Success Press

Success Press

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There's no business like Snow Biz! White Street School students in the grades 3 - 5 chorus presented a delightful musical about snow business as we know it here in New England.

WHITE ST. SCHOOL

CHORUS PRODUCTION

“SNOW BIZ”

There's no business like Snow Biz! White Street School students in the Grades 3 - 5 presented a delightful musical about snow business as we know it here in New England.

Winter scarves, snowballs, ice fishermen, and snow jokes were magically woven together to create a performance that entertained all of White Street School.

The children laughed and applauded with appreciation. With gentle guidance, they fully understood the important role they played as the audience.

The chorus began in 2001, when Mrs. Foley, the principal at the time, asked the World Language teacher, Maribel Rosario, to start a chorus at the school. In 2002, Mrs. Carol Hausamann, a retired Springfield teacher, volunteered to help. Mrs. Hausamann had been a theatre arts teacher at Gerena School for many years.

In 2003, Geraldine Barrett became Principal of White Street School. Miss Barrett was delighted to help the chorus grow into a fine cohesive performing group. “We have worked very hard to continue the chorus. It is an important pathway to the arts for our students. Both the performers and the audience look forward to these annual shows!”

As well as building community spirit, the chorus has become a popular program at the school. To participate, the children must follow the rules of the school and complete all classroom assignments and homework. Very few students have had to leave the chorus. They are given support by their parents, teachers and counselors to help them remain in the chorus.

Many skills are learned such as reading music, oral language, acting techniques, and the ability to recognize different styles of music such as Latino, jazz, blues, country, and classical. They have also learned many different styles of dancing. Twice a year, a new set of students audition to join the chorus: Grades 3-5 in September and Grades K-2 chorus in March.

The P.T.O. has given both moral and financial support to the chorus. Parents have helped students practice the music and their speaking parts; they have also helped to make scenery and costumes. Many parents attend the performances and are very proud of their children. This year, Rocky's Hardware on Island Pond Road donated hats for one of the production numbers.

Our next production will be performed by the K-2 chorus in June. Go Fish is a musical about friendship. We are all looking forward to seeing it!