Our 4th Graders Can Rock!

by Michael Porter
The 4th graders presented the show Rock and Roll Forever as a culmination to their Deep Dive in Music.
The students have been studying American history through the 20th century, so a show about the origins of rock music in America seemed a natural choice.
 
The songlist includes "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles, "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, and "Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley. In fact, no less than 10 Elvis impersonators appeared on stage!
 
The students apparently loved the music of their parents' (or grandparents') era. There were reports of students singing in the hallways, lunch, and recess. One enthusiastic mom commented at the show that her son had been practicing the songs at home, so his younger brother learned them as well!

Thanks to the gradual relaxation of Covid-19 protocols, is was possible for all three 4th grade classes to appear together on stage.
 
It has been about two years since many of these students had been on stage with an audience, so Music Specialist Jessica Barker held an impromptu dance party at dress rehearsal to get them to loosen up and dance on the risers.
 
"It was wonderful for all the classes to be on the stage again," said Ms. Barker. "The students were able to use healthy singing voices because their sound was supported by the size of the chorus. There was a lot of energy having everyone together."
 
Indeed, the combination of the larger group and the lively music made for a very energetic and engaging performance by our 4th graders.
 
"The Aretha Franklin song was new this year and a roaring success," Ms. Barker remarked. "In rehearsal, there were feathers everywhere. At one point, a student stopped by and asked me if I could get the boas to stop 'molting' all over the stage!"






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