Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The last two weeks have been filled with music at John Chavis Middle School as the school's band and chorus students took the stage for their annual Spring Concert. Led by veteran chorus and first-year band teacher Elisha Lamanna, the performances showcased months of hard work, growth, and dedication from students across the program.
The Band Spring Concert was held on April 28 at 6 PM, followed by the Chorus Spring Concert on May 5 at 6 PM. Together, the concerts highlighted the role music continues to play within the school community.
This 2025-2026 school year marked a major transition for the JCMS music department. With only one teacher overseeing both band and chorus, Lamanna has taken on nearly double the responsibilities.
"I have twice as many students, twice as many preps, two classrooms to prepare every day and maintain, twice as many meetings, twice the number of auditioned events to prepare the students for, twice as many All-County´s, twice the number of concerts to prepare and present, twice as many accounts and expenditures to keep up with, and countless school-owned instruments to keep up with and complete minor repairs!"
- Elisha Lamanna, Music Teacher at John Chavis Middle School
Despite the demanding workload, Lamanna says she has started to find her own rhythm throughout the year with support from both the school and community. She credited her husband for helping run sound during performances, Mr. Crawford for assisting with band instruction, and Cherryville High School students who volunteer their time to help with inexperienced musicians.
Music Instructor, Elisha Mitschke-Lamanna, introducing the band musicians | John Chavis Middle School Spring Concert 2026
Mason Beam (WNN)
One of those opportunities is a mentorship program in which advanced high school band students tutor sixth-grade band members. This collaboration between middle school and high school allows for younger students to participate in marching band activities. As middle schoolers take note from high schoolers, they are also gaining more live performances that will benefit them later in their musical career.
(Please use the above arrows to scroll through the photo gallery)
One of the most challenging pieces performed by the sixth-grade band was "This Land is Your Land." According to Lamanna, the selection stood out because of its multiple key changes and stylistic shifts. Much of the complication, specifically in sixth-grade band, stemmed from unfamiliarity with their instruments and embouchure.
The performance reflected the growth of many first-year musicians experienced throughout the school year as they developed both technical skills and confidence on stage.
After months of rehearsal, the eighth-grade chorus closed out their middle school performance of "Dance!", a fully a cappella piece that incorporated bodily percussion and choreography.
The energetic performance challenged students to stay rhythmically connected without instrumental accompaniment. For many eighth graders, the piece served as a memorable final performance before moving on to high school.
Students heavily involved in the JCMS music program often continue their musical journeys through regional opportunities such as All-County Band and Chorus. Students are selected through an audition process and then perform alongside other talented musicians in the region. Students who made All-County Chorus and All-County Band are listed below:
Lamanna says student effort and commitment are a driving force behind these students. "I tell my kids every day, 'Don't do anything in life halfway. Never just go through the motions. Be active learners!"
A large number of sixth graders have shown interest in joining the chorus music program. Lamanna said the school may need to add another sixth-grade chorus class to meet demand. However, band enrollment numbers have stayed about the same, but she hopes to see the program continue to grow in the future.
Watch select performances from each grade level here:
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