BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The end of the school year is one of the busiest for kids and their families. There are last-minute sports events, celebrations and music concerts.
A group of students at Bismarck’s Solheim Elementary School is preparing for what they hope might be the best concert of the entire year.
“I love to sing,” said fifth grader Lenex Schillinger, who said she also loves to dance.
The Cougar Chorale gives her a chance to do both.
Schillinger is one of more than 40 fifth graders at Solheim Elementary who are a part of this show choir. All these kids share her passion for performing.
“I’m obsessed with singing and dancing,” said fifth grader Emerlee Fettig.
“I love singing and dancing and hanging out with my friends,” added her classmate Raelynn Nelson.
Their teacher, Abelardo Flores, is happy to have all these singers and dancers in this special choir.
The Cougar Chorale started three years ago when a group of fifth graders asked Mr. Flores if they could perform more.
“The first year we had 14,” he recalled.
The next year, there were 26 kids. This year, there are 42.
This year, there is also a smaller audition-only group, called the Cougar Chamber Chorus. They tackle more difficult songs.
Each song has its own dance moves, all choreographed by these fifth graders.
“They’re very creative and imaginative,” said Flores.
What they might not realize is that while they learn these moves and have fun doing what they love, they’re also learning some other things, like cooperation, teamwork and leadership.
Mr. Flores said to his knowledge, the Cougar Chorale might be the only elementary show choir in the entire state.
The Cougar Chorale will perform next Tuesday evening at the Bismarck High School auditorium. The Junior Chorale—a group of fourth graders—and some Cougar Chorale alumni will also join them on stage for a few songs.
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