CCHS prepares for “Blast from the Past”

Published 10:32 pm Monday, January 31, 2011

Taylor Davis and dancers practicing for the 19th annual CCHS "Blast from the Past 2011" concert fundraiser

New coordinator Paige Scruggs and Chilton County High School students will present “Blast from the Past 2011” on Feb. 18-19 and 25-26 at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium.

Scruggs, a special education teacher at CCHS who has been involved with the production for eight years now, was asked to take over the production after previous coordinator Ricki Mckee retired, and his wife Sheri decided to pass it on.

“I love music, I love the kids, and this is something very important to them and they wanted it to continue,” said Scruggs. “So it gave me a reason to keep it going.”

This year marks the 19th year the concert fundraiser has been put on by the school.

There are 21 songs in this year’s show with more than 170 students participating.

Songs from artists such as Patsy Cline, The Temptations, Gloriana, and Sister Sledge will be performed. Audiences will even take a trip to Pascagoula, Mississippi for a crazed squirrel revival.

Scruggs began listening to songs this summer and had a list of 60 possible songs by October. The students picked what songs they were interested in singing, and sung the song at tryouts that were held Jan. 5.

“I tried to listen to songs in all the decades,” said Scruggs. I tried to find songs that the audience would enjoy, and get participation from the kids, so together the entire group can have a good time.”

The students will only be singing and dancing, but acting will also be included.

There will also be features from faculty members and cafeteria workers in the production. Younger audiences will enjoy Shrek’s “I’m A Believer.”

“We will have a variety for all ages,” said Scruggs.

Along with Scruggs, Angela Wilson; Hurb Traywick and Judy Henry are the vocal coaches. Kim Arrington; Tammy Lewis and Karen Davis are the choreographers. Annette Rowe is the art director.

Tickets are for reserved seating only. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased in the main office at Chilton County High School from 8 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.