YESvirginia T
he gym on the Parish campus was transformed with colorful Christmas decorations and ornate set pieces as part of the third grade production of “Yes, Virginia: The Musical”. Based on the children’s book, “Yes, Virigina, There is a Santa Claus,” the play, had just debuted and was funded by a grant from Macy’s which helped the third graders and music department purchase materials for props, costumes and scenery. “Macy’s gave grants to the first 100 schools who applied for it and we were one of those schools to receive the $1,000,” said Mrs. Lucia Ernewein. The week before rehearsals began, auditions were held and each student was asked to say a few lines and sing a song for the part they were trying out for. After auditions, the students worked with Mrs. Ernewein
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page by Gabby Dixon
Third graders use a grant from Macy's to put on the seasonal play, Yes, Virginia.
throughout the first semester to memorize their lines. “I got the part of Virginia, the lead. I practiced a lot at home using the two CDs and book of music they gave me to memorize all of my lines and songs,” said Grace Price (3). The production included scripted scenes mixed in with solo songs and group songs all accompanied by music performed by the sixth graders. Some of the more prominent parts wore headsets to allow their lines and songs to be more audible to the gym packed with students and family. The large crowd caused some of the students to be nervous. "I was a little bit nervous but I overcame my nerves by just going with the flow," said Robert Varnes (3).