News and Events
Big Sandy Singers perform for Congressman Hal Rogers' PRIDE Envi Awards
The Big Sandy Singers, the elite, singing group from Big Sandy Community and Technical College performed for Congressman Hal Rogers' PRIDE Envi Awards in Hazard on Tues., Aug. 28. The Singers sang four songs mixed among the many awards given for environmental consiousness of Kentuckians - individuals, groups, schools, and community organizations were all presented with awards for keeping PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desireable Environment) in their state.
The Singers Director Laura Ford Hall and member Beth Castle opened the show with the National Anthem, with special guest Alison Lovely. Later on in the show, William King lead the singers with a song about taking care of the earth, "My Own Two Hands." The singers then presented a special song that director Laura Ford Hall lyrically scribed just for the event called "Put some PRIDE in Kentucky" that featured soloists Clayton Case and Brandon Maynard. Then, the Singers closed the show with "America Will Always Stand, America the Beautiful Medley" with soloist Brad Davis.
Following the performance, the Singers and BSCTC President Dr. George Edwards, along with BSCTC Special Projects Coordinator Jean Dorton, met with Governor Ernie Fletcher and Hal Rogers and posed for a picture. "You guys are great," Rogers said. "you made the show exciting."
Big Sandy Singers sing for Presidential Candidate John Edwards
The Big Sandy Singers, the elite student singing ensemble from Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC), performed for democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards last month when he visited Floyd County. The Singers were contacted by John Edwards campaign manager, Andrew Young after he heard samples of their music on their Myspace page. "We have never had a group like this perform for us," said Young. "We were very excited. They did a great job."
The Singers performed a one-hour show for the crowd of approximately 400 people, and 20 news media crews. Their show consisted of country, gospel, and pop music, as they performed their hit "I Have a Father" and ended on a patriotic note with "Some Gave All - God Bless America."
"You guys did a great job," Edwards said as he posed for a picture with the Singers. "Thanks so much for being here today."
Big Sandy Singers perform for Naomi Judd
The Big Sandy Singers, the elite, student singing ensemble from Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) got the privilege of singing for Naomi Judd this past weekend in Pikeville at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, where Judd was the keynote speaker.
"She was so nice," said Singers' Director Laura Ford Hall of Judd. "She listened to our whole set and complimented the students over and over. They were so thrilled and it meant so much to them. I know it was an experience they will never forget."
In addition to listening to the Singers' dinner-music set, Judd also sat on the side of the stage to listen to a Judds' Medley that the Big Sandy Singers Female Ensemble sang in her honor. The medley included "Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain," "Grandpa," "Why Not Me," "Love Can Build a Bridge" and more.
"That took guts," Judd said. "To sing all of those songs, but I was so impressed. I could not believe the talent of the Singers. The range and diversity of their voices was amazing to me and they were great performers."
Following the Singers' performance, Judd spoke on her life - growing up in eastern Kentucky and how wonderful Pikeville was to visit. She spoke for 40 minutes, followed by the Chamber's awards ceremony.
Pictured are the Big Sandy Singers and the BSCTC administration with Judd: (front row, from left) College Provost Dr. Nancy Johnson, Jessica Keathley, Candace Preece, Judd, Beth Castle, Louanna Calhoun, Reca Conn, Director Laura Ford Hall (back row) BSCTC President Dr. George Edwards, Assistant Director Clayton Case, Technical Director Tim Cooley, Susan Scott, Isaac Thacker, Waylon Nelson, Troy Burchett, Frances Branham, Brad Davis, and William King.
"We were thrilled with the experience," Hall said. "Thanks to the Pike County Chamber for the opportunity and to our corporate sponsor Interstate Natural Gas and wardrobe sponsor Thacker Memorial for all of their support for this event. It was a memory we will never forget."
Big Sandy Singers release album, perform Christmas Show
The Big Sandy Singers, the elite, auditioned, student singing ensemble from Big Sandy Community and Technical College, will be releasing their second album "Going Home" at an Album Release Party in conjunction with their Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 PM, in the Gearheart Auditorium, Pike Building, Prestonsburg Campus; an event sponsored by the Big Sandy College Educational Foundation, Inc.
The Big Sandy Singers are directed by BSCTC Instructor and veteran Kentucky Opry member Laura Ford Hall, with Timothy Cooley - album producer and technical director, and Clayton Case, assistant director, and member of the Kentucky Opry.
Auditions are held for the group yearly and are open to BSCTC students and MSU at BSCTC students. The singers who are chosen receive a $1,200.00 scholarship to attend the school as well as in-studio recording experience. "Going Home" is the second album the group has recorded.
BSCTC President, Dr. George Edwards, along with producer Cooley, oversaw the installation of the Big Sandy Productions Studio on the BSCTC campus last year. This is the second group album recorded in the on-campus studio, and the group plans to record a group album yearly as well as individual student solo albums. The public can receive any album of their choice for a $10 or more donation to the BSCTC Music and Drama Club.
The donations received for albums help to fund the Music and Drama Community Outreach Programs at the college which include programs for ages 7 through senior citizens. The college offers a variety of programs including the BSCTC Music and Drama Summer Camp for Children, InHarmony Women's Community Chorus, Serenade – a singing group comprised of female community members, the BSCTC Theatre Troupe, the Big Sandy Idol Music Scholarship Program for high school students, and the Big Sandy Singers. Those who donate can know that their money is going for a very good cause – to bring cultural arts experiences to our eastern Kentucky communities, while receiving a wonderful product in return, created by our own eastern Kentucky young men and women.
"We are so very excited about releasing this album," Hall said. "This truly is a dream come true for the students and for Tim, Clayton and myself. We have been so blessed by God to have received such wonderful support from the college President and so many others. However, without his vision and support this would have not been possible."
The recording process started in August when each student began going into the studio to lay down their solo track. The group tracks followed. The album features these 14 pop, country, and gospel songs each sung by the Big Sandy Singers: "Father Who Can," by the full ensemble; "Boondocks," by the full ensemble; "Over the Rainbow," by Susan Scott; "Who I Am," by Jessica Keathley; "Lucky One," by Louanna Calhoun; "Believe," by Clayton Case; "Kerosene," by Reca Conn; "The Dance" by Brad Davis, "Something to Talk About," by Cheryl Combs, "Some Gave All / God Bless America" by Troy Burchett and the full ensemble; "God Bless the Child," by Frances Branham; "XXL," by Brandon Maynard; "I Love the Lord," by Laura Ford Hall; and "Long Black Train," by Timothy Cooley. Songs were each produced by Cooley with vocal direction by Hall.
The Album Release Celebration is part of the annual BSCTC Evening of Christmas which will feature performances by InHarmony Women's Chorus, and Serenade, followed by The Big Sandy Singers who will treat the audience members with a live performance of songs on the album as well as Christmas music. In addition, the Singers will be signing autographs, and the album will be available to the public for the first time. Refreshments will also be served.
Tickets to the concert and release are $3 each and are available at the door. Make plans to attend this wonderful celebration of Christmas and the achievement of these students in the completion of their album.
For more information call or email Laura Ford Hall at (606) 889-4764; laura.hall@kctcs.edu.
