Jefferson Middle School Concert Choir delighted elementary school students with lively performances during a whirlwind five-school tour on March 25, which highlighted the musical opportunities that await students in middle and high school.
The tour, which took the Jefferson choir to each of San Gabriel Unified’s elementary schools, was inspired by students’ desire to perform for their former teachers and to encourage students to continue their music education.
“We want elementary school students to continue to enjoy and experience the music programs they are in, as well as realize that even more opportunities await them in the future,” Jefferson choir director Rachel Chew said. “By showing them what they have to look forward to, students can see how what they learn when they’re young carries through in the years ahead.”
Accompanied by Jefferson cellist Sasha Sengelmann, a regional honor orchestra member, the choir performed a set of five Americana-themed songs, including “Measure Me Sky,” “Cindy” and “Elijah Rock.”
“Music has always been a big part of my life, so I love being part of the Jefferson music program,” Jefferson eighth-grader Sofia Meza said. “It’s really hard work, but we all have a lot of fun together and have cool experiences, so it is very rewarding.”
San Gabriel Unified provides a TK-12 pipeline of music instruction, beginning with foundational music lessons in elementary school, choral, orchestra and band electives in middle school and a dozen music, vocal and theater electives in high school.