Finally a sense of reality comes to high school! In fact, a whole lot of reality is making its way to the stage next weekend when the Fayette County High School Select Chorus will present its 29th annual variety show with the television-flavored theme, “Reality Bytes.”

Reality television has enthralled the American public for the past half decade with groundbreaking shows such as “Survivor,” “American Idol,” and “The Apprentice,” and the Fayette County Select Chorus will be putting on an extremely unique experience where the audience can see their favorite reality shows displayed on stage in numerous dance and musical routines.
 
The Select Chorus is under the direction of Janice Folsom and Richard Prouty. This year’s performance will be Folsom’s last directoral effort with the chorus. Folsom, who has been teaching for 34 years and who has lead the variety show for 29 years, is retiring at the end of this school year. Prouty, the assistant choral director at Fayette County High, will succeed her. Prouty has said he has intentions to promote and sustain current Select Chorus traditions and values.  With this transition and conclusion of an era, an incredible variety show is guaranteed.

Rehearsing since the beginning of school in August, the chorus has been perfecting ensemble numbers (vocal and dance), acrobatics, and soul stirring solos. The students participated in numerous dance workshops and music rehearsals to prepare. Many songs, professionally choreographed by Annette Cootie, Sherry Bishop, and Cynthia Sigler, display the chorus’ versatility in performing intricate dances. Great choreography coupled with stylistic movement adds a vibrancy to the show for which it is renowned. The Select Chorus has rehearsed many days and nights to bring family entertainment to the community.

The Select Chorus officers and the dance captain have worked especially hard on this year’s show. Dance Captain Christie Owens continues to put forth numerous hours to teach the chorus the dance numbers for the entire show. President Maggie Duncan is responsible for finding all props while Vice-President Samantha Carson prepares costumes. Secretary Michele Bangsboll has taken charge of the show’s publicity, and Treasurer Josh Akeman is responsible for the ticket sales.
 
“Reality Bytes” is said to have something for everyone. It starts with reality television’s number one series, “Survivor.” Chorus members will portray competitors in a remote jungle eating bugs and competing between tribes to win immunity. In the next segment of the show, the chorus will portray a scene from ABC’s “The Bachelor.” Next up is the extreme makeover show “The Swan” followed by “The Apprentice,” where someone will be fired! The chorus will also feature scenes from the most exciting reality show on television, “The Amazing Race” as well as the flab to fab hit, “The Biggest Loser.” Wrapping up the reality show extravaganza, chorus members will really show off their talent when they try out to be the next “American Idol.”

Throughout the show, audience members will enjoy such numbers as “Eye of the Tiger,” “Dust in the Wind,” “Taking Care of Business,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Blue Moon,” “Lean on Me,” “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” and many other famous tunes, new and old.
 
This is one show you definitely do not want to miss. Fayette County High School’s Select Chorus presentation of “Everything Music: Reality Bytes” will be held at the F.A. Sams Auditorium on April 20, 21, and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 3 p.m. Advanced tickets can be purchased for $8 for adults and $5 for students from any Select Chorus member or in the front office of Fayette County High School. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $10. For additional information contact Janice Folsom at (770) 460-3540 Ext. 128.

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