Today we’re featuring stories from two contributors at BFA Elementary! Principal Tom Walsh writes about the spring 4/5 Grade Dramatic Club presentation, and Sarah Wolff, our General Music Teacher, shares about the VMEA Choral Festival.
BFA Fairfax Elementary 4/5 Drama Club Continues to Entertain
Dramatic Arts at BFA Fairfax continue to grow and thrive. This year our school has offered four performances that have provided opportunities for over one hundred students in grades 3-12. This past Tuesday, our grades Four/Five Drama Club put on two highly entertaining performances of Kid Frankenstein for students, parents and staff members.
I always appreciate the opportunity to watch the expressions and reactions of audience members as they see their friend, sibling, or family member shine during the performance. The smiles, laughter and pride are contagious. It never gets old watching our students take a risk and discover the enjoyment of performing for others. Most importantly, students have fun, build positive memories, and foster the continued desire to participate in theater.
I want to extend a big thank you to Katie Haddock, Juliet King, and Jennifer, Mark, and Nevan Kalbfleisch for continuing to provide this opportunity for our students. We are so fortunate to have a dedicated and committed group of people that value dramatic arts, and offer these engaging opportunities annually for our students. I appreciate that our community continues to support local theater and I look forward to next year’s performances.
Twelve BFA 5th Graders Participate in Choral Festival as Part of Music in Our Schools Month
On March 19, 12 BFA Fairfax 5th graders attended the 2019 VMEA 4th & 5th Grade Choral Festival in St. Johnsbury, VT. These 12 students, along with 11 other elementary schools from across the state made up the 175+ choral ensemble. Students spent the day working with a special guest conductor rehearsing music in preparation for a concert the same evening. In between rehearsal time, students had the chance to meet other kids from across the state of Vermont who share their interest in singing. They also had the opportunity to listen to an outstanding performance by the Mill River Union High School Chamber Singers of North Clarendon, VT.
After the performance, students were able to participate in a Q+A session with the high school singers. This special performance was a true inspiration for these young singers and it showed them that hard work and dedication can really go a long way.
This festival is held in March to help celebrate MIOSM (Music in Our Schools Month). The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.
Congratulations to the twelve 5th grade students who represented BFA Fairfax at this festival! Music education is certainly alive and flourishing in the state of Vermont!
Thomas Walsh is currently Principal of BFA Fairfax Elementary School and is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY. You can follow him on Twitter @educatamount
Sarah Wolff is the K-5 General Music Teacher at BFA Fairfax.
The FWSU Story 
So happy BFA has these opportunities for students! Thanks!
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