12/27/07
CSD1’s expanding arts program highlighted at Extravaganza
By Chris Bullard

CHRIS BULLARD/Manning Times

CSD1 Early Childhood Center Chorus sings “Silver Bells” at the Summerton Cultural Arts Center for the Winter Extravaganza on Dec. 17.

Almost every seat was filled at the Summerton Cultural Arts Center for Clarendon School District 1’s annual Winter Extravaganza on the evening of Dec. 17.

The Winter Extravaganza is a night for all schools in CSD1 to display their talent through the arts.

People flowed into the hallways of the building for the art show that displayed student’s work. The art classes are taught by Tarleton Blackwell at Scott’s Branch High School, and by Hope Watson at Scott’s Branch Middle School.

Master of Ceremony John Hilderbrand and Mistress of Ceremony Mrs. Patricia Middleton welcomed the audience and introduced each act, adding in their own dose of humor to keep the crowd laughing.

The Extravaganza Choral kicked off the musical portion of the evening singing “December in Our Town.” The Choral was a combination of all vocal ensembles involved throughout the evening.

Next were the Tap Dancing Eagles, who performed three times throughout the night; the last one a duet with choreographer Rena Walton and her student, Tevin Riley.

“I had a lot of fun. It’s a good experience and I finally got to tap with one of the best tap teachers I know,” said Riley.

The Tap Dancing Eagles have been practicing since October for the extravaganza and their program is open and free to any students interested in CDS1.

After the first tap dance was guest violinist Dariann Wilson from Walker Gamble Elementary School.

Next up were the Gospel Boys of Manning; a seven-member gospel/hip-hop group that performed their versions of “Lean on Me” and “Silent Night,” followed by the Early Childhood Center singing “Silver Bells.”

Following that was the second tap performance and the St. Paul Elementary School Chorus singing “This Christmas.”

The extravaganza proceeded with a piano recital that included four pieces.

First was Brittany Smith playing “Fur Elise” by Beethoven. Second was Olivia Wilson playing “The Party” by John Thomson followed by Johnnie Green playing “Minuet in G” by Bach.

Concluding the piano recital was De Asia Brown playing “Joy to the World” by Handel.

Shelia Barringer, event coordinator and performing arts director for SBMS and SMHS, taught the student’s piano.

“We have a lot of artsy things going on. Student’s can not only use arts on a school level, but as a way of living,” said Barringer.

Following the piano recital was the SBMS Chorus singing “Never Give Up,” the SBHS Chorus singing “Angels We Have Heard On High” and the tap-dance duet.

The program closed with the Extravaganza Choral singing “Seasons of Hope.”

Closing Remarks were given by CSD1 superintendent, Dr. Rose Wilder as she invited everyone to stay and enjoy refreshments.

“It was a wonderful evening and opportunity to showcase the talent of our students. We want to infuse the arts through our curriculum,” said Wilder.

CSD1 will also put on a Spring Extravaganza that is combined with a dinner theater and is open to the community.