

Actually, we have barely touched the surface of our talented alumni resources. In planning this year's concert, we wanted to span the 25 years of 'pop concert' performers in an effort to show the continuing use and importance of the auditorium. Realizing that the show could easily become a real marathon concert, we used performing, songwriting, and/or recording professionally as the criterion for inviting this year's soloists. We've had such a tremendous outpouring of support and interest in this venture, we suspect it will become an annual winter event, with the criterion changing from year to year. "There were literally dozens of other fine performers we wanted to invite, were it not for the time element," stated Schweain. "We will simply 'search-out' a new cast of talented JHS alums for future shows."

Today, we introduce you to the remaining musicians/alumni who will be performing in the "Leap Year" Alumni Showcase 2000. They are Kirk Hanser '86, Brian and Amy Law '83, Cheryl Fortner, Ruth Lane and Clay Vangilder -- all from the Class of '76. There are also three or four additional alumni from the '90's involved in an act, as well as the JHS Chamber Choir and Girls Choir, each performing a selection.

Kirk Hanser graduated from Jackson High School in 1986, received his Bachelor of Music from Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. (1990) and his Master of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Va. (1992). He taught at several colleges and universities in Virginia and Wisconsin before moving to St. Louis in 1996. Kirk is the Director (and instuctor) of the St. Louis branch of the Childbloom Guitar Program. He received the Childbloom's National Teacher of the Year award in '96, and the Outstanding National Program award in '98. In addition, he currently teaches for the St. Louis Guitar Consortium, Inc. Kirk has appeared on several recordings for the DCV, DDI, and JKG labels.

Kirk performs these days as half of The Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo (www.hanser-mccleflan.com), currently ensemble-in-residence at Webster University in St. Louis. The HMGD is regarded as one of the most gifted chamber ensembles on the music scene today. The St. Louis Post Dispatch describes their playing as "exciting, original and accurate ... terrific verve and flair." They have recorded several discs for JKG.

In the effort to include vocalists equally from across a 25-year span, a search was made through dozens of old Silver Arrow yearbooks stored in the JHS archives. During the mid-80's, two names continually cropped up: Amy Harper and Brian Law. Both were very active in choir, band, and drama. Amy played the part of Cinderella in the 1983 JHS musical "Cinderella"- Brian earned the honor of being a member of the 1983 All-State Choir. Together, they sang the theme songs for several school events such as the Silver Arrow crowning, the Prom, and Graduation. Of course, they were also favorites in the Pop Concerts.

Following graduation from JHS, they went on to attend Southeast Missouri State University, where they both received teaching degrees. Brian and Amy were married in 1986 and later moved to Louisville, where Brian attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Amy taught school. Brian served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Chester, Ill., 1990-1998. He is currently the pastor of Park View Baptist Church in DeSoto, Mo.

Today the two perform primarily in their local church. They, like so many of our other alumni, have been asked to record a CD, which they hope to do in the near future. Brian and Amy are passing along their love for music and singing to their two daughters, Lauren 9, and Whitney, 7.

Cheryl Sander Fortner started playing the piano when she was tall enough to reach the keys. While growing up, she and her sisters performed in numerous gospel concerts in churches and school auditoriums around the area, including the JHS auditorium. During her sophomore year, she was asked to sing with a gospel ensemble called "The Singing Faithmen." After graduation, Cheryl traveled for about a year with this group, as they performed across most of the southern states, traveling in a huge Greyhound tour bus. Cheryl recorded one album with her sisters, three with the "Faithmen," and another with a college/career vocal group which performed together for some six years.

As marriage, and then children, began to take precedence, Cheryl found local avenues to pursue her love of music. She began working with Mike Dumey in 1982, doing dinner theatres at Port Cape. In 1987, she, Robyn Hosp, and Paula Andrews formed a trio "Forever Friends" which sang together for almost 10 years. She is currently singing with a group called "From the Heart," who recently signed with a Christian Recording Label "Destiny" and who released their first album in July 1999. Their songs are heard on Christian radio stations across the nation. "God has opened so many doors for us in ministering through music" states Fortner.

While in high school, Cheryl was a member of the band and choir, participating in contests, concerts, and festivals. She was the "resident" accompanist (before tracks) and back-up singer for nearly every act in the pop concerts. "Music is such a huge part of my life, and has certainly helped to develop the person I am today," Fortner said. She continues to help area singers by accompanying and/or making accompaniment tracks for them, using her remarkable "gift" of keyboard skills and improvisation. Cheryl and husband, Paul, have two sons, James and Aaron

Ruth Wendel Lane will reunite with classmates Cheryl Fortner and Robyn Hosp in the upcoming Showcase, singing a medley of '70's favorites from their high school days. Today, you might see this school nurse, Ruth, running between JHS and Gordonville Attendance Center taking care of the District's children. "I'm one of the happiest nurses

in Southeast Missouri" she states. "I love my school kids, and the family of people I work with." Wendel also teaches CPR, Community First Aid, and is an HIV/AIDS certified instructor for the American Red Cross.

"I've been involved in music all of my life" says Ruth. "I started singing in the fifth grade and haven't stopped since." Some of her fondest memories include the productions of "Showboat," "The King and I", and of course, the Pop Concerts. She also participated in district and state contest, but thinks her proudest moment was when she and Robyn (Hosp) were the first students from JHS to make All-State Choir.

Ruth kept up with her music following college by working as choir director and organist for 12 years. She has performed at Six Flags over Mid-America during Gospel weekend. "My profession may inspire me to hear the body, but I'd like to touch a few hearts along the way" says Ruth. She and husband Roger live in Fruitland with daughters Amanda, 20, and Kristin, 13. You might catch them singing together as a family in their local church or at an occasional performance with the Jackson Municipal Band.

Clay Vangilder, JHS assistant principal, and one of our choir's biggest fans, will be performing (by popular demand) one of the old Broadway show tunes he performed while in high school. Clay graduated in 1976 from Jackson High School, where he was active in Choir, Band, Student Council, basketball, and baseball. He attended Murray State University on a baseball scholarship, earning a degree in Education. He taught and coached for 18 years at Kelly High School, before moving to Jackson High School in 1998 as assistant principal.

"I always enjoyed participating in sports, but I have to say, the most exciting moment in high school was the day I earned a #1 rating on my vocal solo at State Music Contest," Vangilders said. "Somedays, I hear the Chamber Choir rehearsing, and I just have to drop in to listen (or sing along) for awhile."

He and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Rachel, 13, and Kara,10.

The program of music for the "Leap Year" Alumni Showcase is very diverse. You will hear songs from today's pop charts to "old-time" favorites; from well-known classics to original material written by our performers; from Broadway show tunes to Country music ballads. You'll not want to miss this concert opportunity, scheduled for Sunday, February 27th at 3:00 in the afternoon. You may purchase tickets in advance at Country Mart (highway 25, 61, 72 intersection), ASC Printing and Promotions (uptown Jackson), the High School principal's office, or from any JHS Choir Member. All seats are $5.00 with all proceeds going toward the purchase of new lighting for the newly remodeled auditorium. Come, support our alumni, and help us to continue the tradition of excellence in the field of performing arts.