It’s 10 days and counting before your grocery store flowers and cheap box of candy doom yet another Valentine’s Day.This year, a singing valentine delivered by students at The Colorado Spring Conservatory might just save your bacon.“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” said Linda Weise, founder and executive director of the Conservatory. “So, last year I just threw it out there, thinking if we only got three calls it would be fun for the kids. We got 21 calls and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the process.”

Conservatory kids, as they’re often called, also caroled in 2010.Cough up the $50, which includes a rose and chocolate, and one of two groups of juniors and seniors will arrive at the appointed location with “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “I Love You Truly” on their lips. Your sweetheart will get the whole package, Weise said: The vocalists are supported by an ensemble of mandolin, guitar, bass and ukulele.

Also available for musical romance is the Velvet Hills Show Chorus, a non-profit and member of Sweet Adelines International. They deliver on Feb. 13 and 14 and offer a variety of performance packages, which run $40 to $75. Make your reservations at 630-2525, velvethills.org.

Weise still marvels at the reactions to the valentines.“Last year, we got everything from an older couple who danced together when the kids showed up to the young mother surprised on the porch,” she said. “It’s amazing. We get there and some of the ladies didn’t know who we were. They started singing and (the ladies) just started crying.“It’s very potent for (the kids) to see the power of that message.”

Apache helicopters loaded with Blue Spear rockets fly in support of training exercises with Fort Carson’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team downrange at Fort Carson Thursday, January 21, 2010 during training. Photo by THE GAZETTE FILE

MARK REIS