Local school districts deserve applause for musicals this past month

Editor:

This time of year has been a busy one for schools, as talented individuals throughout the area graced their respective school stages in various musicals that showcase the impressive talent in our own backyards.

Not unlike the athletes who play more frequent games and receive plaudits for their accomplishments on the fields, courts, or diamonds, the students who work to put on shows have also devoted countless extra hours to something they are passionate about.

The community that develops within a musical theater production is quite unique, and one needed only be present for the final show of a 3-day run this past month to see the emotion on students’ faces.

The culmination of daily work starting approximately four months prior to each show was on full display for the public to see, and witnessing students pour their hearts and souls into their respective performances was truly a sight to behold from one’s seat in the audience.

Watching from the audience as a parent, though? No words can adequately describe the pride felt watching your own child do well on a stage in either a group or flying solo. Seeing them discover new talents or step out of their comfort zone and do so successfully is immensely satisfying.

Getting to know many of the students in several districts over the past few years has only added to this feeling, because the whole idea of “my kids” takes on a whole new meaning from inside a classroom and that pride is exponentially multiplied.

Along with all of this, the time and effort put in by the teachers who undertake such intensive projects needs to be applauded. They are effectively music/drama coaches who manage to take our children and push them to reach their potential in ways many of them never imagined possible.

Along with the students, I’ve gotten to know a few of these professionals through working at several local districts in the past couple of years, and through watching my own kids grow up with music instruction during the school year and through summer programs. They are extraordinary people!

Ultimately, I’m sure there are many people reading this who enjoyed the collaborations between these teachers and students that made its way to local stages during March. To all of the students who have participated, I hope you found the experience as rewarding as I’m sure your parents found it entertaining.

And, if you’re an underclassman, I hope you continue on with this activity next year. As for the teachers who have made it their business to coax the best out of these students to put their vision on stage, I thank all of you as a parent, a spectator, and a fellow educator. You all deserve a curtain call and a standing ovation!

Howie Balaban

Medina