The talents of Iredell County artists both young and old will be celebrated when the Iredell-Statesville Schools All-County Elementary Chorus and Mooresville native Cotton Ketchie partner for a morning of music and art on Feb. 18.
Guest composer Andy Beck, who Shepherd Elementary music teacher Jamie Holman called “the biggest of the big in writing for children’s music,” is directing the children.
Students from all 17 elementary schools in the system take part in the chorus after a selection process done independently by the schools. Also on display at the event will be art done by elementary students, which will be judged for awards.
Holman, who is chairing the event, said it’s an opportunity to expose students to those who have turned art into a real occupation.
“Having Cotton Ketchie (and Beck) at this event allows students to see how following one’s true passion and love of art in any form, painting, photography, and even writing, can be a successful choice and that they can develop their own skills following the model he gives,” Holman said.
All levels of I-SS are contributing to the elementary students’ performance. West Iredell High School student Amanda Tucker and Statesville High School student Drew Long will accompany on the flute and drums, respectively. Brawley Middle School choral teacher Kay Peeler will be the piano player. Videography students from the Collaborative College of Technology and Leadership are taping the performance to make DVDs available.
Music was distributed to the students before Christmas for them to study and practice. The morning of Feb. 18, Ketchie will be showing his artwork from 9:30-11 a.m. and will present a special piece he has chosen to donate to I-SS. During that time, the children will rehearse with Beck before the curtain rises at 11 a.m.
“(The students) come ready to…be able to present a concert that is beyond the capacity of any one teacher or musician,” Holman said.
A total of six students from each elementary school are participating. There are five pieces that will be performed.
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