Center Stage: Glee Club in Fort Branch
On the long bus ride to Fort Branch, Indiana, home to Gibson Southern High School, Junior Jimmy O’Connor and New man Robert Lechner go over a new Clever Lad’s song. Senior Barry Helfrich is an alumnus of this High School located near his hometown of Haubstadt, Indiana.
After a four hour bus ride, the Glee Club arrived at the newly renovated Gibson Southern High School.
Awww…they just grow up so fast! Yes, that curly headed kid is none other than Barry Helfrich.
Prior to the show, New man Aaron Bourdage helps Patrick Brown set up the drum set.
Seniors Andy Seibert and Andy Wirtner enjoy the sounds of the Boiler Boys during the specialties warm up.
While Senior Pat Brown was warming up with Ba-Na-Na, Sophomore Peter Carroll plays the drums with the rest of the band.
After warm-ups, the Glee Club traveled to Fort Branch’s own, Sandy’s Pizza. Sandy’s is known for its gigantic 30 inch pizza called the “Giant”. This pizza is so big, it has to be delivered on flatbed trucks, as it will not fit in most cars. Exhibited here is the screen that Sandy’s uses to cook the pizza.
MMMM….The PVGC enjoyed some of Sandy’s famous pizza, breadsticks, and Stromboli for dinner.
Mrs. Seibert enjoyed eating with some of the Glee Club old men. It looks like everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food and fellowship at Sandy’s.
During the meal, the Glee Club even sang to this lucky birthday girl, who was a Fort Branch native.
After topping of the great meal with some ice cream, the men of the Glee Club sang “Sold” for the patrons at Sandy’s and invited them to come see the show.
Before returning to Gibson Southern High School, the Glee Club posed in front of Sandy’s sign. Fort Branch was even so welcoming to put up an ad about the PVGC!
The Glee Club started the show, opening to a packed house just after 7:00 P.M. Here, the Boiler Boys bring back the sounds of the 60’s.
Being that it was his home show, Barry Helfrich lavaliered his mother with the song “You Raise me Up”.
The crowd at Gibson southern greatly enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Glee Club. Here Junior Kevin Norman serenades a lucky lady during the run-out song.
Ba-Na-Na was styling while sporting some genuine Gibson Southern letter jackets during their set. The crowd was nearly on their feet after “Shout”.
Being at Gibson Southern also meant that Barry Helfrich lavaliered the woman he intends to marry. Here former Purduette and girlfriend of Barry, Monica Ruberg, enjoys his rendition of “She’s Everything” by Brad Paisley.
Near the end of the show, Senior Connie Baltzell sang the solo to “Flying Home”. Some of Connie’s relatives were also in attendance at the show, being that Connie is from nearby Evansville, IN.
Before departing GSHS, Barry, who is also the Sir of Advancement, presented his parents with a signed picture of the Glee Club and some PMO goodies. The Glee Club would like to thank the Helfrich’s and all the GSHS staff for hosting us at Fort Branch and Gibson Southern High School. This was most definitely a memorable trip!