Second-graders at Oak Orchard Primary perform enthusiastic debut concert
Photo courtesy of Chris Busch: The Oak Orchard Auditorium stage was packed with over 100 second grade performers last Thursday.
Courtesy of Chris Busch
MEDINA – “The weary world is always a better place when I hear the voices of young children lifted in song.”
Those were the thoughts of one and likely many more in the capacity crowd – more than 500 – attending last Thursday evening’s first annual 2nd Grade Spring Concert at Oak Orchard Primary School Auditorium in Medina.
Students from the entire 2nd grade class, numbering over 100, enthusiastically took turns reading aloud from Strictly No Elephants, a delightful children’s book authored by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo.
The stage was filled with the children of 2nd grade, flanking a huge screen center stage showing the pages of the illustrated book for the audience to see.
The book synopsis, according to goodreads.com states:
“Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.
Imaginative and lyrical, this sweet story captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet.”
The whimsical book reading was interspersed with four songs, perfectly performed again by the entire second grade under the direction of Mrs. Andrea Busch, Oak Orchard Primary School music teacher.
The selections included “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles, “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers, “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars, and “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” by Randy Newman.
At the end of the performance, students were excited to see the audience leap to their feet with a thunderous standing ovation. Wide eyes and bright smiles were seen all around.
“These 2nd graders are truly, truly a wonderful group!” said Mrs. Busch. “I’m so very proud of them!”
And at that moment in the auditorium, the world was definitely a better place.
