Sisters alumni to perform in Starry Nights concert

The arts and music programs in Sisters schools have ignited a lifelong passion in many students. Two of those alumni will return to the stage on Saturday night as members of the women's a cappela music group Divisi, the opener for Starry Nights Presents On the Rocks.

Amanda Sarles and Hayley Valoppi perform with Divisi, the University of Oregon's acclaimed women's a cappella vocal group, considered among the best in the country. The group performs a wide variety of musical styles including pop, R&B and jazz with original pieces and covers of songs by such diverse artists as Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, Joss Stone and Usher. Divisi competes in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, tours and performs nationwide. In Eugene, Divisi enjoys performing with On the Rocks every Friday in the EMU for students and community members.

Sarles is a Starry Nights veteran.

"I performed... my senior year in 2006, with Hanna and McEuen," she recalled.

Now a senior at the University of Oregon, she continues to pursue her passion for music. She was drawn to a cappela performance.

"You can do classics, modern-contemporary, jazz - you can utilize your voice as an instrument," she said.

Performing with one of the university's highly-regarded vocal ensembles is a major commitment.

"It's a full-time job in addition to school," Sarles said.

Divisi meets at least four times a week for two-and-a-half-hour rehearsals and a weekly performance - plus other gigs like the Starry Nights performance. Sarles also gives vocal and piano lessons.

Amanda, the daughter of Mike and Sandy Lane of Sisters, is planning to follow the path she has set into a career in music.

"I'm definitely pursuing performance and entertainment - and eventually teaching choral music," she said.

Immediate post-graduate plans may include cruise ship entertainment.

Valoppi is also a Starry Nights veteran. She performed with Lyle Lovett when she was in eighth grade and as a high school junior did a duet with Michael McDonald on "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

She's thrilled to be returning to the Sisters High School stage.

"Oh, my gosh - I cannot wait!" she said. "I heard that we were going to be performing at Starry Nights and I was so excited!"

Valoppi said she fell in love with Divisi, On the Rocks, and a cappela music when she was an elementary school singer.

"I've been a fan of Divisi since I was in sixth grade, when Tara McSween, the old choir teacher, took us to see them when they came to Bend," she recalled.

The sophomore music major plans to pursue a career in education as a choir director. Saturday's Starry Nights concert is expected to be a unique and enthralling event among the concert series' storied run.

Headliner On the Rocks is the award-winning men's a cappella vocal group from the University of Oregon that took the nation by storm during their appearances last year on the NBC reality singing competition "The Sing Off."

On the Rocks' set list ranges from contemporary pop, doo-wop classics, hip-hop, R&B and country as well as original songs.

OTR can be heard singing every Friday at the University of Oregon's EMU amphitheater, and around campus at various events throughout the year.

Aside from hosting quarterly concerts, they have toured the U.S. and Canada, and have performed with professional groups and collegiate groups alike all over the country.

In 2010, their version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" became an Internet sensation on YouTube, ultimately leading to their selection to appear last year on "The Sing Off," where they advanced to the semi-finals and earned critical accolades and a devoted national fan base.

The event is a benefit for the Sisters Schools Foundation, raising critical funds for classroom and co-curricular programs at Sisters' elementary, middle and high schools. The Sisters School District has had to cut more than $1.3 million from the budget since last year.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, refreshments and entertainment by Sisters High School Americana Project students Clara McCabe, Felicia Zandonatti, Lindsey Johnson, Mike Patterson, Jessica Miller, Kyle Chambers, Tony Pullig-Gomez, Shannon Fouts, Jaimee Simundson and Elize van der Laan.

Among the silent auction items up for bid are golf packages, jewelry, art and a trip to Los Angeles to see the Broadway/L.A. production of the Tony Award-winning musical "Wicked" at the Pantages Theatre.

The concert begins at 7 p.m., with SHS seniors Sebastian Boehm and Jordyn Clymens serving as Masters of Ceremonies. The SHS Jazz Choir, under the direction of Rick Johnson, begins the evening, featuring 20 students representing freshmen through seniors. They will be followed by Divisi. On the Rocks will close the concert, showcasing their harmonic, high-energy hits, performed with their signature brand of choreography and showmanship.

Starry Nights events have raised close to $970,000 in net proceeds for the Sisters Schools Foundation since 1997. The volunteer-run organization produces concerts, plays and other fundraising events to provide support to the Sisters School District.

St. Charles Health System is the Premier Sponsor for "Starry Nights Presents On the Rocks."

A limited number of reserved seats, priced at $20 and $25, are available online at http://www.sistersstarrynights.org and at the Starry Nights box office at Clearwater Gallery.

Any unsold tickets may be purchased at the door.

For further information, contact [email protected]