Tuesday night’s performance was part magic, glee and glitter.
Almost 200 kindergarten and first-graders performed “Rockin’ the Holidays,” before three times as many family members and friends at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Successfully corralling that many five- and six-year-olds requires special talents, no doubt, but even more impressive was their enthusiasm. They sang their hearts out.
How soon we adults forget the magic of not only the season, but also of performing and its inherent joy. The children swayed, clapped, whooped and hollered in their unbridled glee.
But that’s not to say they were undisciplined.
Directed to wear their holiday finest, the girls were aglitter with bows in their hair, sparkly dresses, tartan skirts, and patent leather shoes. For the boys, many wore suits and ties and festive sweaters. Their hair was smartly parted.
Mr. Creitz, the Bowlus’ first executive director, and whose crisp appearance personified professionalism, would have been proud.
Former Iolan Jackie Talkington Chase once shared that as a youth she was instructed to dress in a manner that honors the Bowlus — Iola’s “crown jewel.”
Her mother, Donna Talkington, also knew that one’s attire influences one’s comportment.
True enough, Tuesday evening’s Little Lord Fauntleroys were downright angelic.
By our example, we teach our children how to respect each other, traditions and institutions.
Hats off to Kate Vernon, K-2nd grade music instructor at Iola Elementary School, for holding her students to that expectation and for bringing the community a delightful program.
— Susan Lynn
