On December 5, the PCS Fifth Grade Chorus presented a festive set of holiday songs in a public performance at the Rhode Island State house in Providence. Under the direction of integrated arts instructor Frances Candelario, the chorus offered a multicultural audio feast featuring winter- and holiday-themed songs from around the world.
In addition to soaring vocals, the concert featured handbells, jingle bells, and a variety of dance performances. Every member of the chorus played a pivotal role.
The student emcee for the performance was Madigan Breiding. Dario Aytac performed a tap dancing solo. Jingle bell dancers were Ombeni Elize, James Colon, Marcus Rosado, and Blessjoy Nynneh. Also dancing were Yanexa Almonte, Jhorian Rincon, Seleemah Mustapha, Joshalyn Ramos, and Noah Saltzman. Handbell players included Miriam Alvarez, Andrea Trejo, Henry Wallace, Leticia Castillo-Rosario, and Eva Matos, with Matthew Marcaccio on rainstick. Bunmi Ogunmola, Madel Cabreja, and Milly Asherov formed the vocal trio for the handbell piece.
The performance was part of the 2014 Holiday Concerts at the State House series, organized by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. This year’s concert series featured 3,000 student performers from 54 schools throughout the state.
To see a video of the performance by the PCS Fifth Grade Chorus, please visit http://ricaptv.discovervideo.com/showdevice/watch?id=32ed7957&t=1.
Photo: Members of the PCS Fifth Grade Chorus spread cheer during a concert at the Rhode Island State House on December 5.