Wood River High School Hailey

By John Pluntze

Arguably, one of the most eagerly anticipated and long-awaited music events in any given year here in the Wood River Valley are the standing room-only "Nights At the Liberty" concerts that feature the always-amazing and endlessly-dedicated choir students from the Hailey Wood River Middle and High Schools -- and this year's concerts (which will take place tonight and also on  Saturday night at 7 p.m., at Hailey's Liberty Theatre) will undoubtedly leave countless music lovers smiling from ear-to-ear once again.

What used to be merely a one night-only, pre-graduation event a decade or so ago whose audience was primarily comprised of parents and siblings of the featured choir students has since blossomed into a THREE-night event (because each night's concert is filled to capacity -- and often with patrons who aren't related to any of the participants either, but rather music-loving locals who really want to see/hear these incredibly-talented singers and musicians in-person).

The show,  produced and directed each May by choir director Max Stimac, features songs and musical themes that are always extremely eclectic and inventive, usually including at least a couple of well-known show tunes interspersed with a dazzling array of rock, pop, R&B, jazz, soul and other types of music that the choir students choose themselves.

This year's lineup includes songs made famous by Adele, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, Leonard Cohen, Aretha Franklin & Otis Redding, Van Halen and Joni Mitchell.

 The award-winning all-female, 14-member COLLA VOCE choir (Sarah Arters, Taylor Berntson, Lucy Brannon, Liza Buell, Rachel Conover, Gracie Eagan, Lauren Jacobs, Lauren Lichtenberg, Anastasia Maricich, Jonnie Pedersen, Mary Petzke, Emma Poe, Anastasia Poklemba and Isabella Stimac) -- a number of whom have been written about in past SVO music articles here (type their name into the SVO seach engine for more info) -- will be the featured performers during the nearly two-hour musical extravaganza each evening, with accompaniment by a rhythm section led, as it has for many years now, by Dorinda Rendahl.

Sponsored by the Sun Valley Summer Symphony School Of Music, the award-winning 14-member men's vocal group, THE B-TONES (Nolan Arters, William Ashfield, Jason Black, Sam Brown, Cutter Grathwahl, River Curtis, Drew Deffe, Victor Farfan, Caleb Garvin, Nathan Kniffen, Andy Mallea, Kole Mauldin, Max Mauldin and Michael Moffett), will make a guest appearance each night (led by R.L. Rowsey) as well.

Instrumentalists for the three shows will be Nathan Kniffen (guitar), Max Stimac (guitar), Chris Clark (bass), Dorinda Rendahl (piano), R.L. Rowsey (piano), Jim Watkinson (synth) and Caleb Garvin (drums).

Sound design is by Ted Macklin and Jaymie Stimac; the lighting by John Glenn.

Each night's concert, which is partly funded by the Curtis W. McGraw Foundation Fund (a donor-advised fund of the Blaine County Education Foundation: http://www.supportbcef.org ), is ostenisbly  free -- but donations are never refused and always greatly appreciated.

By the way, if you can't attend any of the three, free concerts THIS week at the Liberty Theatre, there will be three ADDITIONAL concerts featuring the extremely-talented and dedicated Hailey Middle and High School music students NEXT week -- as well as members of the schools' similarly very talented bands -- on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening (also starting at 7 p.m. and also free to attendees), at the Hailey high school's lavish, new Performing Arts Theater (1060 Fox Acres Road).

Members of the respective schools' band camps will be featured performers during the Monday and Tuesday concerts next week, while next Wednesday's concert at the high school will be more geared around the aforementioned choirs.

Contact choir director Max Stimac ( mstimac@blaineschools.org / 578-5020, ext. 2249) for more info about any of these upcoming concerts.

Another way that interested locals can show their support for these various choirs is by buying jewelry, too. Local acclaimed artist Dalyah Reel-Hughes ( dalyrosehughes@yahoo.com ) currently has an impressive variety of beautiful sterling silver rings, earrings, pendants and other jewelry items, the proceeds from which go to these aforementioned choir programs. Contact Dalyah for more info.

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Questions or comments regarding this recurring  (local music scene-oriented) "Harmonic Convergence" column can be sent to John, at:  lovesbiking2001@yahoo.com. And to read any of John's previous "HC" columns -- which includes raves on local faves Toast, Molly and Josiah Venter,, Paul Tillotson, Sheryll Mae Grace, Bruce Innes, Leana Leach, Cow Says Mooo (whose members, by the way, have created a second band ... this one featuring primarily original songs they wrote and rehearsed this past winter; go to http://www.CakeFaceJane.com for more info) and  the Kim Stocking Band -- just type "Harmonic Convergence" (and/or "John Pluntze") into the SVO search engine here.

Living in the Sun Valley area, this is a must view for any kids at the local high schools and any teen. Send them a link. 

