China Schools Music Program— The Wonderful, Talented Mr. Bickford!
by Miranda Babson
During November and December this year our music director, Mr. Joshua Bickford, was very busy.
November 30th saw the first and second-grade students presenting a concert focusing on Thankfulness. Mr. Bickford and the students, with the help of pre-K teacher Ms. Robie (narrator) and volunteer Mrs. Mason (pianist), presented a delightful folktale-told-in-song which featured several student soloists. Each class was also able to accompany themselves on various instruments. Costumes were designed and created with the help of Mrs. Mason. Mr. Bickford wrote the play and arranged the music for this concert.
On December 13th, third and fourth-grade students presented a comedy in the style of The Muppet Show, complete with a “special guest star,” third-grade teacher Mrs. Gledhill. This story was also written and the music selected and arranged by Mr. Bickford. Several students had speaking parts, operated the puppets, sang musical solos, and played instruments. The fourth-grade recorder group performed “The Good King Wenceslas,” and the fourth-grade chorus sang beautifully harmonized Christmas carols. The work and practice of the entire school, led by Mr. Bickford, resulted in a phenomenal performance enjoyed by family and staff.
The multi-talented Mr. Bickford is already planning for the spring productions with themes such as the solar system and Aesop’s fables. The kindergarten class will also get their chance to shine in June when they present a musical version of the beloved book Caps for Sale.
Our middle school students also are able to work with Mr. Bickford. He directs the choral groups for our fifth through eighth graders, who presented their winter concert on the evening of December 18th.