I teach at two wonderful elementary schools to students Kindergarten through 5th Grade. I teach general music which includes, programs, instruments and a full Junior Musical (oh my!)
When I started teaching at this school a group of teachers came to me with the mission of completing a 5th grade musical.
So that is exactly what we did! Four Grade Level teachers, One Music Teacher and one willing sound tech (also husband of the music teacher) set off on the adventure to make Mary Poppins Jr. the musical.
Never in my life have I seen so many kids work so hard for a common goal! They worked hard for hours, yes hours, worth of rehearsals. they did such an amazing job! The community was a buzz for months at the prospects for this amazing group of kids.
We are looking forward to our musical this year which is Annie Jr. during March! Seriously these kids put the wind in my sails and the light in my light house making me feel that anything is possible!
My Project
When I came to my elementary school I knew that I wanted to give these kids something special to hold onto for the rest of their lives. When some other teachers suggested a musical I knew that was it. The students go through a full audition process. They memorize a piece, they dry read, they get measured, they were voice tested, they did EVERYTHING a Broadway audition would have in it. They had a rigorous rehearsal schedule of two to three hours after school three day's a week with no breaks. Then in the blink of an eye it was show week.
"Now is the time to seize the day, Stare down the odds and seize the day.” - Newsies
This was it the day had come for dress rehearsal. Everything was going so smooth the students had their lines memorized and their songs were memorized and it was going good but one thing was missing...their voice. I knew at that moment I had to hunt down mics so the whole world could hear how amazing they sounded. We found some here and there and after many hours of driving we had some but, they weren't the best quality and they cut out at times.
This year I want the audience to hear every single word and note those kids put into their work! Student who do a musical learn so many things. They are learning vital live skills they need in life and the work place such as, confidence, creativity, accountability and team work. I believe that these microphone will help not only the audience hear them but help them hear themselves so they can be proud of the work they have done.
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