Fresno City College’s vocal department went all over Clovis and Fresno spreading joy with “Singing Valentines.”
It’s been an ongoing program the choral department has been doing for about nine years.
The program was started by Julie Dana, FCC’s choral music instructor. The creation of the “singing valentines” began when Dana was a student herself. She answered an ad looking for singing telegrams in the newspaper.
When she became a teacher she thought, “what a great way to make money without selling candy.”
The way people react to the valentines are what make the entire thing spectacular. Dana said that after putting in a 12- hour day, the final two made everything “Awesome, the last couple even started dancing.”
The choir department is hoping to travel to Spain during the summer of 2009. So that is mostly what the fundraiser is for.
But to Dana, her outlook on the telegrams is seen as “a great bonding for my ensemble. They are the team that plays together for a whole year.”
The songs sung by the choir were ‘You’d be so nice to come home to’ and ‘Ain’t he/she sweet’ Both songs were arranged by Mike Dana.
People place an order and a group from the choir department will surprise the lucky valentine by singing the songs right in front of them.
FCC student Patrick Chimienti was given a singing telegram by his girlfriend, and he was surprised right in his crowded classroom.
It is a touching gift to give on Valentine’s Day. It says a lot more and it has a better reaction then what you get from chocolates or plain old roses. It is also is a good way to support for the FCC’s choir department.
The department also does anniversaries and birthdays. For any information contact Julie Dana at (559) 442-8465.
So for your next Valentine’s Day gift choose something that really stands out and has a more loving message above all the other gifts.