Soak up the beautiful fall colors and join the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley for the "Furry 6k" trail run/walk this Saturday, October 15 at 10 am.  All participants must have a dog partner.  If you don't have your own dog, no problem.  Borrow one of our eager shelter dogs!  *Shelter dogs MUST be reserved in advance on first come first served basis.  Either register now by clicking the link below, or if you plan on registering on race morning, call Nadia at the shelter to reserve your dog: 788-4351.

Participants are also encouraged to Increase their impact!  If you are interested in using your run to fundraise for the shelter, click the "Fundraise for the Animal Shelter" option on your registration form and follow the instructions to set up your own race page that you can forward to family and friends to have them sponsor your run by donating to the shelter!

Runners should meet at Quigley Field in Hailey, at the High School football field parking lot on Fox Acres Road.  The $20 entry fee benefits the Animal Shelter.  Shelter mascot Bernard will be on site having fun with all the participating families and pets.

Registration will be available in person at 9:30 am on site on race day, or click here to register online now.

About Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, the first “no kill” shelter in Idaho, promotes companion animal welfare by providing temporary shelter for homeless animals, adopting them to qualified homes and reducing animal abuse, neglect and overpopulation through community education and spay/neuter services. More than 90 percent of its funding comes from private donations.

In 2010 more than 1500 animals received services from the shelter. This includes 388 animals that were adopted, 257 lost animals that were reunited with their owners, 247 shelter animals that were spayed/neutered, and 363 privately owned animals that were spayed or neutered at no cost to their owners, and over 6000 pounds of food distributed through our Paws for Hunger partnership with The Hunger Coalition. On an average day, the shelter cares for 35 dogs and 31 cats.

Additional information is available by calling 208-788-4351, or on the Internet at www.animalshelterwrv.org.

It's that time of year again, and this weekend the Wood River Valley with get a little bit taller.  Ranging in size from 6'4 to just over 7'0, HSBCAMPS and it's all-star coaching staff of professional basketball players and coaches from around the country will make their annual trip to the Sun Valley area.  Marking their 8th stop of the summer, the countries fastest growing youth basketball program will take on a capacity crowd of nearly 100 young ball players eager to elevate their game.  Founded just four years ago (2007) at the Community School in Sun Valley, HSBCAMPS has trained and mentored more than 1700 athletes from all over the world.  "This year we've had participants from Egypt, the Philippines, South and Central America, and even India.  It is amazing how things have progressed from a small clinic in 2007 to what we have now," shared HSBCAMPS Director & Ketchum's own Carson Sofro.

This year's Hailey camp will mark several firsts. "This will be our largest camp in the Wood River Valley, feature a handful of new faces on our coaching staff, and be our first year with an NBA player on staff in Hailey," Sofro explained.  NBA Veteran and current free agent Mike Harris formerly of the Houston Rockets will be the headlining attendee on this years staff.  "I made a promise to the kids last year, and Mike has helped us make that promise a reality," Sofro added.

Harris, 28, a 6-6, 240-pounder out of Hillsboro, Texas, played for Rice University from 2001-05 where he averaged 16.6 ppg and 9.2 rebounds. He has also played for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, and most recently the Houston Rockets and in 2010 was the NBA Development-League's  Most Valuable Player for the league champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers, averaging 27.8 ppg and 10.2 rebounds.

"I am incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to my first trip to the Sun Valley area," shared Harris.  "Carson and I have formed a great friendship since our time with the Colorado 14ers in the D-League and I was glad to be able to help out."

The Hailey full-day camp for boys and girls entering grades 4-12 is Monday, July 25, through Thursday, July 28, at the high school in Hailey. Times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $235.  Also offered is a morning clinic for grades K-3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $115. With a few spots still remaining, for those interested in registering visit http://www.hsbcamps.com or call 720-1904 for more information.

America’s First Mountain Resort Destination Becomes Official Lodging Property Of HSBCAMPS

For seventy-five beautiful seasons, Sun Valley Resort has been entertaining and accommodating visitors of all ages from around the world.   Renowned for its endless hiking trails, majestic mountains, and limitless outdoor fun, this year Sun Valley is venturing into a new arena.  Today, America’s premier destination resort announced its plans to partner with HSBCAMPS, the countries fastest growing youth basketball program.  Sun Valley Resort has officially become the lodging property of choice for HSBCAMPS upcoming summer sessions July 25-28, 2011. 

“The Resort has thousands of visitors annually, not all of which are avid outdoors enthusiasts,” shared Carson Sofro, HSBCAMPS Director.  “We met with Sun Valley officials who unanimously agreed that opening the Resort and creating opportunities for families seeking more “traditional“ summer activities for their children, would be a win-win for both parties.” 

