NHS show choirs give $500 to Joplin choir

Nevada High School's show choirs and parents' association are active both in the realm of show choir performance and competition and in community service. Above are the 2010-'11 Treble Effects. Below are the 2010-'11 Soundsational Singers. Names not available.

Nevada High School Show Choir Director Wes Morton and Accompanist Anita Byers traveled to tornado-stricken Joplin last week with a $500 donation for the Joplin High School choir.

Morton said the Tuesday trip 60 miles south was mutually rewarding. "I have been friends with Joplin's choir director, Eric Eichenberger, for a long time and he was very happy and thankful when we made the presentation," Morton reported Thursday.

"They lost everything," he said in reference to the May 22 tornado that demolished a third of the Jasper and Newton County city. "Eric said all he got out was a handful of CDs."

Morton said the NHS show choirs have monthly fundraisers for non-profit organizations, including garage sales, barbecues and sales of kitchen knives and flowers. "We feel it's our gift back to the community," he said.

"Last year, we gave $1,000 to Relay for Life that was raised at our Show Choir Classic. We'll set a date after school starts for the 'Nevada Teachers Got Talent Show' to raise money for Vernon County Cancer Relief. The superintendent, Dr. David Stephens, will sing.

"We'll have our Anti-Van, or anti-vandalism, Show during Halloween weekend and host 30 choirs from all over Missouri at the Nevada Choir Festival in February."

The organization fields two groups -- 32 girls in Treble Effects and 22 boys and 22 girls in the Soundsational Singers, employing professional musicians to write arrangements, a choreographer to plan dancing and a costumer.

Officers in the Show Choir Parents' Association are President Tim Wilson, Vice President Rick Baker and Treasurer Nancy Coffer. Morton said inquiries about making donations may be made to Nevada High School at (417) 448-2020 or him at (417) 549-0759.