Talented teens in national spotlight

The high school's show choir and symphonic band are the only ones from Florida to attend two different invitation-only events.

By KATHERINE GAZELLA

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 6, 2000

TARPON SPRINGS -- One group will harmonize at a national competition in Branson, Mo. The other will perform on the stage of one of the most renowned venues in the world: Carnegie Hall.

[Times photo: Scott Keeler] Katie Linder, 17, a junior, and Steve Hopkins, 18, a senior, practice Tuesday with Syndicated Sound.

The Tarpon Springs High School show choir, Syndicated Sound, and the school's symphonic band have been recognized as among the best in the nation. Syndicated Sound leaves today for the national show choir competition in Branson, and the band is preparing for its performance later this month in New York.

"It kind of hit us all as a shock," said band president Charles Bates, 17. Carnegie "is one of the greatest halls to play in."

The groups are the only ones from Florida to attend the invitation-only events. The band is one of only nine that will play at Carnegie Hall, a privilege that awes the students and impresses their parents and administrators.

"I think what it says is that we have two outstanding leaders," principal John Nicely said of the teachers.

Syndicated Sound's 34 members will perform Friday afternoon at the Will Rogers Theater in Branson. The group performed at the national competition two years ago and placed 13th out of 25 schools.

But two years ago, the choral group had no props and no costume changes. Members felt they paled in comparison to some other groups.

"We were green," choral director Chuck Cheeseman said.

Not anymore. This year, the group will have several costume changes and a folding backdrop that starts as the New York City skyline, then becomes the Brooklyn Bridge and a city club. A fog machine will create steam beneath the risers for one of the songs.

The students realize they are up against some of the best show choirs in the country. Still, they expect to place better than 13th this year.

"It's major, major competition," senior R.J. Palombo said. But he promised that the group will "definitely" improve in the standings.

The group has worked hard to get to this point. Members rehearse during an hour-and-a-half class period every day, plus a one-hour practice after school once a week. They practice song-and-dance routines for their fast-paced set, which includes New York City Rhythm, Trickle Trickle and the students' favorite, Jump Jive an' Wail.

The trip to Branson costs $625 a student, and each student had to come up with $212 of that amount. They raised the rest of the money through performances for the Rotary Club and other fundraisers.

The symphonic band's invitation to Carnegie Hall led Mayor Frank DiDonato to name this week "Carnegie 2000: A Celebration of Excellence."

The band will perform April 21 at Carnegie Hall. The Tarpon Springs group was selected after submitting a tape of last year's performances.

"It's kind of a rare thing for a band from Florida to get selected," assistant band director Robert Barfield said. He said states like Texas tend to have a stronger tradition in high school band.

The trip will cost almost $100,000, said Janet Bahr, a member of the Band Boosters. The group has raised all but $25,000 through past fundraisers, and it hopes to raise the rest at a fundraiser Saturday. It will start with a silent auction and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m. in the school gym, 1411 Gulf Road, followed by a performance at 8 p.m. in the school auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call (727) 781-1530.

The adults are nearly as excited as the band students.

"Our parents got an air to them like, "Our students are going to Carnegie Hall,' " said Bates, the band president.

"It's awesome for us as directors," Barfield said. "We've never performed there."

For the students, especially those who will graduate in the spring, the trip will be one of the most memorable events of high school.

"It's a great way to finish senior year," Bates said. "It puts the cherry on the top."

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