Coman Hill Students Celebrate a Musical Spring with Singing and Dancing

Coman Hill students sang their hearts out this past spring.

In May, the first and second graders sang, danced and played instruments such as cowbells, maracas, xylophones and metallophones in their “Music is Always in Season” performance.

“It’s so impressive to see them grow from music students to performers,” said music teacher Emily Capalbo. “From reading music to developing singing technique to understanding song selection and even practicing at home, the performance really helps elevate their overall musicality.”

To prepare, students worked on vocal technique, posture and performance skills. Also, students were each given a job, which highlighted them as part of a small group while also strengthening their feelings of ownership and pride in the performance.

The following month, the kindergarten students performed, “A Flag Day Celebration!” They sang patriotic songs and performed folk dances to instrumental music, including marches composed by Sousa. The program included terrific renditions of “This Land is Your Land,” “America, the Beautiful,” and of course, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Our youngest students also learned how to be performers by knowing how to stand “performance ready,” how to walk on the risers, and how to take a bow.

“The excitement and pride kindergartners have in preparing for their performance is incredibly motivating,” Ms. Capalbo said. “They are so enthusiastic and eager to do an amazing job, and it shows in the success they achieve with challenging repertoire.”

The culmination of the year was on June 14 when teachers and students gathered outside around the flagpole for the “Flag Day Singalong.” After a ceremonial flag raising, teachers and students sang the songs of the country as classes proudly waved paper flags they had made.

“The singalong is special because it gathers everyone in Coman Hill together in an authentic and timeless way,” Ms. Capalbo said. “It commemorates the conclusion of the school year in an unburdened moment of community, song and celebration.”