What is A Touch of Class?
A Touch of Class is the Jennings County High School show choir group for students in 10th through 12th grade.
How many years have you been in Touch of Class?
This year is my third year, the maximum amount of years someone can be in TOC.
How many shows a year do you have?
We have four shows a year, which includes the fall, winter and spring concerts, along with our own two-hour showcase in the fall.
How do you learn the songs and choreography?
We have a camp in the end of July where we learn the national anthem and our songs we do for our showcase, and we have a choreographer, Alivia Wildey, who teaches us our dances. Then throughout the school year we practice all of it in class.
What’s your favorite thing about performing?
My favorite thing about performing is making everyone in the audience know that I’m having a great time and I’m letting myself shine and being the best I can be. When I’m on that stage doing what I love, I feel so empowered, and it’s truly the best feeling in the world.
Are you better at singing or dancing or do you do both equally well?
Even though I feel like I’m a strong dancer, I’m a better singer because I’m a powerhouse with my voice.
What is it like being a part of Touch of Class?
It’s very fun, but also very stressful. You have to have a lot of patience, especially when a section can’t get their part right. You have to wait for them to learn and get help before moving on. Even if you know you’re doing everything right we can’t continue until everyone is right.
Who is the director, and what impact does your director have on you?
Our director is Mrs. Sandra Wildey, and she has been so many things to me throughout the years: a mother, a director and a friend. She always knows exactly what to say to get me focused and reminds me of what my true passion is when the spark is lost.
What is a typical rehearsal like?
A typical rehearsal is getting in the room and chatting for a while before warm-ups start. First we begin vocals, then we stretch and dance on stage. After we’re finished we sometimes have a motivational pep talk or go over ways we could improve.
What is a typical performance like?
A typical performance is us performing our three songs, usually two dance numbers and one ballad, and when it’s over, we get a chance to talk to visitors, family and friends and then go home. Sometime after the performance we watch the video of it a critique ourselves.
What was your favorite routine from this year?
My favorite was “One Short Day” from the musical, “Wicked.” It was so whimsical and fun!
How would you describe Touch of Class?
Have you ever seen “Glee”? We are just like that television show; we burst out into song all the time.
What would be your advice to someone joining Touch of Class?
Go into this group because you love to sing and dance. Don’t audition with 110 percent just to get in and then give 74 percent during camp and the school year. Expect to work hard 24/7 and just have fun because those three years go by way too fast, I promise.
Who is your celebrity idol? Why?
I have so many! I’d have to say the members of Pentatonix because they’re incredibly humble and great at what they do.
Who is your idol in your life? Why?
The biggest idol in my life is my dad. He’s so independent and does everything he can do to better his surroundings, no matter what it takes, which is a rare trait in this world.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love learning my favorite songs on piano and making my own harmonies or arrangements to them, or entertaining my cats.
What are your plans for after high school?
I plan to attend IUPUC and receive my degree in teaching K-6, then transfer to Ball State University.
