558 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754 | (541) 447-6205
The Prineville Follies has been a tradition for 32 years, and the Cochrans initially managed the program as part of the Crook County Boy Choir. This photo with three young performers was taken in 2007.
Audiences who anticipate the annual program of the Prineville Follies can expect a great line-up of performances this year.
The one thing that has changed, however, is that the show will no longer be managed by Marv and Mary Cochran. They have made the decision to retire from the Crook County Boy Choir and the Prineville Follies.
The Cochrans started managing the program through the Crook County Boy Choir in 1983, and kept it going strong for 28 years. The Follies has offered a venue for local talent to perform a variety of performances and share their talent with the community.
With the need to have another group pick up the Follies, the Prineville Music and Theatre Boosters saw this as a great opportunity. Treasurer Renee Moss stepped up and offered to coordinate the show, along with assistant Heather Fraser. The Music Boosters wanted to maintain the integrity and quality that the Cochrans had started with the program.
“You don’t realize how much she (Mary Cochran) was doing behind the scenes until you have to step up and do it,” commented Moss.
She believes that the Follies really offer an opportunity to showcase local talent in the community.
“It provides a way to entertain for the community, by the community,”
She said that it also gives students and adults a venue to practice their skills, as well as a chance to go through the entire process of auditioning, since all performers audition for the Follies.
“It’s a great format, and how fun to spend an evening listening to the talent here — and we have a lot of talent.”
Mary Demaris has also been involved in the Follies since its inception. Her talent can be heard on the piano as she accompanies the many performers. She also accompanied the Crook County Boy Choir for many years.
“I have accompanied a lot of people,” exclaimed Demaris. “I have always felt that through the years, just how much good talent we have had in the community. They always put on a good show.”
Demaris said that there has always been a variety of performances and music from adults and students.
“I think it is good to have a variety,” said Demaris.
Her own children were in the Follies in high school, and they are now in their 40s. She has also performed with her daughter and granddaughter in recent years.
Moss also has children who perform in the Follies. Her family has been in Prineville for approximately 19 years. Her children have been involved since 2003. Her boys were involved in the Crook County Boy Choir until their voices changed. They are now both in high school.
Moss is working with Fraser to get the upcoming performances ready for the February showing.
“Heather and I just started doing what needs to be done,” she said.
The theme for the upcoming show is “Make a Sweet Sound.” Since it is also right before Valentine’s Day, there will be flowers on sale, and Valograms from the Jazz Choir can be purchased before the show.
Moss is also excited about the possibility of being able to offer more scholarships to students through the Music Boosters. Because they are a 501(c)3, they are able to offer two scholarships for $500 — the Lacey Barnhouse Scholarship and the Gary Stephens Scholarship.
“Our goal is to eventually offer as much as $2,000 in scholarships,” commented Moss.
Moss said that there will be a lot of good talent to come and enjoy on Feb. 10 and 11. There are groups who have performed for many years, such as the Campbell family, the Silverado Women’s Quartet, and the Crook County High School Jazz Band and Jazz Choir, just to name a few.
“How many times is there great talent and no place to be heard?” said Moss.
This is Prineville’s opportunity.
The Prineville Follies will be Feb. 10 and 11, at 7 p.m. each evening
Tickets are $20 for family, $8 for adults and $5 for students.
Flowers and Valograms for the Crook County High School Jazz Choir will be on sale.
