Clifton Ridge Elementary School hosted their ‘Fall Into the Arts’ program Oct. 26, highlighting the talents of students in the fine arts for the spooky season.
Lori Johnson, Clifton Ridge Middle School band director, said she was excited to watch her students perform their songs together. She said it was a fun evening for all families.
“Our ‘Fall Into the Arts’ program is an arts showcase, and we showcase chorus, band, drama, and visual arts students,” she said. “They deserve a chance to show off and be recognized like any other students. We were so excited to show them off and for everyone to see the great things they have worked on this year.”
She said the event was important for Clifton Ridge Middle School, because there was a lot for families and the community to see what the students have been up to. She said it brought people into the school that might not otherwise come to visit to see the students and meet the staff.
Tia Litke, the visual arts teacher, said some students might not do so great in other subjects in school, but in the arts they might excel. She said this is a way for them to shine and show off some of their unique skills.
“This was important for Clifton Ridge students, because arts education is a vital part of educating a whole child. There is creative thought when learning about art, and it makes students more well-rounded,” Litke said.
Caleb Adams, a seventh-grade band student, said the ‘Fall Into the Arts’ event was important, because it’s almost Halloween and the band had a chance to play some spooky songs for everyone. He said it’s the first concert the seventh and eighth grade band students got to play together.
“My favorite thing about ‘Fall Into the Arts’ was the ending, because it’s done with and we know we did a good job,” he said. “I like music, because it’s fun to play songs you know and learn new songs. I like being a part of the band, because it’s something fun to do.”
Johnson said the students got to hear the chorus for the first time, hear the seventh and eighth grade band students play Halloween themed songs, the drama students put on a play written by the eighth-grade students, and there was a visual arts display in the lobby of student art for everyone to view. She said she hopes everyone enjoyed the program the students worked so hard on.
“My favorite thing about this event each year here at Clifton Ridge is it’s a chance for us not to be so serious. We get to dress up in fun Halloween costumes and have fun together,” the band director said. “The students really enjoy it, and it’s a great time for our families to visit.”
