The Body Electric

Following the curtain call of each SPA performance, there is a final musical number. All the students in the Summer Performing Arts Company assemble in the auditorium to perform "I Sing the Body Electric." It is a symbolic song that is able to tie the entire program together. The song has different meanings to different students, but there is a common theme that can be found in the literal text. The students are celebrating not only the arts, but their growth in the arts yet to come. They will go on to create their own tomorrow as they continue in music and theatre over the years. The song also symbolizes the passing of a class. Students may only participate through the summer prior to their senior year. This "passing of the tradition" is represented by the two soloists selected to sing. A senior is selected to sing the first verse, and a younger student, one who is new to the SPA company, is selected to sing the second verse. The soloists from previous years are listed below.

"And in time we will all be stars."

 

Soloists for "I Sing the Body Electric"

  • 1990 -- Craig Smyser, senior; and Ryan Karels, seventh-grader
  • 1991 -- Sam Black, senior; and Lana Bollman, eighth-grader
  • 1992 -- Travis Lien, senior; and Mike Marcotte, eighth-grader
  • 1993 -- Judy Nyhlen, senior; and Jeff Jacobi, eighth-grader
  • 1994 -- Jamie Cady, senior; and Jenni Durieux, eighth-grader
  • 1995 -- Ryan Karels, senior; and Jill Johnson, eighth-grader
  • 1996 -- Erik Hunter, senior; and Casey Koop, eighth-grader
  • 1997 -- Misti Koop, senior; and Billy Poehls, eighth-grader
  • 1998 -- Abby Lochner, senior; and Chase Burkhart, eighth-grader
  • 1999 -- Matt Luney, senior; and Maren Tunseth, seventh-grader
  • 2000 -- Tera Kilbride, senior; and Lauren Palay, eighth-grader
  • 2001 -- Jason Melin, senior; and Molly Kinney, sophomore
  • 2002 -- Chase Burkhart, senior; and Devin Levang, freshman
  • 2003 -- Beth Laidlaw, senior; and Kirby Black, freshman
  • 2004 -- Maren Tunseth, senior; and Jace Beehler, freshman
  • 2005 -- Marcus Woodard, senior; and Amelia Klaus, freshman
  • 2006 -- James Freestone, senior; and Ben Sun, freshman
  • 2007 -- Zach Spicer, senior; and Jacy Thibert, freshman
  • 2008 -- Brit Lazur, senior; and Ian Sherwood, freshman
[Company Picture]
The SPA 1999 Company at the end of the traditional song