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Going Cuckoo!
The Care and Feeding of a Musical
By Sally K. Albrecht
Alfred Editor and Composer
Christa Joy Chase (Director), Janelle Clovie (The Cuckoo), Sally K. Albrecht (Composer)
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In early December, I had the opportunity to visit with the "Melody Makers" of King Springs Elementary School in Smyrna, GA. This talented group of approximately 75 fourth and fifth grade students is preparing to perform The Cuckoo during the 2011 Georgia Music Educator's Convention in January. With a story based on a Mexican folk tale, this is a newly published musical that I co-wrote with my husband, Jay Althouse.
I had a wonderful day with the students, working on their music, choreography, line delivery, and staging. I thought it might be interesting for other elementary teachers to learn a bit about the development of this performance.
Their energetic elementary music teacher, Christa Joy Chase, began preparation back in September, teaching all of the music to all of the students. She then held formal auditions. Each student was asked to write down two possible roles he/she would enjoy performing. Then, Ms. Chase, along with two other judges, heard the students sing and/or speak. There are speaking or singing parts for 12 narrators, any number of birds (we have 18 birds, 6 each of 3 different colors), plus individual “feature” parts for: The Cuckoo, Chac (god of harvest), Fuego (god of fire), Búho (owl), Conejo (rabbit), and Topo (mole.)
Ms. Chase has enlisted the help of several other teachers at her school. Fourth grade teacher Mrs. Lisa Rogers has a dramatic background, so is helping with character development and staging. Art teacher Mrs. Merry Mullins is creating effective masks for Chac and Fuego. Accompanist, Mrs. Joan Mullins is helping to teach vocal parts at the piano. Retired art teacher, Mrs. Melissa Tullman and parents are assisting with costumes and animal cap designs for several of the other feature animals.
The trip to the convention in Savannah will be a highlight of the year for these students (plus the 20+ parents who are joining them as chaperones)! All of those involved have been fundraising for the trip throughout the fall. The 3-day trip includes the coach ride, two nights in a hotel, all meals (featuring a dinner cruise on Thursday and dinner at the famous Pirate House on Friday), The Ships of the Sea Museum visit on Friday morning, and a trip to Ft. Polaski on Saturday morning. The cost? Around $281 per person. In order to raise money, the participants have sold pizza and frozen yogurt before and after each PTA meeting, held a Fall Festival dinner, ran the concession stand at the recent Kickball Classic, and sold Butter Braids. The outstanding support of King Springs principal, Mrs. Linda Keeney, has enabled all of the rehearsals, activities, and fund-raising events to take place.
The “Melody Makers” meet twice a week after school. So they have about 8 rehearsals remaining before their big day in Savannah. They will also perform the musical at home before their trip.
I asked Ms. Chase what she felt the “plusses” were about preparing for such an event. She responded:
• Putting a show together like this creates the ultimate bonding experience for her group of young artists and expands their musical skills.
There's MORE. Click here to read the full article.
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Building Integrity Through Music
