Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School’s 5th Grade Select Chorus “High Notes” dazzled audiences and rang in the holiday season with three stellar performances of their Winter Musical, “STAR BUCKS!” on Dec. 18 and 19. The musical included nine songs, choreography and dance, speaking parts, props, decorations and lots of fun!
 
This is a brief plot summary of the show: “Santa is preparing for his annual trip around the world, led by Rudolph and the other reindeer. But wait - Rudolph is so stressed that his nose will not shine. He needs a sabbatical! But who can take his place? Santa hosts a musical competition to find out who will have the chance to be the next Star Buck and lead the sleigh.”
 
“I am extremely proud of my students,” said Mr. Craig Knapp, JAE School Chorus Director, Director of Dramatics for the JAE Musical Production and District K-5 Music Department Chairperson. "The “High Notes” students put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to make this production a success. They spent countless hours both before and after school for many months preparing for their winter musical. December was their busiest time when they spent virtually 3.5 hours each day, rehearsing to prepare for their production. The teamwork that was on display was paramount and I am incredibly honored to teach these dedicated, energetic and talented students. They performed with great joy and they truly shined on stage. As a chorus director and music teacher, there is no better feeling than watching the confidence grow within my students. While I’m super proud of the final product that was performed on stage, the real magic lies within the journey it takes to get to the finish line. During this journey, I witnessed the ultimate level of community building each day, and I was able to see new friendships take shape and develop. I observed the students’ level of independence grow and I saw them take ownership of their production. They supported each other along the way, they stepped in enthusiastically to fill in if a student was absent, and they offered thoughtful suggestions and made critical decisions to steer the direction of this production. Ultimately, my goal is to teach the students until they grow to a point where they are so prepared and well versed in all aspects of the musical that they can do everything without me. Involvement in the arts is a powerfully strong component of a child’s sound education. Special thanks to my stellar students, and their parents for encouraging their children’s involvement in music and the performing arts. Also, a special thank you to JAE Principal Mrs. Greening, JAE Assistant Principal Mr. Paquette, the administrators in District Office and the Board of Education for their support of the JAE Musical. I believe that these are the events that the children will remember forever.”
 

JAE Star Bucks