By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com
* Video – 8th Grade Chorus
* Photo gallery – more than 300 images
ROCKINGHAM — Lauren Lutz was in front of the eighth grade chorus and, for a moment, turned her back to them.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
This guitar ensemble member smiles as the group begins “Fur Elise,” by Beethoven and arranged by instructor Curtis Swallow.
It wasn’t a sign of disrespect; to the contrary, it was a chance for the Rockingham Middle School choral director to pay homage to someone for which she has a high degree of respect and admiration. Lutz introduced Debbie Price, former Rockingham Junior High and Richmond Senior High choral director who taught Lutz at both levels.
“She made me feel like a real musician as an eighth grader,” Lutz said. “and that takes talent.”
Price retired in December after 40 years in education and remains active in the community through church and other activities. Lutz brought her on stage to accompany the eighth grade chorus in “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which, Lutz noted, had some familiarity other than Simon and Garfunkel.
“… and she taught me this song,” Lutz said.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
The performance was part of the Rockingham Middle School Fine Arts Departmnt’s Spring Showcas inside Kat Finley Auditorium. The two-hour program featured the Rocket band, all three grade-level chorus groups, the eighth grade women’s chorus and the guitar ensemble.
In addition to the on-stage performances, dozens of students had pieces of art on display in the auditorium.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
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