Celebrating Tradition and Talent

In a heartwarming blend of holiday cheer, tradition and talent, Summerland Elementary School students recently took the stage to perform "North Pole Revue," the annual Christmas musical directed by music teacher Sarah Kesting. From kindergarteners to sixth graders, more than 200 voices filled the air with joy, showcasing months of dedication and creative energy under Kesting's seasoned guidance.

This year marks a special milestone for Kesting-her 20th year of teaching and directing the Christmas program.

"When I first started at Clearwater, the Christmas program was already an established tradition," she shared. "It's incredible to see how it's evolved while staying true to its roots."

Selecting the perfect program is no small task for Kesting.

"When searching for a Christmas program, I look at the length of the program, the characters and storyline of the play and the songs used within the program. If the songs aren't fun and catchy or the storyline isn't engaging for students, I tend to look elsewhere," she explained.

This year's choice, "North Pole Revue," stood out for its lively songs and entertaining narrative. However, Kesting's process goes far beyond picking a script. She adapts the material to fit the dynamics of her students, particularly when it comes to solos and choreography.

"Some years, I have plenty of brave and talented students vying for the solos, and other years I don't. The group of students that I have in fifth and sixth grade and their talents and personalities, also play a large role in what programs I choose," Kesting said.

For younger students, repetition and rote learning are key, especially when it comes to mastering the lyrics and choreography.

In this year's production, Kesting was able to incorporate dance moves similar to those in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to "Chillin," a selection highlighting 16 snowmen and the ensemble cast.

The production process begins as early as late September, with fifth and sixth graders diving into auditions and rehearsals. Kesting emphasizes the importance of preparation and flexibility, encouraging students to have backup choices for roles.

"I try my best to get students who want a speaking part at least one line in the program, but it's not always possible," she added.

Fifth-grade student Makenna Bergman tried out for three parts: Crystal Snowflake, Rudolph and Vixen. Her favorite part was Crystal and she was excited when she was selected for the role.

"I felt like I matched my character and I would be good for the part," Bergman said. "She's a diva."

Once casting is complete, the hard work begins.

Music classes meet for 30-minute two or three times a week, so practice time is a premium.

Bergman noted she had a lot of lines to learn and memorization, which, at times, was difficult.

"I had help at home from my mom," she added.

Most musicals are penned for grades four through eight, Kesting added. For the younger students, it's about keeping things simple and engaging, while older students focus on more complex movements. As the big day approaches, rehearsals intensify, culminating in full cast run-throughs where timing and coordination become the final hurdles.

"With just over 200 voices, I put a lot of emphasis on enunciation and diction. It's very important that your audience can understand what you're saying and singing, otherwise, they're not going to enjoy your performance," Kesting noted.

Bergman based her costume and makeup choices off her character's name.

"I wore all white clothing and a tiara," she said. Glitter makeup added to the effect.

The 11-year-old aspiring actress said she found it challenging to be sassy enough for her character.

Beyond the glittering lights and applause, Kesting is deeply committed to the educational value of the Christmas musical.

"The large learning goals ... correlate with some of our state and national standards for music," she said.

Examples include singing alone and with others, singing on pitch and in tune, singing and moving to use, maintaining a beat and singing expressively with correct phrasing and diction.

Kesting's dedication is evident in the students' polished performance and their excitement on stage. From festive solos to upbeat group numbers, the "North Pole Revue" was a celebration of teamwork, creativity and holiday spirit.