This week Fields Store Elementary (FSE) students showcased their holiday spirit during the fifth-grade program. The program was opened by the fourth- and fifth-grade choir, which is made up of 50 students who have been rehearsing before school for several weeks.

Next, the program’s headliners, the fifth-grade class took the stage to perform an arrangement of traditional holiday tunes. Students have been practicing reading music, memorization, and performance etiquette. A small ensemble of fifth-grade students have also been practicing before school to perfect their songs.

“The goal is for these students to have a fun and positive music experience,” FSE Music Teacher Cindi Rauch said. “If they have enjoyable fine arts experiences at the elementary level, they are likely to continue to study and perform music as they move through junior high and high school.”

During the program, there were special guest appearances who had the crowd out of their seats. Fifth-grade student Andi Casey dressed as the Grinch and FSE therapy dog Story Pruitt accompanied her as Max.

To share the magic of the holiday season, the choir recently visited local nursing homes to perform and interact with the residents.