Goodrich – Oaktree Elementary children took a dream-like journey in this year’s holiday music program, ‘The Polar Express?.
On the stage of the Goodrich High School auditorium, third, fourth, and fifth-graders made a musical North Pole-pilgrimage this week following the narration of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s story.
It’s was a stroke of good fortune that this year’s music program choice coincided with the release of the popular animated movie, featuring the voices of Tom Hanks and Michael Jeter, says music teacher Kelley Brill.
‘I just got lucky,? she said. ‘I was getting ready in the fall for Christmas, and a friend had done this idea.?
Oaktree Principal Mike Ellis? narrative of the story is enhanced by vocal and instrumental selections along the journey, such as Finnish and Russian folk songs, ‘Deck the Halls?, ‘Silent Night?, ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?, ‘The Bell?, ‘Shalom?, and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.?
Students in the classes of Amanda Gentry, Evie Archambeau, Wayne Wilson, Janet McMahon, Mary Jaje,and Melissa Hepler wore pajamas on stage while playing rhythm instruments and singing the folk songs.
The concert was the third performed in the school, with two classes of each grade level in each concert, said Brill.
‘We don’t have Tom Hanks or the roller coaster ride, but we gave ’em a great musical experience.?