Classrooms are alive with the sound of music

With a crowd of nearly 500 friends and family filling the Park Theater Thursday night, students from Warren County High School and West Elementary took the stage to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month.

Each March the National Association for Music Education uses the month to highlight the importance of music education in schools. This marked the third year of the free event being held at the Park, allowing Warren County students to perform in front of a packed house, demonstrating the musical skills they’ve learned in school.

Featuring a cast of over 50 singers and musicians, including the Pioneers of Jazz band, the WCHS Flute Band and the Tree City Choir, a variety of musical genres were covered along with selections from the soundtrack of “The Sound of Music.” The students were led by WCHS Band Director Duane Farnham, WCHS Choir Director Kennette Dixon, Kaden Hobbs and West Elementary Choir Director Allie Morton.

The night served as a reminder to parents of the importance of music education as well as a rare opportunity for many aspiring singers and musicians to play for a large, appreciative crowd in a historic venue.

“These kids need to be able to have places to showcase what they’re doing within the music classes,” Dixon said. “They work hard and we love to give them a chance to show what their talents. I’m proud of all of these kids. Speaking for my groups - I have kids that come from all different backgrounds and focuses. They work hard on this music.”