On Thursday, Dec. 4, the Reidland Middle School choir performed at the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Power in Partnership Breakfast. The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce contacted McCracken County Schools in search of a choir, and Reidland Middle School was selected.
The performance marked the largest audience the choir had ever faced. Students performed six songs for attendees, concluding with one of their favorite pieces, “Christmas in About Three Minutes.”
According to Spencer Sullivan, band and choir director at Reidland Middle School, the performance served as preparation for the choir’s upcoming Christmas concert.
“Any opportunity to perform makes the next performance a little easier, especially from a nerves standpoint,” Sullivan said. “The more you perform, the easier it is to relax and enjoy the process of making music.”
Seventh-grader Hannah Couey said the experience helped students gain confidence.
“I think since we got to practice with a new audience that we’ve never performed in front of before, we were able to release all the nerves that we might have for future performances,” Couey said.
Seventh-grader Jackson Hatcher agreed, saying the large crowd helped the choir feel more prepared.
“It allowed us to be more ready for our performance because it was a big crowd,” Hatcher said.
While at the event, students also had the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of Josh Hunt, superintendent of McCracken County Schools. Hunt spoke about the importance of representing McCracken County Schools, Reidland Middle School, the Reidland music department and their director.
Seventh-grader Cassidy Hawkins said Hunt’s message was encouraging.
“He let us know that we’re doing a great job and that it’s OK to mess up,” Hawkins said. “He shared stories about mistakes he’s made and reminded us that all you can do is try your best. He said he was very proud of us, and it was a really great experience.”
Seventh-grader Allison Baxter said being part of the choir is meaningful to her.
“It’s an honor to be a part of what Sullivan is doing because he’s such a great director,” Baxter said. “I’m really proud to be in this choir.”
