Mark has worked with SWAG since it first began here at Burton in 2011. The idea to start a show choir was conceived by Burton's cheer coach, Melissa Wharton. Mark and Melissa met when they were in fifth grade and have been best friends ever since. When her idea was approved, she asked Mark to come back to Virginia to help direct this show choir
Outside of SWAG, Mark lives in California where he directs, produces, teaches, and performs in theatre. He has worked in performing arts for about 25 years and recently co-wrote a play titled "Firecracker." He doesn't just work in Virginia and California; his work stretches from New York, Atlanta, North Carolina, and many other locations.
As we were speaking, he told me about this year's Christmas show and how it differs from past SWAG performances. This year's show will include many more dance numbers and many new voices. There will also be a few special performances from SWAG Jr.. SWAG Jr. is the show choir from Norton Elementary School, which is under the direction of Gabrielle Caruso, the new music teacher. Though SWAG has shrunk since its first year at Burton, Mark believes the performance quality will stay the same, if not grow.
This year's Christmas show will be Thursday, December 11 at John I. Burton High School. There will be two performances Thursday, one for the school during the day and the other that night for the public. Times for these performances have not yet been determined. SWAG has worked very hard on th show this year so come out and support your SWAG show choir this Thursday!