“If you can speak, you can sing!” The motto of the WCHS Choirs Program may seem oversimplified at first glance, but it’s a mentality that choir director Taylor Strickland truly believes in. With over one hundred students, nine planned performances this year, and a New York City trip in the works, it’s clear that choir members have faith in the message as well. The singers work relentlessly during the school year to produce beautiful shows, and the first of these performances begins this weekend. This year’s kick-off performance by the choir program is set to feature dance, acting, and vocal performances all in one; it’s finally time for the 2025 Broadway Showcase!

The Broadway Showcase concert began two years ago as a fundraiser for the Chorale’s trip to New York. Chorale is the advanced audition-based choir at WCHS, containing both treble and bass voices. The 2023 Broadway Showcase helped alleviate costs for their trip. With its “A New York, New York Night” theme and opening Frank Sinatra song, the Showcase was a massive success in supporting Chorale students. Mr. Strickland saw the achievements of the concert and decided to make the performance a fundraiser for the whole program the following year. 

2024’s “Be Our Guest” Showcase saw performances from fan-favorite choir seniors Taylor Brown, Luke Holt, and more. Additionally, student choreography by Claire Adkins and Jazzy Hager made an appearance, and there were multiple solos/groups from the choir. While performances were done exclusively by Chorale students, the event’s proceeds switched to sponsor the choir program as a whole, not Chorale exclusively. The yearly transportation costs for guest concerts, KMEA (Kentucky Music Educators Association) performances, and local community events were alleviated by ticket sales from the Showcase. Last year’s event came with its own challenges, like Woodford Theatre losing power the day of the show and students adapting to perform at the old high school, but the Chorale persevered. 

It’s no secret that both Mr.Strickland and the performers pour constant effort into the WCHS Choirs program. Broadway Showcase, in particular, comes with its own hurdles and challenges. The 2024 Showcase, originally set at Woodford Theatre’s facilities, was abruptly relocated the day of the performance. Woodford Theatre lost power in the middle of the Chorale’s dress rehearsal, and wasn’t guaranteed to recover before the time of the show. Students jumped into their cars, rushed to the old high school, and called family members about the change. Then-Social Media Coordinator Karlee Blanton quickly put out alerts on Instagram and Facebook, Carolina Rhea set up and practiced lighting cues, and Chorale students scoured the school, taking chairs from classrooms to set up audience seats. While the performers were full of nervous energy, the event was a success, made possible by the resiliency of Chorale students.

The tradition is back for another year… with some very big changes. The 2025 “We Tell Our Story” showcase will include ensemble performances from Chorale, the Woodford Singers (male choir), and the Treble Choir (female choir). Solos and group performances will remain for Chorale students, but the inclusion of other choirs is promising for future years of the event. Student direction has continued this year, with Claire Adkins and Josie Banta teaching dances for the opening number, “Footloose”. Additionally, Mr. Strickland has expanded the event for an exciting opportunity: two days of shows. Saturday’s set list is almost entirely different than Sunday’s, meaning each night is a new show for the audience to experience. This change allows more students to perform in featured roles, provides greater opportunities for ticket sales, and creates a weekend-long celebration of the arts!

With a combination of Broadway hits, modern music, and students from throughout the school, this weekend (October 18/19) is sure to be a community-wide hit. Mr. Strickland and the Chorale ensemble are making their motto, “If you can speak, you can sing”, more fitting than ever. Purchase your tickets, buy flowers for your favorite performer, and show up to support the WCHS Choir Program at the 2025 “We Tell Our Story” Broadway Showcase!