MEMORIES OF CHORAL PROGRAMS, AUDITORIUM, LEAD ALUMS BACK TO JHS (SECOND OF THREE PARTS)

Revisiting the past with the alumni has been both fun and rewarding for Jean Schweain, Jackson High School choral director and organizer of the Alumni Showcase.

"As I've phoned, e-mailed, written, and faxed our guests, they have shared so many great stories and memories of their high school performing days." Schweain said. "I know music, concerts, and programs are important to the kids in school. I also know there is a lot of pride in performing for family and friends, but I don't think I ever realized just how much these memories would mean to them years after they'd graduated. It becomes a part of their heritage, their roots, forever connecting them to our school and our community."

This week we would like to feature four JHS alumni who are actively engaged in songwriting (as well as singing, recording, and performing). Each will perform in the Alumni Showcase to be held Feb. 27 at 3 p.m., in the auditorium. They are John Ramey 85, Lori Ramey Vines 93, Brad Andrews 95, and Kristin Swinford 96.

John Ramey has been writing and composing in Nashville, Tennessee for almost 10 years. For the past 5 years, he has been a staff writer for Hori-Pro Entertainment Group, writing songs for a number of professional singers such as Ty Herndon, Neal McCoy, Rick Trevino, Doug Supernaw, Tammy Graham, and an up and coming country singer, Brad Martin. His best-known hit to date has been "A Man Holdin'" On to a Woman Lettin' Go" which was recorded by Ty Herndon in 1998

John graduated from Jackson High School in 1985, and went on to attend Southeast Missouri State University on a football scholarship. His love of music, his passion for the guitar, and his desire to write songs eventually led him to Nashville, where he resides with his wife Mischon, and their two children, Hannah, 9, and Jack, 5.

Lori Ramey Vines graduated from Jackson in 1993. She and her brother, John, have performed together many times. She, too, has been interested in songwriting, and has periodically spent time with her brother in Nashville learning the art of composing.

"Johnny has been a mentor to me, helping me to pursue my love of music and writing," she said. Lori is currently attending Southeast Missouri State University, and will graduate in May with a degree in elementary education. Her long-term goals are to teach, to continue with her music, and to train and ride horses. She and her husband, Marty, live in Cape Girardeau. Both John and Lori stated that their "sweetest moments in high school were performing in the auditorium at the annual Pop Concerts."

Brad Andrews, a JHS 95 alum, will graduate from Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis this May with a degree in church music ministry. While at Missouri Baptist, Brad has performed with the school's ministry team "Spirit Wing." This select eight-member group of vocalists performed throughout Missouri and the surrounding states. Brad did a summer tour with the well-known group "Truth."

He also formed a southern gospel quartet, which won second place in a National Talent Competition held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. They went on to record a CD entitled "Closer." Brad recently recorded a three-song demo of original material. In addition to his singing, his writing, and his college work, Brad is also on staff at Grace Community Church, where he serves as vocal coach, and worship leader. He and his bride, Holly, reside in St. Charles.

Also busy in the recording studios, singing several of her own original songs, is Kristin Swinford, a 96 graduate of JHS. Krissy has teamed up with two other young ladies to form a Christian Pop Group called "Zoegirl" (the word "Zoe" means "everlasting life in God"). The girls are currently recording some 30 new songs. They are scheduled to release a CD in the near future, and to begin a concert tour in June.

Following high school, Kristin attended Depauw University's School of Music in Indiana, majoring in vocal performance. She later transferred to Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis, where she sang with the school's elite performance group, "Spirit Wing." Kristin moved to Nashville in the fall of 1998, where she continued her study of vocal performance at Belmont University. Last semester, she played the role of Gretel in the opera, "Hansel and Gretel." Krissy is excited about the many opportunities she is finding in Nashville, but says she will "always cherish the wonderful memories of high school's All-District and All-State choirs, the Madrigal Feasts, the Pop Concerts, and of course, the sweet camaraderie of chamber choir."

Four more guests will be introduced next week. All will be performing in the "Leap Year" Alumni Showcase (plus a few surprises).

"We hope you will mark your calendar and plan to attend," Schweain said.

All proceeds from this concert will go toward the purchase of new lighting for the recently remodeled auditorium. Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at the Senior High School Office, ASC Promotions and Printing, and Country-Mart in Jackson.