Steamboat Pilot & Today

Suzy Ritter looks back fondly on a high school trip to San Diego that she took more than a decade ago.

"That's one of the only memories I have of high school," said Ritter, Steamboat Springs High School's choir director. "We had so much fun."

The memories of that trip, during which she traveled to California with her school choir for a national competition, were a big influence in Ritter's decision to plan a May trip to Los Angeles for a competition for the Sailors women's and mixed choirs. Of course, the singers' talent played a big factor, too, she said.

"We have such amazing talent in this school and this community," Ritter said. "I want to showcase it nationwide."

But first that talent will be showcased during Thursday's 10th Annual Dessert Theater, when more than 30 high school students will perform a variety of solos and duets.

From renditions of songs by recording artists such as Eminem, Elton John, Aerosmith and Bette Midler to original student compositions, Ritter and the choir members said the Dessert Theater offers something for everyone.

"The Dessert Theater gives everyone a chance to perform," said senior women's and mixed choir member Kaitlin Gallagher. "We have a lot of very talented people."

Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $3 for students, and features a variety of desserts for the the audience to sample during intermission. A silent auction featuring items donated from numerous area businesses will be held to help raise money for the choirs' trip to L.A.

"Everybody's been so generous," Ritter said of businesses that donated items for the auction. "Every (choir member) is going on this trip, and hopefully they won't have to spend a penny, but you can only ask so much of the community."

The Dessert Theater, which begins at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium, is the only choir concert of the year with an admission fee. The event is organized by students.

To date, the choirs have raised about half of the $20,000 necessary for the trip, Ritter said. Alpine Taxi is providing vans at a discounted rate for transportation to California. About 10 adults will join the 60 students going to the national competition.

Senior Cristina Crotz said attending the California competition will be a fitting end to six years of choir participation.

"We've been in choir since seventh grade," Crotz said, "so it's kind of like a farewell bash."

-- To reach Brent Boyer call 871-4234

or e-mail bboyer@steamboatpilot.com