Jump, Jive, and Wail ... through Rehearsal Camp

"Jump jive and, then you wail, you gotta jump jive and, then you wail…" is a constant background to my every thought. It's frustrating, but to be expected after one has heard or sung that chorus at least five thousand times in the last forty-eight hours. Out of about two hundred people that auditioned to subject themselves to this torture, or as we like to call it: fun, twenty singers and seventeen jazz band members were chosen to create the cast of Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band.

Over the last four days, I have met more than forty different people from all over the state of Iowa including a staff of varied talents and experiences. As a singer/dancer, after a nerve-racking final audition Saturday morning (which band members also had to do), I have been in rehearsal morning (8:00-11:30), afternoon (12:30-4:00) and night (6:30-9:30). We're preparing singing and dancing for just one of the sets we will start to perform on a statewide tour in two and a half weeks. At the moment my body is aching so badly that it is throbbing to the beat of my aforementioned fast paced background music. We've now learned the entire swing set and still have the Carmen and 50s 60s sets ahead of us.

Everybody seemed to make fast friends. I have met a blonde twin of my perky personality and a very sweet redhead. The three of us are fondly referred to as Charlie's Angels. Our rehearsal camp would not be complete without dorm-rooms, Luther Cafeteria food for every meal (not that bad), and non-air conditioned rehearsal rooms--- but it's the character that makes it fun.

Who knows what will happen in the next few weeks? Between picking soloists and increased comfort with other cast members, things are bound to get a little hairy. Don't worry about me though; I keep myself out of trouble, but I'll keep you informed. Know that you'll get to hear what it's really like (at least for a singer/ dancer). In all its twenty-two years, participating in Celebration Iowa has been an honor for students around the state.

Feel free to write me at Luther College with questions about the group. Send letters to Kelsey Guard care of Celebration Iowa, Luther College, 700 College Drive Decorah Iowa 52101. I don't want to be the only one without mail at mail call! Expect to hear more about rehearsal camp, and then tour!