By Thomas Sellers Jr.
There were serious doubt the lights would be coming on in the Millington Performing Arts Center to shine on the Millington Central High School Choir Program.
The determination of Choral Director Leah Thomas, students and administration made the 2020-21 school year concert possible. The production was given the appropriate title “Everlasting Melody.”
“Tonight we have a spring concert in collaboration with MCHS, a couple of students from MES and one student from Millington Middle School,” Thomas said. “It’s been super difficult. For some kids it’s their first time in rehearsal earlier today singing together out of this whole school year.
“It’s been very strange,” Thomas acknowledged. “Most of my classes are three to five people in each class. They have to spread out, wear masks and face shields in the classroom. It’s been really challenging.”
Before the doors of the MPAC open at 6 p.m., the participate finally met for rehearsals. It quick form the program came together.
Arr. Mac Huff
“Songs of a Disney Princess”
I. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes – Jayde Gabbard, soloist
II. Part of Your World – Imani Brock, soloist
III. A Whole New World – Autumn Boykin, soloist
IV. Colors of the Wind – Trinitee Dickerson, soloist
V. Reflection – Abbie Gallo, soloist
Sleeping at Last/ Ryan O’Neal
“North”
Ally Marona and Mark Colon, soloists
South African Folk Song, Arr. Donald Moore
“Siyahamba”
Josephine Poelinitz, Arr. Henry Leck, ed.
“City Called Heaven”
Ed Robertson
“Dream a Dream”
Rollo A. Dillworth
“Everlasting Melody”
Alyssa West, Amiyah Jackson, Addison Strevel, soloists
“They had to practice at home a lot,” Thomas said. “I had to upload music and send it home.”
With the global pandemic in the backdrop, Thomas also had the audience in mind to conduct the only concert of the year.
“I wanted to limit the audience to 100 people, social distance them on stage,” she noted. “They have to wear a mask as they sing. We did put a little insert in their mask to give them some room from their faces. I thought about not having one but I would hate for them not to have one the whole year.”
Thomas said the concert was a chance to honor the Class of 2020 and her current group of seniors.
“It means a whole lot to them,” she explained. “They’re representing the seniors who didn’t get to have their concert last year. Two of our seniors are seniors are singing a duet together on the song “North.” Ally Marona and Mark Colon, its a special moment those two get to sing together.
“And Trey Dean is a virtual student,” Thomas added. “He doesn’t come to class everyday and he still learned his music outside of class has come to sing with us today.”
And the leader of the MCHS Choral Department the last three years acknowledged the night held special meaning for her as well.
“It has been kind of emotional,” she said. “Music is something that draws people together a lot. Despite all we’ve been through with COVID we can still come together and share something that will make somebody else feel special.
“It’s been great to see all the kids grow, come out of their comfort zone,” Thomas concluded. “When you have just three people in class singing three-part harmony, you’ve got to learn how to hold your note.”
Thomas gave a special thanks to the MCHS Choral Boosters, MCHS, MMS, and Millington Elementary School Administration, Millington Municipal Schools and faculty of all the schools, Ben Parker (sound), Leigh Ann Evans (light), Marshonn Calvin (video), Chris Weiner (program/percussion) and an extra special thanks to all the wonderful parents.
Interested in being a part of the MMS Virtual Talent Show? Visit this link and submit a video by April 30th at https://drive.google.com/file/d/141bFvuHCfIYB58t5GPCcRR4QajkLrh6V/view ?usp=sharing
