Madison Blues

Madison Blues rocked and rolled as they completed performances at Cocoa & Carols this December. The troupe performed three songs and danced their way into the hearts of the full house. Director Ms. Versella James and the 4th/5th graders were spectacular as they sang their rendition of 'Doe, Re, Mi,' 'Santa Claus Is on His Way,' and 'Cranberries Forever.'

The Blues wishes to thank Mr. Girdner, Mrs. Sparks, and Mrs. Haight for their full support! We also thank all the parents, especially those who took the time to bring snacks, picked up your children after all rehearsals, and came to the performance. Thanks to Makenzie's mom for making our streamers! Thank you PTA, Mrs. Duthler, Mrs. Stabenow, both music teachers, Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Lehmann, Mr. Cornell, the 5 Live! crew, for your support!

The troupe also performed at three nursing homes just before the holidays. Their final performance was at the Sing-along at Madison!

Great job everyone!

Madison Elementary School's Volunteer Show Choir, directed by Ms. Versella James, is made up of students from fourth and fifth grades. Madison Blues provides a structured environment where, along with their peers , members learn repertoire in various styles of music through both dancing and singing. Opportunity for working on performance skills is provided as well. Madison Blues traditionally performs at the Madison all-school concert, various area Nursing Homes, Kennedy High School's Cocoa And Carols, and The Cedar Rapids Youth Arts Festival (CRYA).

Rehearsals begin in September and continue through December. The rehearsals are held each Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:45-4:30. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled in anticipation of performances.

Any Madison student in fourth or fifth grade is both welcome and encouraged to join Madison Blues. It is important that each student realize that membership in this program involves a commitment to attend the rehearsals and performances and to observe Madison School expectations at rehearsals as well as performances. Sign-up forms go home with the students in September. Questions about Madison Blues can be addressed to Ms. Versella, or Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Lehmann, Madison's music teachers.