Spring is a time to sing and the choir at Ratushniak Elementary School in Maidstone has been spreading joy with their performance, Hip Hip Hooray. The choir has grown since last year and this year took on an ambitious schedule for their program of verse and song. Each student had a line to speak and the songs challenged the group with harmonies, parts and sometimes tongue-twisting lyrics, but the directors, accompanists and singers rose to the challenge as they shared a message of friendship.
They began their tour with a performance at Pine Island Lodge on March 21, followed by an event open to the public and hosted by the Maidstone Public Library at the Seniors' Drop-In Centre on March 23. They performed for the rest of the student body on March 28 and at a concert for the community on the evening of March 30.
The main concert also had guest performances by the Maidstone High School Rock Band. The band members inspired the young children to keep working on their music.
Musical selections from Hip Hip Hooray were performed at the Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival on April 1 and at the Maidstone Trade Fair on April 2. The students in the choir were there by choice and represent both divisions 1 and 2. They practise on Mondays during the lunch break, giving up their time outside to learn the songs and to practise for performances. Hip hip hooray for a job well done.
