On Thursday, December 7th, the third graders at Fair Grove Elementary went on a trip around the world, in song! The program, “It’s a Small World,” was about a group of third graders trying to take the perfect class trip. The kids sang songs, performed dances, and wore clothes from many different countries. Heather Lumley, Elementary Music Teacher, said, “There is a travel agent who introduces the kids to a variety of destinations around the world. However, the children decide they would like to learn more about the good old USA, and decide to take their trip here in the states.”

A+ student, Jacob Buckner (12), played a large role in the program by finding it in the archives of the music department and helping the children learn their parts. He added, “Each class represented a different country or geographical location. We had groups representing, Mexico, The United Kingdom, Europe, China, and Australia. We also sang and talked about the United States as a full grade level.”

Each class of third graders learned their own special parts and had been working hard on this program for a long time. Mrs. Lumley said, “We had been preparing for this program all of October and November.  Mrs. Monday’s class came to me on Mondays and we learned their speaking parts, special class songs, acting parts, and group songs.  Then, on Tuesday’s I saw Ms. Glenn’s kiddos and I worked on all of their special parts to the program.  On Wednesday, I saw Mrs. Strader’s kids, and on Thursday I saw Mrs. Fender’s class. Once a month on Friday’s I had all four classes together and we did a run through of the entire program.”

The kids were very excited to perform in front of their families on Thursday night, Buckner stated, “I was excited to see the kids get excited for the program. As we got closer to the program, the kids were getting really excited and showing their love for it. I have been told by some parents that their kids have really loved music this year and that they are excited to come to music class and learn. That is what it’s all about, inspiring kids.”