The second night of the 2021 “This is our Story” at Valparaiso High School was a huge success for all. Mrs. Jean Sienkowski, Principal at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, led the event as Master of Ceremonies this Tuesday evening.
“I am thrilled to present ‘This is our Story’ this year,” said Sienkowski.
The annual show took a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, but is back and better than ever. “This is our Story” is a three-day event with performances on Sunday afternoon and both Monday and Tuesday evening. Each day featured different music, and the programs’ cover art for each day was original artwork from students.
Tonight’s program artist was ninth-grader Bryn A. Solmos, whose artwork was one of the contest winners. The winning artwork features a lovely nature scene inside a snow globe with a snowman and ice rink in front of a cozy little house in the woods.
Valparaiso Community Schools showcased the holiday songs they’ve been practicing for months while specially featured art projects by students were on display. This annual event is to honor and highlight all of the arts in Valparaiso schools.
The all-inclusive art exhibit featured work by students from kindergarten to twelfth grade. It was put on in the lobby for all to view before, during, and after the holiday concert. Drawings, paintings, and digital art were all included and celebrated.
Onlooker Kelly Reese was caught admiring the digital art featured.
“What an exciting opportunity for students to experience having their art in an exhibit at such a young age. I’m sure it’s really encouraging for them to be celebrated like that,” said Reese.
Inside the Valparaiso High School gymnasium, voices rang out from elementary and middle school choir students as they performed songs like “Season of Hope” by Jay Althouse and “Ha Shalom” by Greg Gilpin. Choral, orchestra, and band teachers grinned proudly as they led their students through the songs. Friends and family in the audience listened intently and clapped vivaciously at the end of the performances.
Benjamin Franklin Middle School bands played some popular hits like “Feliz Navidad”, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, and the enchanting “The Polar Express” song. The Orchestras beautifully played songs like “Dreidel” and “Russian Dance.”
It was a beautiful and delightful evening, rich in the powerful celebration of music, art education, and self-expression.