Four-act performances were performed to celebrate Attache’s 42nd anniversary. They brought back alums to the stage to help raise funds to support the program which has won the Grand Champion title at 85 competitions ever since 1992. Their current streak of 23 consecutive Grand Champion wins dates back from 2014. The group’s 2019 bid was captured in “Attache,” a PBS/Reel South documentary film. Bass hosted the evening and was the emcee. This was his first Attache appearance since December 1995 when *NSYNC opened for them. Bass learned to sing in church choir while also receiving additional guidance from Fehr through Attache. Bass then began vocal instruction in Germantown, Tennessee with Bob Westbrook, the same voice coach Justin Timberlake used and who introduced him to Bass during *NSYNC’s search for a bass singer. Bass was only in Attache for a short time, but it helped him to see his potential and change the direction of his life. He was inspired a lot by his fellow classmates. He says, “I was able to do West Side Story with Shelly Fairchild.” “She was our Maria and, good Lord, we knew that she would do something. She was so gifted. Fairchild was a freshman at the time and this was a new thing to me. She signed a record contract with Sony in 2004 and found success. Fairchild was released by the label in Ride in 2004. She then went on a wild promotion spree that included radio appearances, concert tours, and performances with Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Rascal Flatts. Her journey started when she arrived at Attache just as the Fehrs took over from Winona Costello. Fairchild states that Mr. David Fehr became our director the first year she was there. Fairchild recalls Fehr coming up to her and shouting at her, “Open your mouth Fairchild!” “I will never forget him coming up as we were learning some songs and saying, “Open your mouth Fairchild!” This was a rare move since the group was only open to sophomores. Fehr said that he had just moved to Clinton and although his mannerisms were not disrespectful (he didn’t use “sir” and “ma’am like many of his new peers), they proved difficult to sell to his teachers. He had been detained nine times for minor infractions and would be suspended from school and other activities if he was given another. I gave him my 10th detention to ensure he could complete his day. Fehr laughs, “It was so that we wouldn’t miss the performances coming up.” Alums performed in solo, pairs and groups during the three-hour program on April 2. Calvert performed “If Only I Had a Brain” from The Wizard of Oz, and “Anthem” from the musical Chess,” while Attache students performed their 2022 competition show, “Vacation!” Bass joined Wagner for a few songs. However, the third act was all about Fehrs. Fairchild performed “What We Leave,” a song that she composed especially for the event. It was performed as a duet by Fairchild and her sister Lindsey Fairchild Lenoir. Although the Fehrs, organizers, and audience were surprised by the performance, the students were also involved. Fairchild recruited the daughter a friend to distribute the lyrics to them, so that they could be part of the song’s final. Fehr emphasizes that Attache is a platform for students to showcase their talents but also teaches them life skills. The success of students performing and those running the show after graduation is dependent on their work ethic. Perseverance is another key. Fehr recalls a competition in California where Wagner performed while in pain from a broken finger she suffered during warm-ups, a show of grit and determination the public would later see on “Last Chance U.” “It’s not the amount of time you put into something, but the quality of work that you put into something…Everybody says they work hard. Some people waste too much time, unless they have a purpose or understand what [they are] working towards].” Fehr adds that “we produce only good children; the talent and desire come from good families.” Attache is not to be credited for this. Attache is not responsible for that. I can help develop what is available, but the families and children have goals and objectives, and it is my job to assist them. The 90 percent who don’t choose to go into the arts still get the same thing. Join our mailing list to receive the latest stories about Mississippi culture and Mississippi Expats.