Choral boosters formed

The band has had its boosters, and so have Jay County High School’s athletic programs.
Now parents of singers in the high school’s newly-energized vocal music program are forming a booster organization of their own.
“Things are happening,” said concert choir director Jan Rittenhouse.
“We are really trying to build this program,” added Susan Denney, who directs the show choir. “Now it’s just a matter of getting the community behind us.”
Denney directs about 43 singers in Danza Cantate. Rittenhouse directs 30 singers in Just Treble, and Denney has more than 40 students in Patriot Edition, the JCHS show choir.
While Danza Cantate is non-competitive, both Patriot Edition and Just Treble are involved in statewide competition.
And that’s where parental booster support is essential.
“To do a competition show well, you’re going to need $10,000,” said Denney.
Professional music arrangements and choreography account for some of that amount, and entry fees run about $1,200 per contest. So far, the groups plan to compete next year at Ben Davis, Brownsburg and DeKalb.
To make that happen, the Jay County Choral Boosters have formed.
The group held a “standing room only” meeting in the high school choir room in May, and boosters will soon be approaching area businesses and individuals looking for patrons.
“The secret is going to be through the patronage,” said Rittenhouse, who noted that past fund-raising efforts — selling laundry detergent or trash bags — have been pretty small-scale.
Six levels of patronage support have been established, and the highest levels come with a number of “perks.”
At the platinum level, a $1,000 donor will receive two tickets to each of the groups’ two concerts and the high school musical with priority seating, and a show choir performance for the donor’s event.
At the diamond level, a $500 donor will receive two tickets to the two concerts and the musical with priority seating.
Gold level donors at $300 will receive two tickets for each of the two concerts. Silver level donors at $200 will receive two tickets to one concert. Donors may also give at the bronze level, $100, or the friend level, $50.
The singers are partnering with the high school drama department for a Nov. 4, 5, and 6 production of the musical “Grease.” The fall concert is set for Oct. 15.
“I think we’re really growing toward excellence,” said Denney.