Fall for the Arts: Branson Schools Concerts & Theatre Productions Wrap-Up

Branson Schools finished another season of arts; the press release below provides more information.

Many students showcased their acting, vocal, and instrumental talents during Branson Public Schools Fall Performance Season. Each production provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work by students and faculty from the Music & Fine Arts Departments.

Cedar Ridge Elementary and Buchanan Elementary hosted their third grade concerts titled, "Show Me Missouri." This musical revue consisted of songs focused on Missouri's rich history, taking listeners from the Pony Express to the Missouri Waltz to the Gateway Arch and even Kansas City BBQ. The fifth grade singers at Cedar Ridge Intermediate and Buchanan Intermediate performed "Jazz: A Swingin' Celebration." Classic jazz standards such as, "Route 66" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" were performed, as well as a crowd favorite, the theme song from "Batman."

The Branson Junior High School’s Theatre Department presented “Once Upon A Mattress Jr.” as their Fall Play. This musical comedy was a spin on the classic tale, The Princess and the Pea. Branson High School produced the play, "Metamorphoses,” as a unique retelling of eight different Greek myths, each one teaching a valuable lesson. Erin Moody, BHS theatre teacher and director, says, "This show taught me and my students the value of teamwork. Each scene had its own student director who worked tirelessly to make their visions come to life."

Branson High School Concert Band and Branson Junior High School 8th Grade Honors Band performed several noteworthy pieces at the Fall Band Concert. Music Selections included "Castles and Dragons" by Todd Stalter and "As Tears Fall on Dawn's New Light" by Richard Saucedo, among several others. The Pride of Branson Bands is under the direction of Daniel Jarrett, Leah Kubala, and John Kelly.

The Junior High and High School choruses were led by Jacob Carlew as vocalists sang "I Choose Love," with soloists Henry Cott (7th grade) and Madison Moore (8th grade), and finished their Fall Choir Concert with "Across the Wide Missouri." The Branson High School Men's Chorus, Advanced Women's Chorus, and Chamber Singers each took the stage to sing various numbers.

Cedar Ridge Intermediate music teacher, Salley Doherty, summed up the season best by adding, "Thanks to the students for making this season a success. Thank you parents and families for supporting music in our schools and encouraging students to develop an appreciation for the arts."