Rotary Program: 6/15/05

Program Chairperson: Bob Ford

Speaker(s): Laura Ruth Ford Hall and the Big Sandy Singers

The Big Sandy Singers is an group of young people from the Big Sandy Community and Technical College system, where they have the wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents for many college functions and other performances throughout the community. With the rich ensemble of male and female voices, they sing selections from several different genres including pop, rock, country and gospel music. Of the approximately 4,000 students who attend the four campuses of BSCTC, students audition for this prestigious group and the talent level is certainly the best of the best among the student body. Among the group performing for the Rotary Club today were Laura Ruth Ford Hall, group leader and coordinator, Louanna Calhoun, Samantha Horn, Mandy Stepp, Misty Collins, Frances Branham, Clayton Case, James Eason, Troy Burchett, and Brandon Maynard. Tim Cooley, provided assistance as the sound technician.

The group took the stage and everyone gave a spirited performance of the song “I Have The Music In Me.” Then, Laura Ruth introduced Louanna and Clayton as they sang in a beautiful harmony version of “A Trip Around The Sun.” Next, Troy Burchett played his guitar and sang a song that he had written entitled, “Daddy’s Little Girl.” All the girls in the group got together next to sing a beautiful song we all recognized called, “You’ve Got A Friend.” The last solo performance of the day came from Brandon Maynard as he did a great job on the country hit, “I’m Amazed By You.” Finally the whole group came back to the stage to do what Laura Ruth said what probably their signature song entitled, “Love Can Build A Bridge.” A thankful Rotary Club gave a thunderous applause as the last chorus of the song rose to a climax and President Rakesh presented Laura Ruth with a token of our appreciation. Laura announced that a brochure was on the table for each Rotarian to further enlighten us as to what the singers were all about and invited us to come and hear this group or the Community Choir at any of their upcoming performances. Thanks, Laura Ruth for the great program today. - JMC