On Friday, February 14, the 5th grade Honor Choir, known as 'Las Cruces Sings,' filled the Performing Arts Center at Organ Mountain High School for a special musical performance. The ensemble, led by guest conductor Beth Borchert-Thomas and accompanied by collaborative pianist Hunter Mabery, delivered an unforgettable experience.
The concert, which was open to the public, began at 2:30 p.m. Music teachers from each elementary school individually selected students to participate in the performance. After learning and practicing the music independently, the students and their teachers gathered at the OMHS PAC at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the concert for an all-day full-group rehearsal.
Over 130 students participated in the concert, spending five hours rehearsing together before performing the following pieces: 'Stories of My Life' by David Waggoner, 'Shoo Fly' arranged by Greg Gilpin, 'Here Rattler, Here' arranged by Ruth Dwyer and Martin Ellis, 'Sakura' arranged by Julie Wheeler, and 'Hine Ma Tov' arranged by Henry Leck.
LCPS elementary music teachers collaborated to put on this wonderful performance. Teachers volunteered to serve on various committees that helped prepare the students for this concert. Some of these committees include selecting the clinician, choosing the music, creating rehearsal recordings for students, organizing lunch, handling announcements, providing rehearsal support, managing sign-in sheets, and designing the program. The dedication and teamwork of these music educators make this event a memorable experience for LCPS students.
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Please find the attached program for the list of students performing.
Teachers who have students participating in the Fifth Grade Honor Choir Performance:
Alameda: Kathleen Lestone
Booker T Washington: Ralph Cena
Central: Antoinette Gucela
Columbia: Leah Mathe
Conlee: Bailey McLellan
Desert Hills: Leslie Kowalski
Dona Ana: Maria Cantu
East Picacho: Kayla Matheison & David Culbert
Fairacres: Patricia Smith
Hermosa Heights: Elisabeth Greene
Highland: Kailee Howard & Mark Gallegos
Hillrise: Miranda Ludeman
Jornada: Bethany Martinez & David Culbert
Loma Heights: Tiffany Ward & Antoinette Gucela
MacArthur: Monique Davis
Mesilla: Joahna Lamboy-Estorga
Mesilla Park: Christina Fierro
Monte Vista: Kenna McNeil & Raul Olivas
Sonoma: Matt Reiter & Sabrina Bonn
Sunrise: Jared Davis & Emanuel Hernandez
Tombaugh: Alex Ellenwood & Abrianna Garcia
University Hills: Helaina Krug
Valley View: James Gier
White Sands: Autumn Haeker