NEWBERRY — Newberry Elementary School students were visited recently by Newberry Middle School Chorus teacher Jamie O’Brien and Newberry Middle School Band director Elizabeth Douglass as part of the school’s recruitment efforts for arts instruction.

The band and chorus teachers explained ensemble and performance to NES students and emphasized the role that teamwork plays in both band and chorus. Students learned about instrumental rental programs and about band and chorus fundraisers.

The band and chorus programs will allow students to build upon the foundations laid by the NES Chorus and drumming programs.

Newberry Elementary School music teacher, April Session, has taught students to play recorder and also has taught some keyboard playing. The chorus and band are yearlong elective programs where students practice each day.

“We compete with ourselves to excel,” O’Brien said.

He also works with the theatre program at Newberry Elementary School and will be working on a performance for the 2017-18 school year. Sixth graders attend solo and ensemble each year. By seventh and eighth grade Newberry Elementary School offers an Honor Band program.

There are opportunities to travel to music festivals and competitions for band as well. At Newberry Middle School, Douglass and O’Brien said they work with coaches to share practice time so athletes also can learn the arts. Douglass played her clarinet and O’Brien sang for Newberry Elementary School students as part of their visit.

Newberry Middle School Chorus teacher Elizabeth Douglass and Band Director Jamie O’Brien got students excited about performing arts during their visits to Newberry Elementary School.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_bandchorus.jpgNewberry Middle School Chorus teacher Elizabeth Douglass and Band Director Jamie O’Brien got students excited about performing arts during their visits to Newberry Elementary School. Courtesy photo

Staff Report