AUHS reunion concert to bring alumni and students together on stage at river park

Anderson Union High School alumni are invited to dust off their high school band instruments or think of a song to sing. The musical and performing talents of AUHS alumni, faculty, and current students will be featured at a performance dubbed "Rock'n In the Park," scheduled for Sept. 3, 7 p.m., at the Anderson River Parks' newly refurbished amphitheater.

"We wanted the atmosphere to be like the Mosquito Serenade," said event coordinator Nancy Dutton, also the AUHS music teacher for 23 years. Dutton expects about 75 alumni to participate musically, but she is calling for more interested performers.

"It's not about how good you are, it's about showing some Anderson pride," she said. "I have practice tapes for people to listen to."

The evening would include a tremendous variety of musical acts, including the current AUHS band, chorus, dancers and teachers, middle school performances, and especially the talents of AUHS graduates and an alumni jam session to close the night.

From 6-7 p.m., the Appetizer Band headed by AUHS teacher Tim Klaiber will perform and back-up small group acts. From 7-8 p.m., a line-up of alumni performances will be prepared. From 8-9 p.m., the AUHS music department presents a choral presentation and musical medley. From 9-10 p.m., Tim Klaiber comes back on stage to head an alumni jam sesion.

Those interested in singing in the alumni choir can expect to sing a medley of songs from each decade AUHS was in session. The medley would be accompanied by student dancers. The oldest living AUHS music instructor, Fulton Doty, was invited to conduct a performance as well.

A $10 barbecue dinner at the park hosted by George Wold is scheduled to precede the performances at 6 p.m. The concert is free, but tickets for the barbecue should be purchased in advance.

"I think it's going to be fun - using graduates and faculty in the same event," centennial reunion cochair Jean King said. "It has fun music and involves different people and different generations."

Tickets for the barbecue would not be sold at the door; instead, contact 339-1002. Anyone interested in performing at the concert must contact 222-6301 or 365-2741 ext. 1670. Entry forms must be submitted to Nancy Dutton by Aug. 20.