Singing Valentines

Chronicle Staff

Published: Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

With an impending trip to the Eastern side of the States in April, the Custer High School choir class has been thinking of ways to raise money for the cost of the trip. One such idea that floated around during Christmas time was for the singing trio, Bella Voce, made up of Taylor Neugebauer, Taylor Foster  and Cora Nelson to spread holiday cheer with carols. But due to time constraints and what was already a hectic schedule, Bella Voce was not able to perform. Not forgetting the idea, Liz Riley, choir teacher at Custer, discussed the option of having Bella Voce learn love songs and serenade people with them on Valentine’s Day.   Collaborating with Jenny’s Floral, Bella Voce now has the chance to show off their singing range and give somebody’s significant other quite the surprising and memorable  Valentine’s Day gift. Bella Voce has learned four songs for Valentine’s Day. Jeepers Creepers, Someone to Watch Over Me, Moonlight Becomes You and Till There Was You.  “We made up CDs that people can listen to at Jenny’s Floral,” said Riley. “A person can pick the song they want sung. And then on Saturday, Feb. 14, when Bella Voce delivers flowers they will also serenade that person with a song. It was Riley who picked the songs.  “The songs are old-fashioned, but a lot of fun,” said Foster. “The only song any of us singers knew was Jeepers Creepers.” “Jeepers Creepers is a fun song. And the other songs are just really sweet love songs that fit perfectly for Valentine’s Day.” The reason Riley picked older songs was because the songs are sung a cappella. “Those older songs are melodic and beautiful. If you don’t have the rhythm or instruments to a lot of the newer pop songs they don’t sound good,” said Riley. Joining Bella Voce this Valentine’s Day is Hannah Schaupp. “I would have originally had Hannah in the Christmas group, but at that time she was singing a solo,” said Riley. “All the girls complement each other very well and they all have great pitch. They blend very nicely.” Neugebauer said she is pretty excited for Valentine’s Day. “It should be a lot of fun. I’m really excited to see people’s reactions when we start singing,” she said.  “Being sung to will be so memorable for people on Valentine’s Day,” said Riley. “The songs are so romantic and the girls do a great job. Singing Valentines are a little bit different and special. It is a great way to show someone you love them. Music is very emotional and romantic. It goes very well with Valentine’s Day.” Nelson, a senior, said singing in this group has matured her singing prowess.  “We have really grown as a group together. Before we never really hung out with one another, but since this group started, we have traveled all over together and have gotten tighter as a group,” she said. “By singing with each other so much, our vocal tones almost match one another. I have learned so much from singing with this girl. I’m not only learning but growing as well.” Schaupp said she couldn’t think of a better Valentine’s Day gift. “A singing Valentines can be really special. Everybody can send flowers or chocolates, but this is a gift people will remember for a long time. I know I would be really excited to get one,” she said. Bella Voce is charging $10 to sing a song for in town  and $15 for out of town.  To help donate to the choir group contact Kari Tucker for Riley at the Custer High School, 673-4473. To order a singing telegram from  Bella Voce call Jenny’s Floral at 673-3549.