Spring Sing Returns
Elementary students and music specialist Julie Teague delighted audiences on Thursday, March 10, when the Spring Sing returned to Chatham Charter School after a two-year hiatus. The 2020 performance had been scheduled at the time the pandemic caused schools to shift to remote instruction.
The Spring Sing at Chatham Charter School has long been a hallmark performance of the second semester. With audience numbers so large that two performances are scheduled, elementary students, families and friends as well as staff have looked forward to the annual musical performance being back on the calendar. As she welcomed attendees, Teague referred to this normalcy as a victory.
“The students who participated in our last program in 2019 are now three years older and it’s a little sad that they’ve missed many opportunities during that span of time. When COVID became part of our lives, every teacher in America had to reimagine how to create fun, creative and efficient learning environments with their students. Music classes no longer included sharing instruments, partner dancing, singing, or even using song books, which are elements all previous Spring Sing preparations have required. Even though a virus surge delayed our rehearsals and we battled student absences and inclement weather, our K-5 students were able to perform for an audience this year and it felt great,” said Teague.
Despite not being able to include vocal music due to pandemic constraints, Teague and the students found ways of incorporating creative movement and instrumentation to the songs on the program. The songs were: 7 Jumps, Path to the Moon, Mo Li Hua, Bunny Hop, Since You’re Gone, and Dynamite.
Teague had also invited the middle and high school bands as guest performers for the concert. The 7th-12th grade combined bands chose Rhythmania and Gershwin’s famous I Got Rhythm while the sixth grade beginner band played Regal March and Montego Bay.
“Our music students and their teachers reminded us that experiencing and sharing music can be in many forms. March is Music in Our Schools Month so it is fitting that our music programs would be highlighted amid the many outstanding achievements at our school. In addition to elements of music, the students also exhibited skills they can carry into later grades and even the workforce like group work, adaptability, and presentations to an audience. We appreciate their dedication and love of music that was so evident in all the performances,” commented administrator Beth McCullough.
