Blaine County Schools Announce Holiday Programs

Blaine County Schools will be hosting their holiday programs in the coming days. From A Festive Night of Music in Chinook on December 15 to a gift exchange in Turner on December 19, and from several schools with schedules in between those dates, area youth will facilitate a festive spirit by sharing their talents.

Music Instructor Alicia Noel at Chinook High School shares that the 6-12 band concert will be on December 15 at 7:00 when they present A Festive Night of Music in Lloyd Sweet Auditorium.

"Some things to expect from this concert will be two songs from the junior high, two songs from the high school, and one song performed by the whole band," Noel said.

When asked whether there would be any costumes, solos, or other special highlights, Noel responded: "No, but the students will hopefully dress up in their coolest ugly sweaters."

On the following night, December 16, Meadowlark Elementary School will hold their Winterfest concert in Chinook. K-2 will take the stage in Lloyd Sweet Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m., and students in grades 3-5 will follow at approximately 7:00. Music Teacher Amy Spence claims that the presentation will include singing, instrumental music, choreography, humor, and holiday cheer.

For an evening of musical entertainment, Harlem High School (HHS) Music Instructor, Daniel Owens also invites the public to the high school music department's Winter Concert scheduled for December 16. The concert will start at 7:00 p.m. in HHS's Little Gym where the High School Concert Band, Concert Choir, 8th Grade Band, 7th Grade Band, and Junior High Choir will perform. Owens relays that the evening will feature a mix of both contemporary and Christmas themed music.

At Harlem Elementary School, the venue for the holiday program will be the new elementary gym. Split over two afternoons, December 17 and 18, the kindergarteners will take the stage at noon on Wednesday, with first, second, and third graders to follow. Then, on Thursday afternoon, the fourth graders will begin their program at 12:30 p.m. with the fifth graders following at 1:15, and the sixth graders performing at 2:00.

So as to facilitate safety and to promote the flow of traffic, school officials ask that those attending the event to please avoid blocking driveways when parking along the street at the elementary school. Furthermore, because other grade levels will still be at lunch during certain segments of the concert, guests are asked to use the New Gym entrance rather than the school's main entrance.

As related by Music Teacher Michelene Edwards, the songs are all winter and Christmas themed, and the performers will present on a set created by the elementary art department under the direction of Art Teacher Rhawnee Hopkins.

In Turner, the elementary Christmas program will take place at 2:41 p.m. on Thursday, December 18. School officials report that all K-6 Turner Public School students will be participating in Christmas in Hollywood, a musical review of several popular Christmas films, including Home Alone and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. "Students will be singing and dancing with the added anticipation of a visit from our favorite elf from the North Pole at the end," explains Mrs. Elissa Zellmer.

For their celebration, Turner Public School students in grades 7-12 will participate in a White Elephant gift exchange on December 19. With a price limit of $25, students and parents are reminded that gifts must be age and school appropriate. Students can begin bringing their wrapped gifts now and leaving them in Mr. Mejia's classroom.

Another school with a December 18 show is Zurich Elementary. According to one of the Lead Teachers, Heather Brown, the production is a play "with plenty of singing" and will begin at 7:00 on Thursday evening.

Authored by sixth and seventh graders, Kenzie MacLeod, Kylee Baird, and Matthew Thompson, the students titled the production "A Small Problem on Christmas Eve." The program will involve the entire school, grades K-7.

As an invitation to their performance, Mrs. Brooke Pruttis' students wrote this synopsis: "It's Christmas Eve at the North Pole, and the elves, reindeer, and Santa are getting prepared for takeoff to deliver presents. All of the elves but one are dutifully working. Nutmeg, a disgruntled elf, has different plans for Christmas night. Delivery of the presents for good boys and girls is at stake. Will the children be disappointed on what they do or don't find under their trees on Christmas Day? Join us at Zurich School on December 18 to find out. There will be cookies!"

Brown added: "From writing the play, helping to pick out the songs, and making/collecting most of the props, the students are very involved this year. Every student has multiple lines to memorize, making each character and every student important."

This array of opportunities should provide Hi-Line residents with entertainment possibility.