EDMOND — Snow days, limited rehearsal time and the size of the project were no obstacles for the third-grade students at Northern Hills Elementary, who had their first performance of “The Nutcracker” on Wednesday. The school will have two more performances today, one at 9 a.m. and one at 7 p.m.
“They were wonderful,” said Evelyn Workman, music teacher and director of the production.
“They’re just fabulous. I can’t say enough for the kids.”
The third-graders had only their music classes to learn the songs and dances for the performance, and only had three full practices where all the students were able to be on the stage, Workman said.
The practices themselves mattered less to the students than their costumes and the performance, though.
“I just liked all the dances and the music,” said third-grader Madison Pearson, who was a candy flute in the musical.
Beth Naylor, who played a Chinese tea, agreed she enjoyed the dancing, but Jack Wodarski, who was a Russian baker, said he enjoyed the music more.
“I liked the music more than the dance,” he admitted. “Dancing isn’t my favorite thing.”
Nellie Sizemore, principal at Northern Hills, said the production was “very ambitious,” but always remains one of the school’s favorites.
“It’s just a wonderful exposure to some classical music they don’t normally get at this age, and then they even get to be a part of it.”
Many more people than just the students worked to make the production happen. Parents helped design the full costumes and the set, and every teacher helped with lights, music and other aspects of the musical.
“All of our teachers pitch in and help,” Sizemore said. “They each have their job to do and that’s what makes it work.”
The school also used other methods to help motivate the students.
“Everyone that has a nutcracker at home and brings one to school,” Sizemore said, “We put them in a display and it helps get the kids excited before we even start.”
For students gathered together after the play, faces red from being in front of the hot lights and still in costume, missing 15 minutes of recess and putting in the hard work was worth it.
“It was so hot,” said Nikki Moriarty. “But we got it done.”
Education
Related Photos
-
MAIKE RODE
Discussion
Northern Hills students present ‘The Nutcracker’
- Education
-
-
Edmond music educators bring home awards
Edmond has long been known for its high scholastic attainments, athletic achievements and an overall well-rounded education.
-
Memorial choir makes impression on principal
For many reasons, our January at school was wrought with emotional twists and turns. Both highs and lows wove throughout the month as we said hello to the promise of a new year and good-bye to the comfortable routines and faces of the past. It seemed to be a time to pull the wagons closer for shelter and consolation.
-
Memorial students get ready for 'Follies'
-
Board candidates discuss philosophies
Edmond Board of Education candidates for Seat No. 2 met in a candidate forum sponsored by West Field Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization Thursday evening.
-
Edmond resident to lead DC 5th- and 6th-graders
Inspiring and empowering are two key words in the vocabulary of the new intermediate school principal recently hired by the Deer Creek School Board.
-
Edmond schools place in Future Cities
Judge Jim Miller questions Sequoyah Middle School students, from left, June Kim, Noah Frost and Isabella Mullaney, during the Future Cities competition at Oklahoma Christian University Jan. 14.
-
OCA wins academic tournament
The Oklahoma Christian Academy academic team placed first in the area academic tournament Jan. 14. Pictured are members Adam Jacob, junior; Matt Lowe, junior; Kara Drewke, senior; Mason Glidewell, senior; Riley Duckworth, senior; Kyler Hixson, senior; and Chase Yager, junior. Not pictured is Coach Becky Campbell.
-
Chisholm Elementary celebrates tree dedication
-
Sequoyah recognizes students
-
Virtual public school plans Edmond information session
Oklahoma Connections Academy, a K-12 virtual public school, will have free information sessions in Edmond, Norman and Oklahoma City for families interested in learning more about its tuition-free online public school program and customized approach to learning. The school is expanding for the 2012–13 school year and will now offer a comprehensive and rigorous high school program.
- More Education Headlines
-
