John Chavis Middle School’s Night of the Arts Showcases Student Talent.

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network 

Cherryville, NC (WNN)— On December 11th, 2024, John Chavis Middle School in Cherryville, North Carolina, hosted its Night of the Arts Winter Concert and Gallery. This event brought together students from different grades to showcase their musical and artistic talents. The concert was a great success, drawing a big crowd and highlighting the creativity of each student.

The large crowd in attendance for John Chavis’ Night Of the Arts. December 10th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

John Chavis Middle School Celebrates Local Arts Education

Band Director Austin Berry praised the students’ hard work and growth throughout the evening. “I think they did a fantastic job,” Berry said. “Sixth graders going from brand new to playing a concert, seventh and eighth grade growing on what they did last year. It’s just a fantastic thing to see them go from where they started to where they are now.” Berry also talked about the importance of learning from mistakes and how it helps students progress. “We learn by making those mistakes, right? That’s the point of school, is to make the mistakes in a safe environment and then learn upon them and progress.”

A display of the 6th grade classes snowman candle holders. December 10th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

Highlighting Each Grade’s Creative Talent

The night featured performances from each grade levels chorus groups singing a few different Christmas songs, while different grade levels of the band performed their own selections of holiday music. In addition, students had artwork displayed in the halls of the school, showcasing their talent and creativity through visual arts. This combination of music and visual art helped illustrate the diverse talents of the students.

The 7th grade Chorus Ensemble. December 10th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

Collaboration Between Arts Educators Shows Student Talent

Berry, along with art teacher Anna Wooten and chorus teacher Elisha Lamanna, highlighted the value of collaboration between different arts disciplines. “Too often it’s just the, you know, audio arts, the band, the chorus that get all the spotlight. But why not also celebrate what the visual arts students can do?” Berry said. “They have more talent in their fingertips than I do when it comes to creating visual arts.” The Night of the Arts Winter Concert and Gallery was a unique chance to showcase the diverse talents of all students involved.

The Chorus, Art, and Band Teachers. Left to Right: Elisha Lamanna, Anna Wooten, and Austin Berry. December 10th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

Encouraging Newcomers to Join Arts Programs

Berry also encouraged students not yet involved in the arts to get involved. “Come talk to us,” he said. At the start of the year, many students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades approached me about joining the program. Some didn’t sign up initially because they were unaware that band, chorus, and art were available to them. “We’re eager to welcome more students so we can grow and create beautiful music and art together. It’s all about having fun and making something meaningful.”

Austin Berry the band director presenting his Gracie Ellis with the microphone to narrate part of the piece “We Wish You a Scary Christmas!” December 10th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

Fostering Community Support for Arts Education

The Night of the Arts Winter Concert and Gallery at John Chavis Middle School highlighted students’ artistic talents and stressed the importance of community support for arts education. Events like this are essential for encouraging creativity and getting students involved in the arts.


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