Christmas in November may seem odd, but for Buffalo High Schools' show choir, Showtime, it's been Christmas all year.   Showtime has been working on their fifth Christmas Album, "The Best of Christmas in Buffalo" since July.  The album will feature a total of 21 songs from their first four volumes including nine new songs from this year's show choir.  To hear samples of the recording go to the music department website, www.bhsmusic.com.

              "We are now taking pre-paid orders to help cover the cost of production.  As a thank you to people who order before Thanksgiving they will save $2.00 off of the retail price", said Mark Hopkins, Director of Showtime.  "If you order before November 21 the cost per CD or Cassette will be $10.  After Thanksgiving the price will be $12 each.  All proceeds go to support the music program at Buffalo High School."

              Though this is the fifth album of Christmas music recorded by students at Buffalo High School this is the first time this group of students has recorded a CD.  The students were involved in every part of the production, which was recorded in the band room at the school.  They learned how to set up microphones, adjust the acoustics of the room, and helped record and edit music using Pro Tools software on the computer.  Kallie Cart, Beth Nease and Tonya Rayburn designed the layout for the CD and cassettes using PageMaker and Photoshop software.  Tim Jordan, a former student at BHS, came back to re-master the music from Volumes 1-4 using Pro Tools and Cool Edit Pro software. 

              "We had lots of fun, and we were glad we had the opportunity to record the album", said senior Showtime member Tia Arthur.

               Another senior member, Jennifer Gooch said, "I was fascinated at how much we learned about a recording session.  It was a lot of fun recording but we are glad the CD is finished.  How many students can say they have recorded a CD?"

On Saturday, October 13 Alumni had an opportunity to come back and relive the memories of being a "Showtime" member while recording "Joy to the World" with this years group.  Alumni and students rehearsed the song for several hours and then recorded the song.  During a break, former members of Showtime told stories about when they were in show choir and how much it meant to be a part of the group.  It was a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better and helped bring the group together. 

"We had a great time working on this CD.  Bringing the Alumni back meant a lot to me and the sound of the group on "Joy to the World" is awesome", Hopkins said.

Some of the twenty-one songs on the nearly 60 minute compact disk include "Jamaican Noel", "Tennessee Christmas", "Carol of the Bells", "Sleigh Ride", "Gloria", "Little Drummer Boy", "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Ring Them Bells", "Ding Dong Merrily on High", and "White Christmas".  Every member of this year's group has a solo on the recording.

To order your copy of "The Best of Christmas in Buffalo"- Volume 5 contact any Showtime member, call the school at 937-2661 or you may order by mail.  Make checks payable to BHS Music Boosters and send your order to:
                                        Christmas in Buffalo
                                        3317 Buffalo Road
                                        Buffalo, WV 25033. 

              Include your name, address, and phone number and how many cassettes or CDs you wish to order.  If you want your order mailed to you, please add $3.00 for shipping.  The CDs and Cassettes should arrive by the first of December.