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Raven Soundsations open for Branson acts 

Group at BransonThe Coffeyville Community College Raven Soundsations show choir performed as pre-show entertainment in Branson, Missouri from March 17 through March 19.

The choir performed in the Starlight Theatre and opened for three shows: “Stuck in the 70’s”, The World Famous Platters, and “Lost in the 50’s.”

The Soundsations are the only non-professional performing group the Starlight Theatre is allowing to perform this season. 

The students had the opportunity to talk with performers of all ages.  The students heard the story of The Platters and had a question-answer session with people their own ages performing professionally.

“They are a marvelous group of students who deserve this honor,” said CCC choir director Darla Strecker.  “We all had an incredible time.  My students performed their hearts out every single performance.  They represented the college well and made me very proud.”

The Soundsations received an added surprise during The Platters show.  They were invited to come up front and sing “America the Beautiful” with them.

Group with Platters“My students had been studying The Platters history and knew what a tremendous honor this was,” said Strecker.  “They are still walking around saying, ‘We sang with The Platters, we sang with The Platters.”

Members of the Soundsations include: Michelle Hershey from Tyro; Amber Horn, Ophelia Jones, Chelsey Kriebel, and Haylie Walter, all from Coffeyville; Amy Lorentz, Luci Spencer, and Michelle Staley, all from Independence; Jesse Davis from Chetopa; Josh Gray from Parsons; Tai Kobayahsi from Japan; James McDaniel from Connecticut; Dustin Rau from Caney; Ross Redburn from Oswego; Bryan Spires from Altamont; and Devon Wesley from Wichita.

Cheryl Jenkins is the group’s accompanist and Gavin Walter, CCC alumnus, is the choreographer.

“I would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. Woodburn, all the parents, grandparents, family members and friends who came to Branson to support us,” said Strecker.  “I would also like to thank Cheryl Jenkins, for without her, we would be lost.”