It can’t be said that the choir students at Marcos de Niza High School put on anything that could be called an “average” choral show. With a top pro engineering next month’s performance, the students are tuning their windpipes and practicing their dance moves to put on one of their best shows ever, said choir teacher Darin Shryock.
“This is the first one we’ve had choreographed by a Broadway professional,” Shryock said. “She (Amanda Paige) was on Broadway for 16 years, and so to have the real deal for the kids, it makes all the difference.”
The performance, scheduled for Oct. 7, will consist of classic Broadway hits ranging from the 1950s to today’s contemporary songs. A group of about 120 students, who independently practice in three separate choir classes and one chamber group, will perform 16 songs during the show. Paige assisted in instructing the varsity choir group.
“It’s not a regular choir concert; it’s basically a show,” said Shryock, who has been teaching choir at Marcos for 20 years. “The annual show is called ‘A Night on the Town’ and it has a different theme each year.”
The performance this year will feature an outside function, with a silent auction put on by parents. “There’s going to be a reception and food,” Shryock said. “They decorate the courtyard, and the silent auction is part of that, which is actually our biggest fundraiser for our choral program.”
With singing and dancing mixed into the show, Shryock said it something that’s unique compared to most other high schools.
“This particular event is our music theater program, where they get training in choreography and singing, and many are in drama classes as well, so it’s that triple threat,” Shryock said.
And this performance will be particularly exciting for Shryock, as two of his own kids, one freshman and one junior, will be in the performance.
“It’s going to be great, and as a parent, I recognize the importance of the silent auction,” he said. “I know what writing checks is all about.”
Leslie Fields, a senior at Marcos who has been a choir student throughout her high school career, said she’s excited for the annual Broadway performance.
“It’s going to be our first time on stage since last year, so it’s just going to be really fun to get back up there,” she said.
“It’s also fun to see the new freshman choir students come into the program.”
Joey Green, another senior in the program for his fourth year, said students are committed to putting on a great show this year.
“We have really devoted people, from Mr. Shryock, the director, and Amanda Paige, the choreographer,” Green said. “All of their work is really appreciated – they make us look great.”
Shryock described the performance as something unique to the Tempe Union High School District.
“I certainly don’t see any other high school insane enough to try to do what we do on stage,” he said.
Information: Tickets are $10 for the performance, and the audience is asked to dress in formal or semi-formal evening attire. Silent auction and raffle items will be available for bidding prior to the show and during intermission. Silent auction begins at 6 p.m., with the performance starting at 7.
