SCC: Waukee Starstruck 2007

As a person who went to the aforementioned school and graduated from there;

Back under the leadership of Ray Salucka & Duane Philgreen, in about 1994, Valley High created a few new ensembles. Jazz I (Later to become Vocalese) and Choralation. I can't tell you exact dates but within 1 year of both of these ensembles being created other ensembles were created; Jazz II (Later to become Vocalpoint) Jazz III, Jeans & Chords, etc, as well as a prep show choir whos name at the given moment pervades me. Jazz choir QUICKLY became a focus under Mr. Salucka's direction and became a program of NATIONAL recognition within 4 years.

In the spring of 1997 a building was finished in the WDM Public School Disctrict which was known as Valley Southwoods, a freshman building. This building became the school that all freshman from the two junior high schools would go to before Valley High School. The prep show choir moved to this building when this happened. Well to say the least the directors in the building changed for quite a few years.... A lot... Gloria Olson, Dan Anderson, countless names I cannot remember but then it settled for a few years with Audric K Buhr. Mr. Buhr was a Musical Theatre man, not show choir. In the fall of 2001 he dismantled the prep show choir, (Then known as Rhythmic Ignition), and turned it into an all girls group that's repetoire consisted of only Musical Theatre. This group was dismantled at the end of the spring of 2002. Buhr recently moved to WI to be replaced by Claire Thompson. A Luther grad with past show choir experience. She seems to have created an ensemble which I have yet to see. I do not know its cosistency of members or make up. However once again a prep choir has returned to Valley High.

Since the fall of 1994 Valley High's Choralation has seen it moments... under many different directors, arrangers, choreographers, costumers, etc. The show choir's first real year of note was 1997, when it came under the direction of Tom Lippert. Mr. Lippert, was one of MANY revolving door directors and left following the end of that year. The next time the show choir would be of note would be in the spring of 2002. John Hickling came on board to Valley High in the fall of 2000. He took over the Asst. Director position bringing lots of new ideas and fresh perspective. Connie Mulligan, former director of the Mt. Zion "Swingsations" became the choreographer as well as Bob Hills, mentor to such names as, Connie Mulligan, Dwight Jordan, Sue Moninger, Mike Weaver, became the arranger.

The choir in the fall of 2003 face new battles, school legislation led to new rules being created involving musical ensembles. The rule became, no students may participate in both show choir as well as jazz choir. For years many students were able to participate in both and did. But that was no longer the case. The groups numbers dropped from a regular 46 down to 32 for the 03-04 season. In the fall of 2005 the rule was lifted, only to be reinstated for the next year.

In regards to the whole guy thing, for a long, LONG, LOOOOONG time, Valley sucked at the major school sports. But starting in about 95, when the Soccer team was ranked #1 Nationally, things started to change. Slowly but surely until about the fall of 2000. Long time principal, Dr. Brooks retired to be succeeded by Dr. Vicky Poole. Dr. Poole readily saw the rising talent in sport and pushed it as a means to create school unity. It did do just that, but had other effects. In 1998, Valley High School won THE FIRST Grammy for High School Music. This program that awarded them the prize later became the Grammy Signature school program. For years that music program had been the pride of the school. Once the push for sports started number dropped dramatically. Total ensemble numbers since then have gone to roughly 1/3 the size they once were. Except suprisingly in orchestra were the numbers have grown 5 fold!!!

The main incorrect point about the earlier post is the lack of Middle School show choirs. We have 2 Junior Highs with two Junior High Show Choirs. Indian Hills has, "Side One" under the long time direction of Rebecca Woodburn and Stillwell has.... (I cant remember the name) under the new direction of veteran director Kathy Gedler. Both of these ensembles do NOT compete. Which is why, most people dont know about them.

In regards to $$, Choralation has seen its years of shelling out the same amount, if not more than other groups. A long standing fee was $275. Which was raised to $350. Last I heard that was the amount paid. However, to take trips the cost was not raised, we raised money for the trip. My senior year, the amount I paid out to VHS Show Choir was about $1300 (Fundraising money included). What actually came out of my pocket was $600. We participated at more competitions that year than ever before and also participated in FAME Chicago. Still by comparison its not that bad. We funraise a TON and it totally pays off. I am just happy we didnt go to showstoppers cause HELL KNOWS... that would have raised the cost and INSANE amount.... HA!

And in regards to money...

Our area is notorious for having a lot of money. Let's be honest, it used to. Most of the money that is around WDM and Clive... is now old. Not many kids. In fact prolly none. And when it comes down to it, we are just average. Richer districts in our area included Waukee and Ankeny. And even they dont compare with districts with schools like like; Naperville, Waubonsie, Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, Eagen, Omaha West, Lincoln Southwest, Millard West, Mundelein, Fox River Grove (Prospect), Buffalo Grove, Grosse Pointe, Papillion La Vista, Chesterton, Center Grove... just to name a few...

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But HELL YES to it showing the directors ability.

Hickling is my HERO.