Featured photos: 1) Dr. Kenny Potter talks to middle school students during a rehearsal. 2) Ms. Dena Byers leads elementary and intermediate school students through a rehearsal.
By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department
Two years since their beautiful voices last reverberated off the walls of Brookstone Church, Buncombe County Schools All-County Choruses return tonight (Feb. 15) for a fun, energetic showcase.
Singers from every elementary, intermediate, and middle school have been learning their parts for weeks with their school music and chorus teachers, and this week they joined together at the Weaverville church under the leadership of directors Dr. Kenney Potter (middle school) and Ms. Dena Byers (elementary/intermediate). The two directors, along with accompanists Kristen Dominquez and Kyle Ritter, ran an intensive clinic at Brookstone Church to prepare the kids for their big night.
“I’m really excited; my heart’s pumping fast,” said Peyton, a sixth grader at North Windy Ridge Intermediate School. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in school.”
Valley Springs Middle School chorus teacher Robert Waller said he’s pleased to see the event return after a hiatus caused by COVID-19.
“It’s the first time in two years that all the kids have been able to get together to perform as a county,” he said. “This is a big experience for them. It’s a higher level of music, and the camaraderie helps them branch out and meet like-minded kids from other schools.”
Enka Intermediate music teacher Richard Cagle agreed.
“We’ve missed this very much, and the kids have been working really hard to get ready for it,” he said. “They’ve been really disciplined, and I believe we’re ready.”
The event begins at 6 p.m. with the elementary/intermediate school concert, followed by the middle school concert at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to wear masks and leave an empty seat between families.
Buncombe County Schools would like to thank Brookstone Church for hosting this event, as well as sponsors Brock Mountain Land Company, The Reece Family, Blue Ridge Orthodontics, Ciao Y’all, Foster and Adoption Ministry, and Old School Subs.