Founded in Sun Valley in 2007, HSBCAMPS has prided itself as the youth basketball program that “gives back”, donating a portion of every camps proceeds to schools and non-profits within each of the communities they serve.  With more than $50,000 raised to date, HSBCAMPS stands firm in its commitment to provide every child, regardless of age or income, an opportunity to attend.  “This unique partnership with the Sun Valley Resort will allow us to not only open sessions to dozens of new participants from outside our area, but also provide more fundraising potential for the community than ever before,” Sofro explained. 

The HSBCAMPS Morning Clinic and Day Camp ( http://www.hsbcamps.com/camps/hailey) will offer boys and girls in the elementary, middle, and high school grades (K-12), the unique opportunity to learn the game, training one-on-one with NBA players and other select pros.  Backed by a “Quality over Quantity” mentality, HSBCAMPS comprehensive curriculum ensures participants to leave camp with extensive knowledge and instruction on every aspect of his or her game.  Most impressive of all, is an industry leading 8:1 player to coach ratio, providing athletes with plenty of individualized attention from all the players and coaches in attendance.  Officially titled “Stay And Play” week by event organizers, this will be a great opportunity for all resort guests looking to “Elevate Their Game.”

In addition to Sun Valley, the nationally expanding youth basketball camp will also be serving up high scoring experiences Rockwall, Texas; Forney, Texas; Houston, Texas; Boise, Idaho; Twin Falls, Idaho; Bend, Ore.; Medford, Ore.; Park City, Utah; and Bellevue, Wash. For the latest promotional information or to register for either of HSBCAMPS Sun Valley area sessions, visit http://www.hsbcamps.com/camps/hailey.  For accommodations visit www.sunvalley.com or contact the Resort directly at 1-800-786-8259.

Thursday, December 9, 2010 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Wood River High School 1250 Fox Acres Road, Hailey Distance Learning Lab

The Wood River High School Amnesty International Club invites you to join them on Thursday, December 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 at the WRHS Distance Learning Lab to celebrate Human Rights Day. The evening will start with the inspiring documentary War Dance, which chronicles the tale of children living in Northern Uganda and the relief from conflict they find through music. Currently, Northern Uganda is home to extreme brutality and abuse, especially due to the presence of the rebel Lord's Resistance Army. Thousands and thousands of native Ugandan citizens have been killed, abused, abducted, and displaced. War Dance has been nominated for an Oscar, and has won over fifteen awards, including Directing Award and Documentary Award at Sundance Film Festival. The movie will be followed by a brief panel discussion. No charge, and refreshments will be provided.

Come one, come all!  BCRD FitWorks is here! The 6000 square feet old high school locker rooms in the Community Campus are transformed. The completely new space offers a convenient, affordable recreation center for the community. Through a partnership with the Blaine County School District and the College of Southern Idaho, BCRD FitWorks offers strength and cardio training, a full gymnasium and fitness studios for community partners to offer great fitness, dance, martial arts classes and youth programming. Come workout on our new machines, take a class such as Pilates, Indoor Cycling, Boot Camp, or Zumba. Join us in the gymnasium for Indoor Playground, Family Nights, Youth and Adult Sports Programs or for your own special event. Affordable annual and monthly memberships, along with a la carte classes, on sale beginning Wednesday, November 17th.

Want to see the space first? Join us for an Open House Wednesday, November 17th from 4-7 pm. Take a tour, get a membership, join one of the free 30 minute Zumba classes at 5 pm and 6 pm, enjoy free food from the Campus Café, enjoy demonstrations by Sun Valley Taekwondo, hop around in the bounce house, and try out the BCRD indoor batting cage. Bring your friends and family for the fun! For more information about membership options and class schedules, call 578-BCRD or go to bcrd.org for more information.

Don't miss the Wood River High School Homecoming BBQ, Friday, September 17 at 5:30 pm at the Wood River High School Football Field.  The annual picnic will this year have a number of booths from which football fans and the community can purchase delicious treats and entrees.  Powerhouse Restaurant and Bike Shop will be serving their organic burgers on Big Wood Bread challah buns, along with hot dogs and homemade potato chips. Lava Lake Lamb marinated and grilled  by Brent Barsotti will be served in warmed pita bread.  Money Farms pies, Toni’s ice cream  and hand made cookies round out the delicious offerings.  However, the most popular items may be BuckSnort Rootbeer and floats: the root beer is hand made in Bellevue.  Wood River parents will be selling locally grown corn on the cob and watermelon from M and M Heath Farms and King's Crown Organics.

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On Monday July 26th, 2010, HSBCAMPS & Camp Rainbow Gold, a nationally recognized annual oncology camp bringing 85 young cancer survivors to the Sawtooth Mountains of Ketchum, Idaho, teamed up to bring 10 young campers face-to face with the pros.  HSBCAMPS, America's fastest growing youth basketball program built on the principles of giving back, embraced the opportunity to work with these young men and women.  "Over the last several years, our program has dedicated itself to aid and provide for hundreds of underprivileged young athletes both in the Wood River Valley and nationally," said HSBCAMPS Founder Carson Sofro.  "This was a first for our program, working with kids that have overcome such a horrific disease, and it's an experience our coaches and campers will not soon forget."

