Taking center stage with Greyson Chance

Musical spirit; Chance finds the love for fine arts

OKBS

By CHRIS JOHNSON

cjohnson@messengernews.net

Becoming a drum major for Fort Dodge Senior High's All-American Marching Band was the perfect catalyst for Greyson Chance.

The Fort Dodge Senior High student has plans after high school to be involved in band, so this opportunity was a perfect fit for the senior.

"Being a drum major has pushed me to be a better person, a better leader, and a better musician," Chance said. " I had to make sure to be more responsible with my time, my actions, and more responsible for my fellow band members.

" It means a lot to me that Mr. (Al) Paulson (band director) would entrust me with such a position."

The marching band has been a big part of Chance’s development.

"Marching band has been a very fun experience for me; it's been important to my musical intelligence as well as my relationships with others," Chance said. "My (relationships) with my friends, such as Eli Johnson and Jenson Litwiller, have gotten stronger since I see them every day.

"I loved marching band, and I’m glad I chose to stick with it."

After high school, band will continue to be a big part of Chance's picture.

"I plan to pursue music education to become a band director," Chance said. "If that doesn’t work, or I have a change of passion, I would like to become a firefighter.

"I hope to continue bowling recreationally, and also continue playing the saxophone for bands around the area. "

At the start of his senior year, Chance was also selected to the prestigious All-State Chorus.

"Being chosen for All-State is a very high honor. During the audition process, 3,000 of the best singers across the state (are in contention) to be selected to (reach the cutoff of) the 600 who make it into the All-State chorus," Chance said. "The hard work starts in the summer. You pick up your music from the front office at the start of the summer, and begin to work on it. I went to two camps, which required us to sing all day with an hour break for lunch.

"Then comes the month of auditions. We worked on different sections of each piece every day. All-State was not only a physical challenge, but a mental one as well. Remaining disciplined during rehearsals and tranquil during auditions was difficult. But the All-State experience is very worth it, in my opinion."

Along with band and athletics, singing has been a big part of Chance's life.

"I have been singing off and on for about 10 years, and took vocal lessons at one point," Chance said. "My family was never very musically inclined, so picking it up really came to my own choice.

"My friends have also been a very big influence on my love for music."

As the Dodgers head into the fall play and Fort Dodger Senior High's 100th musical looms on the horizon, that's another special place for Chance to shine.

"After sophomore year, my love for music grew a lot," Chance said. "I was really on the fence about doing the musical last year, but my friends and my desire to pursue the role of Pugsley Addams (in The Addams Family) persuaded me.

"The musical rehearsals are pretty fun, and my peers make it so much better. The work we put in makes me enjoy the performances so much more."

Speech has also helped Chance hone his on-stage skills.

"I have done speech for three of my high school years," Chance said. "It has been beneficial to my acting abilities.

"This year will be my first year in musical theatre for speech, so we will see how that helps me come musical season."

Chance has also been involved in cross country, bowling and soccer, as well as all other bands.

"I enjoy being involved in a lot of things because it helps me to stay active, and it gets me off my lazy bum," Chance said. "I also think that it’s important to get involved because it gives you more opportunities for scholarships, and it can give you a lot of recognition to colleges."

In his final year as a Dodger, Chance is still looking forward to many things.

"The amount of lasts is quite overwhelming and saddening, but the things I will miss the most are jazz band, soccer, and bowling," Chance said. "Those activities mean a lot to me. It brings me so much joy to be involved in them.

"I will most definitely continue jazz and bowling after high school, but it’ll be sad I most likely won’t do it with my current friends."

Being a Dodger has filled Chance with a great deal of pride through the years.

"Our slogan is 'Together We Rise,' and I like to uphold that," Chance said. "Through these four years, the relationships I’ve built, people I’ve helped and things I’ve learned have all built up my love for being a Dodger.

"It’s amazing, and I’m thankful for everything that the community has brought me."

Making friends and being a good friend will always be a priority to Chance.

"I'd like people to know that if they need someone to talk, to I’m always here to provide my best listening abilities," Chance said. "I would also like them to know I have a relationship with my Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and that I love food (Swiss Cake Rolls especially.)"

Chance has leaned on his friends and parents through the years.

"My best buds, Jenson and Eli, have been big influences in my life," Chance said. "They have persuaded me to get out of my comfort zone and try things I never thought I would like. They also hold me accountable and teach me a lot.

"I can’t forget about my parents, too. They’re the ones who told me to try everything at least once. I have stood by that motto ever since seventh grade, and it really does help."

Vacation destination:

People I would like to have dinner with:

It would surprise people that I:

Performer that inspires me: Owen Hamlow.

My everyday role model: The Lord.

I can't go a day without: showering.

Where do I see myself in 10 years? Working as a band director in Iowa or a different state.

What are you listening to right now? "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal.

Dream piece or show: Count Bubba’s Revenge.

Favorites…

Musical: Phantom of the Opera.

Performance: 2026 Blue Coats.

Music genre: R&B.

Song: "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal.

Instrument: Alto Sax.

Class: Outdoor Rec.

Movie: Fight Club.

Phone App.: My Flying Pig.