This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Oakdale Elementary School holds Annual Spring Concert ...

students perform in end of the year show...

As the parent of a last year 5th grade student, and a next year 5th grade student, I`ve had the pleasure of attending a great deal of school "concerts."

There is no other however, that compares to the bittersweet joy of sitting in the audience at the Annual Oakdale Elementary School "Spring Concert."

With the confines of Winter behind you and the end of another school year in sight, parents and relatives come out in force to see their children sing on the school`s stage.
Looking around the crowded gym, you see the faces of parents, grandparents, and teachers that have become "friends" over the years. A warm smile, a hearty handshake, a peck on the cheek or a wave across the room and you know in your heart that this is where you`re supposed to be.

Year after year, it amazes me to see the confidence on the faces of the boys and girls finishing 1st grade, along with a sadness in the eyes of those about to complete the 5th grade. The students realize that this is just about the "last time" they will all gather in school together before they move on, and new "wide-eyed" youngsters will come along and take their place.

But, this year`s Concert was the best ( do I say that every year ?) with Principal Holli Armstrong and Music Director Bryan Bigelow putting together a non stop two hour show. The 340 plus students of the Elementary School have been rehearsing since January and Ms. Armstrong and Mr. Bigelow have worked tirelessly with the children before, during and after school.

After a few songs by the Oakdale 5th grade band and Mr. Mok`s string Orchestra, the boys and girls took to the stage. Grade by grade, they moved effortlessly through almost 20 songs to end with an all-school tribute performance to America ... Did I mention that this was the best "Spring Concert" ever ?

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?