2010-12-08, LCHS Swing Ensemble

Due to the need to return to afternoon classes at school, our normal meeting agenda was altered to accommodate the student choir from Las Cruces High School.

The Program

A club favorite, the annual holiday presentation by one of our high school choir groups is always a big hit. This time was no exception. The Swing Ensemble from LCHS put on a sparkling performance lasting 30 minutes and covering 14 songs. The 9 females and 6 males all sang with perfection.

The first selection was “Bring the Torch, Isabella” which was followed by three more festive songs. The editor noted that the 15 singers sang multiple parts with creative variations in each selection. That I was not familiar with these early selections did nothing to restrain my enjoyment listening to them.

Among the next four songs were “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” Although familiar tunes, both were performed with very novel adaptations. Among the remaining selections were “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Pato Pato Pam.” As singalongs, we joined the choir in singing “Silent Night and “Jingle Bells.”

It was a heartwarming experience to watch these high school students sing with such skill and dedication. If for no other reason, this is why our annual holiday music program is a big hit. (After passing the can during the performance, the club presented to the choirs of LCHS a check for $274.)

Business Meeting

Club president, Richelle Ponder rang the bell to open the meeting. John Pickett gave the invocation. Richelle then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 6 guests were introduced by the Rotarian hosts. We sang Happy Birthday to Rotarians with December birthdays. We also had the second reading for Barbara Andrew, and our slate of Officers and Directors for next year.

Five of our high school students gave their parting speeches. Joseph Medina from Onate talked about basketball as his big interest. He indicated that when he goes on to college that he will major in Sports Medicine and/or Pharmacology. Danae Hornung, a student at MHS plans to attend NMSU and then pursue additional work in computer science with medical applications. She plays the cello and volunteers for different community groups. From LCHS, Devin Blackwell has been on the dance team at school and plans to attend college at NMSU, Fort Lewis, or NAU. Her professional goals are in Special Education.

Sarah Schatzman from MVCH enjoys swimming and Tae Kwan Doe. She volunteers for community projects, and she plans to have multiple majors in college. Nick Fisk, a MHS student, is a National Honors student and in the Mesa club. He has earned numerous college credits and expects to have compiled 50 credits by the time he graduates.

After the Business Meeting

We held the 50-50 drawing, and I believe that Bill Wheeler won it. We ended the meeting by reciting the 4-way test. 

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Guests of Rotarians

Visiting Rotarians

Student Guests

Make-ups

Submitted by Blaine Goss