‘Pillars’ to perform at Banfield

Published 9:41 am Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Banfield Elementary students will literally represent the Character Counts education program “pillars” during their Spring Play Thursday and Friday.

“Every year I try to do something we’re learning in school anyway,” music teacher Nancy Arneson said.

In the past, Arneson has used history and composers themes; this year she decided to use a theme based on the character education program the school district has been using. All 540 students in grades 1-5 will participate in the “Character Counts” concert, Arneson said.

Email newsletter signup

One student from each grade will represent a Character Counts “pillar:” trust, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness and citizenship.

“I picked the kids I thought would represent the pillars well,” Arneson said.

“They do a rap, so they need rhythm,” she added.

Music comes from the Character Counts program and music books.

Fifth-graders always get “special parts,” like singing and acting.

“They always know when they get to fifth grade they get their special part,” Arneson said.

Fifth-grader Brooke Pedersen composed a special song about friends, which she will also perform.

Arneson sees each class twice per week for music. They have been rehearsing for the “Character Counts” concert for three weeks; the fourth week, they practice together with their grade in the Wood Gym. Former Banfield student Joel Nelson will provide sound and lighting for the production.

A teacher at Banfield for 27 years, Arneson said her job as a music teacher has been “really fun.”

“I’ve been in my same room for 25 years,” said Arneson, part of the first graduating kindergarten class at Banfield.

The “Character Counts” concerts will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday for the school and 9 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Friday for the public in the Carpeted Gym.