The Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School fifth-grade select chorus, known as the High Notes, rang in the holiday season with three performances of its winter musical, Gnome for the Holidays, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and Thursday, Dec. 18. The production featured six songs, choreography, dance, speaking roles, props, decorations and collaborative teamwork by the student performers.

In the musical, gnomes come to the rescue when Christmas is in jeopardy. Through humor and heart, the story highlights the importance of believing in the unseen while captivating audiences with a magical holiday message.

“I am extremely proud of my students,” said Craig Knapp, Joseph A. Edgar School chorus director, director of dramatics for the JAE musical production and district K-5 music department chairperson. “The students in the fifth-grade select chorus put an incredible amount of time and effort into making this production a success.”

Knapp said students dedicated months of preparation, rehearsing both before and after school, with December marking their busiest period as they rehearsed for several hours each day.

“The teamwork on display was outstanding,” Knapp said. “They supported one another, stepped in when needed, offered thoughtful suggestions and took ownership of the production. Watching their confidence grow throughout the process was incredibly rewarding.”

Knapp emphasized the importance of arts education in fostering independence, collaboration and community.

“Involvement in the arts is a powerful component of a child’s overall education,” he said. “While the final performance was something to be proud of, the true magic was in the journey that led to it.”

He also thanked the students, their families, and the Rocky Point School District administration and Board of Education for supporting the musical and the performing arts.