West Allegheny to Host Gold Card Club Holiday Breakfast

With the Christmas season in full swing, it is not uncommon
to hear songs celebrating the holiday. The students involved in
West Allegheny’s High School Show Choir have been “decking
the halls” and getting into the holiday spirit since August,
preparing for their performance season. The Show Choir, a
30-voice, four-part ensemble, can be heard performing all
around the West Allegheny community. The choir is directed by
Earl Wiechelt.
When asked how to become a part of
the Show Choir, he responded, “the
students can audition for the Show
Choir every spring. We accept students
going into grades 10-12. We
simply replace graduating seniors or
students that move away.”
The Show Choir sings at over 40
events a year, including the Findlay,
Oakdale, and Imperial Christmas
parties. They also take part in many
performances outside of the
community, such as singing at the
Byham Theatre as an opening act
to CLO’s “A Christmas Carol.” In
addition to planned events, the
BY CATHERINE ROBERTS
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Show Choir carols in the community. The students sing for the
elderly in performances such as the ones at Kindred Hospital and
the Masonic Village. The Show Choir sings many shows for free,
but any donations that they do receive go to charities that the
students choose. This year, the Show Choir is donating its money
to two worthy organizations. The West Allegheny Food Pantry will
receive half of the money, and the rest will be given to Alzheimer’s
and dementia research. Since the ensemble started in 1989, the
West Allegheny Show
Choir Performances
Saturday, December 8
The ROCK, Oakdale, 4:15 p.m.
Clinton Park Light-Up, Evening
Thursday, December 13
Oakdale Senior Citizens, 12:15 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, Settler’s Ridge, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday, December 19
Findlay Township Senior Citizens, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 20
Tonidale, Noon-2 p.m.
Chorus Concert, 6 p.m.
West Allegheny Show Choir has raised approximately $30
thousand for charities.
The Show Choir has come a long way since 1989. The original
Show Choir practiced once a week after school and performed
three times. And, the Show Choir has moved from piano accompaniment
to singing a cappella. Students now enjoy the benefit of
a credited class, along with the excitement of getting to share their
talents with the community.
Jodi Kutzner, a second year member of the ensemble, explained
why she enjoys being a part of this group. “I love to get all dressed
up and go out to perform for others. It’s an awesome experience
to have people look forward to hearing you sing.”
Many of the shows that the show choir sings are open to the
public.
When asked what impact the Show Choir has had on him, Mr.
Wiechelt responded, “If you could spend just a day with this group
of kids, you would realize that our country is not being diminished
by this generation’s influence. Our future is in good hands.”