The Big Sandy Singers include, front row, from left, Ashley Taylor (Floyd County), Kandyce Hannah (Johnson County), Cassie Callaham (Johnson County), Rachael Hayes (Floyd County), and Director Laura Ford Hall (Pike County); middle row, Summer Pugh (Pike County) and Sarah Adams (Floyd County); back row, standing, Austin Music (Floyd County), Ryan Shepherd (Magoffin County), Landon Hale (Floyd County) and Charles Mims (Pike County). Not pictured are Assistant Director Clayton Case (Floyd County) and Technical Director and Producer Timothy C. Cooley (Floyd County).

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PRESTONSBURG — Big Sandy Community and Technical College has named the 2012-13 Big Sandy Singers and announced their upcoming performances.

The Big Sandy Singers is the elite, student singing group who are all students at one of the four BSCTC campuses (Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Paintsville, Hager Hill) or on the Morehead Extended Campus at BSCTC. These students are chosen through an extensive audition process and receive scholarships to attend college. The new Singers for the 12-13 year are listed below their photo.

The Singers were founded in the Fall of 2004 by Director Laura Ford Hall and BSCTC President Dr. George Edwards, with help from Provost Dr. Nancy Johnson. Since their inception, the Singers have performed over 500 shows and have brought a “go to college” and “drug free” message to over 18,000 elementary and high school students across the eastern Kentucky region with their school shows and Big Sandy Idol programs. They have opened for exciting acts such as The Issacs gospel group, Gold City gospel quartet, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Naomi Judd, and more.

“I am very excited about this year’s group of Singers,” said Hall. “We have many new group members this year, and it is definitely one of, if not ‘the’ most talented group I have worked with. More than anything, I am so proud that all of these excellent singers are from right here at home. You will not find better talent anywhere than what you will find in eastern Kentucky.”

In addition to Hall, the group is served by Technical Director Timothy Cooley of Prestonsburg and Assistant Director Clayton Case of Betsy Layne.

The group is sponsored by Premiere Sponsor Gearheart Communications. “We are so thankful for the Gearheart family and their company,” Hall said. “We are able to grow our program because of their generosity and heart-felt giving.” Gearheart Communications is in its 2nd year of Premiere Sponsorship. Hall also thanked Gold Sponsor Jennifer Reynolds State Farm Insurance, who supported the program for the past four years. “We are glad Jennifer Reynolds State Farm decided to continue to help us grow.” Please visit our Premiere Sponsor, Gearheart Communications, at gearheart.com and Reynolds’ State Farm at (606) 432-5230 or jenniferreynoldsinsurance.com.

The Big Sandy Singers sing all over Pike, Floyd, Johnson, Martin, and Magoffin Counties for college, civic, church, and business functions as well as perform at elementary schools and in the local high schools as they host the Big Sandy Idol shows. The new singers are already booked for several shows. “We are very excited about our show at The Breaks Park Amphitheater on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m..” Hall said. “And, our album release is tentatively set for Oct. 25 at the BSCTC Prestonsburg Campus.” The Big Sandy Singers will also be having their exciting Halloween Block Party on Cedar Creek in Pikeville on the night of Pikeville City’s Trick or Treat. Everyone is invited to visit bigsandysingers.com to learn more about the Singers’ tour.”

The Big Sandy Singers are now taking bookings for the 2012-2013 year and are available to sing at business events, community functions, family gatherings or private parties. In addition to their variety show of pop country, and gospel music, the Singers have a Halloween Show, a Dance Show, and a Gospel Show. The Singers also perform for a love-offering to churches and non-profit organizations. To book the Big Sandy Singers, call Hall at (606) 424-2498 or email laura.hall@kctcs.edu.