ASL blog: a high point for Grade 4 with Harmony High!

It’s been a long time in production, but this week our oldest lower school students brought a spectacular production to life before a packed audience. Lower school performing arts teacher Bronagh Coakley shares her thoughts on bringing the Grade 4 musical to the ASL stage—finally! What a great way to mark their return to in-person performance.

Our students were due to perform the Grade 4 musical, Harmony High, in March of 2020. We got as far as practicing on the stage and then lockdown happened! The musical is a great story about a school where everything is learned through singing and music. After a couple of years without being able to sing, it seemed especially relevant to perform this show now that we can sing again!

A song and dance
The students began the process in January, and I began planning for the 2022 musical in the summer of 2021. Students learned the songs and dances in music class, and each class was given a scene; try-outs were held before February Break for anyone who wanted a singing solo. About 96 students wanted a speaking part, so I made adjustments to make sure everyone was included. Usually, there are many parent volunteers, but we began at a time when restrictions were still in place. This was a major challenge as I was trying to remember everything from several years ago so that the students would have the best experience! Ordering costumes for 106 students was a little daunting. Also, there were absences owing to illness, which extended from January into the live performances. This required plenty of flexibility from everyone. There was no practicing outside of school hours as everything was rehearsed during music classes. 

Working in harmony
"Many students have blossomed into excellent performers" Many students have blossomed into excellent performers and communicators as a result of this experience. Rising to the challenge of singing, dancing and speaking in public for the first time since December 2019 has been a terrific accomplishment. The opportunity to work together as a grade, and then as a smaller unit with the class group, gave students a change to bond. The performing arts brings us together while encouraging us out of ourselves into the joyous world of sharing our craft with others.

It is a delight to be sharing our performances with parents and families. I am very proud of my Grade 4 students. They worked hard and put on a musical in which they can take enormous pride!