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WMU’s community glows bright at all-school concert and art showcase
Others stepped up to help out as WMU Music Director found herself sick the day of the concert
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WINFIELD — The Winfield-Mt. Union Community School District hosted its much anticipated all-school concert on Jan. 29, bringing together choir and band students from kindergarten through 12th grade for a night of music and creativity. Alongside the musical performances, WMU art students showcased their work in the lobby and art room, where a unique black light "glow show" displayed vibrant pieces from all grade levels.
The concert marked a significant change in tradition, moving from the usual holiday performance to a winter showcase. The decision, announced on Oct. 15, aimed to create a collaborative K-12 experience.
"We know change can be hard … but trust us when we say that we are excited about some new ways we can work together as a K-12 school to put on a really great evening of music,“ a post from the WMU Music Department stated as they announced the new date of Jan. 29.
Reactions to the change were mixed. Some community members expressed disappointment over the absence of a traditional Christmas concert, while others welcomed the new format.
"Love it! The holiday season is always so busy, I think this new tradition could be great! I also appreciate the advance notice! Thank you to our music department!" commented Allyson McCarty.
WMU music director Lindsey Pogmore explained that the shift stemmed from the district's transition to a four-day school week, limiting available concert dates.
"With the change in our schedule from a five-day week to a four-day week, we found that there were fewer days that worked to schedule the concerts on — which seems obvious — so we were a little creative and tried it this way," Pogmore said. "The hope is that the elementary students can see what their trajectory over the next years up into junior high and high school may look like, and that the high school kids can hear what good things are happening in the lower grades."
While Pogmore prepared the students for this concert and planned to direct them, she unfortunately found herself sick and was unable to do so.
"This was the first time we've done a K-12 event," Pogmore said. "It gives us the chance to have cooperative music between elementary and high school. I was sick and didn't actually make the concert, which was a whole other new adventure."
Despite the hiccup, the concert went off without a hitch as Jill Townsley, a third-year lead teacher and associate with the WMU music program, graciously stepped in.
Townsley took on most of the conducting duties for the event, with assistance from Michael Schoening, the husband of WMU art teacher Elizabeth Schoening and band director from West Burlington, who led the Sixth Grade/Intermediate Band.
To ensure accessibility, the school district livestreamed the concert on its sports broadcasting channel for those unable to attend in person.
With the success of this inaugural event, WMU may be on its way to establishing a new musical tradition that brings the entire school community together.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
