Stargazers Preps Students for Performance Choir
Younger students at Wilson School enjoy a unique performance opportunity with the Stargazers group. Now in its third season, Stargazers provides a show choir experience for students in grades four, five, and six. The activity was introduced to help the students better understand what show choir involves, while having an opportunity to perform.
Stargazers practices weekly and performs for the Wilson community throughout the school year. The ensemble is open to any student who expresses an interest. Teacher Syndy Richey conducts the choir and is assisted by fellow Wilson teacher, Kameron VanDeest, who designs and teaches the choreography.
"Stargazers is not only a singing group, but they also do rather complex choreography," explained Richey. "The choreography includes solo movements, as well as partner movements. For most students, this is their first experience with group dancing. They really enjoy doing the movements, so much so, that sometimes they forget to sing. One of the most challenging aspects of this group is combining singing and dancing. Students work very hard at doing this."
The program has grown from 20 students its first year to 35 performers now. "Stargazers is popular with students who like to express themselves through singing and dancing," added Richey. "I think it's important to teach students at a young age that music can be an enjoyable and educational part of life."
Wilson is the District's only 2-8 school building. Students in grades 7 and 8 have the opportunity to participate in the StarElite Wilson Middle School show choir.