The Camp Rainbow Gold group, participated in various drills, contests, and fun games during their two hour visit to the camp at Wood River High School on Monday.  Campers walked away not only with the experience of playing one-on-one with pros, but were also given t-shirts, water bottles, towels, and basketballs provided by HSBCAMPS national sponsors (Swire CC, Baden, PowerAde, and Bodybuilding.com).

"It is our hope that this will become a yearly event and a long lasting partnership between our two organizations," added Sofro.  For more information on HSBCAMPS or their mission to give back, visit www.hsbcamps.com.

As of this morning, only 3 spots remain in HSBCAMPS Hailey session starting this Monday at Wood River High School in Hailey.  Don't miss this opportunity, to come learn from the pros.  For more information or to register, visit www.hsbamps.com.  Scholarship requests will be considered through Sunday morning.

HSBCAMPS, America's fastest growing youth basketball program, returns to the Wood River Valley this Monday, July 26th.  One of several 2010 summer locations, the camp at Wood River High School will be an opportunity for young boys and girls to elevate their game by working one-on-one with real life pros.  A staff comprised of former collegiate and professional players and coaches will be on hand to guide the nearly 100 athletes in attendance through instructional drills and contests throughout the four day event.  

"This is our fourth year in the valley, and where this whole thing started," added founder and Ketchum native Carson Sofro.  "We bring our staff in from all over the country and these guys have really found a home here.  The local community has really embraced our efforts and the lessons we teach these kids year after year. "

All participants will receive an HSBCAMPS t-shirt, Baden basketball, Powerade and Bodybuilding.com gear, and an exclusive shoe offer from Eastbay / Footlocker.  The 2010 staff will feature Division II Player of the Year and International star Tayron Thomas, NBA Development League and CBA Veterans Kevin Sweetwyne and 6'11 Center Greg Clausen, Boise State Women's players Janie Bos and Tasha Harris, and other select pros.  With only a few spots remaining in this years camp, the 2010 Wood River HS Summer Session stands to be another great event.  

To register or for more information, visit www.hsbcamps.com.

This camp focuses on skill developmnet in a FUN and enjoyable atmosphere and is conducted by the High School, Middle School and Opimist staffs.  You can contact Coach Stilling for a sign-up form or sign up at the Optimist Football Fair - May 12th at Wood River Middle School.

May 17-20 at Wood River H.S.

Fall 2010 1st-6th Graders:  4:00-5:30 PM / 7th-8th Graders:  5:30-7:00 PM

$40 includes free camp shirt and a treat each day

Contact kstilling@blaineschools.org for more information

HSBCAMPS, the leader in bringing youth basketball players face-to-face with the pros, is proud to announce Baden Sports, Inc., BodyBuilding.com and Swire Coca-Cola^® as sponsors of the 2010 youth basketball summer camp program. Each sponsor is generously donating products to improve the camp experience for the more than 1,400 youth participants and basketball coaches.

Baden, a designer and producer of the highest quality athletic balls in sports, is the official basketball sponsor of HSBCAMPS, providing fully branded blue and white basketballs for each participant to take home following camp.

BodyBuilding.com, an online retailer and resource for all things bodybuilding and fitness related and committed to helping individuals reach their health, fitness and appearance goals through motivation, information and supplementation, has generously donated water bottles and towels for the basketball players.

For the third year in a row, Swire Coca-Cola^®, a leading provider of products and services to over 60,000 retail customers across the western United States, has agreed to provide Powerade

The Hailey-based HSBCAMPS sessions will be held at Wood River High School from July 26 - 29, 2010, and will focus on teaching and developing the fundamentals of basketball for boys and girls in grades four through 12. From group drills and individual contests, to team competitions and guest lectures, players will participate in over 15 hours of instructional work with the HSBCAMPS staff, comprised of collegiate and professional coaches and players.

HSBCAMPS prides itself as a youth basketball program that gives back, donating a portion of proceeds to schools and the HSBCARES fund. Through the HSBCARES fund, HSBCAMPS is able to award camp scholarships, support basketball programs for disabled and underprivileged children, and provide public schools and youth programs with vital basketball tools needed to operate at the highest level.  With more than $30,000 raised to date, HSBCAMPS stands firm in its commitment to provide every child, regardless of age or income, with an opportunity to attend.

The basketball camp in Hailey is filling up fast. To register, visit http://www.hsbcamps.com. More information on HSBCAMPS’ sponsors may be found at http://www.badensports.com, http://www.bodybuilding.com, and http://www.swirecc.com.