By Elaine Rassel
Thursday evening (May 6) there certainly was music in the air! There was so much that it drowned out the birds’ chirping! It was coming from the MMCRU (Marcus) School auditorium where the MMCRU Marcus Elementary Spring Concert was being presented.
We arrived in the parking lot shortly after 6 p.m. in order to get a good parking place and seat. There were more cars and people there, especially this early. We did get a seat a few rows up on the bleachers. However, the gym was full of people, already. We had anticipated sitting for almost an hour before the musical but at 6:30, students began to go up on the stage.
TK students and Kindergarten students were on stage while the rest of the Elementary students remained on their chairs in front of the stage. Then the “floor” students stood up and joined the students on stage in facing the flag and putting their hand over their heart as they led the audience in singing, “The Star Spangled Banner”.
Then it was time for the TK and Kindergarten students to sing for us. Their first song reminded us of “Months of the Year”. Have you ever heard of “Alice the Camel”? Well, we found out all about Alice! When you think of a rainbow, you think of many colors. These students reminded us of “Rainbow World” as they flashed scarves of many different colors. They concluded their part of the program with “Skinnamarink”.
As quickly as these students left the stage, the first and second graders took their place. “Mamma Buy Me a China Doll” was their opening song. They moved on to “Haul on the Bowline” and “Sing for Peace”. The first graders stepped to the side as the second graders sang “Sasha”. There was a lot of hand clapping in this song as they divided up into groups and did what could have been compared to square dancing. Then this group stepped to the side as the first graders let the audience know all about “Bow Wow Wow”!
The third and fourth graders were all ready to go on stage! Fourth graders informed us of “Fifty Nifty United States” followed by “Ode to Joy”. Not all songs have to have voices heard. Many times a student would have a bell in their hand and when it was time for this “sound” they would shake it. This song had colored sticks (whackers, I think they are called) that when it was time for a certain color of stick, those holding that color would shake it. These sticks were used in their song, “Cup Rhythm”. Putting the sticks down, they proceeded with “Rattlin Bog”. The two classes went on to “Make New Friends”. These students concluded their part of the program with “Oye!” that consisted of a lot of clapping and noise making!
The third and fourth graders remained on the stage and the other classes stood up beside their chairs as they let the audience know that “This Land is Your Land”!
The MMCRU (Marcus) Elementary students are instructed by Miss “Van” Regenmorter.
Even though there has never been a concert given before where the performers wore masks, these students had no choice this year. COVID-19 has left its mark with schools and schools and their instructors have had to do the best they could.
These students have talent even if it was behind a mask!