SW New Mexico News

On February 14, the 5th grade Honor Choir, known as 'Las Cruces Sings,' performed at the Performing Arts Center of Organ Mountain High School. The event featured over 130 students from various elementary schools, selected by their music teachers to participate in this special musical presentation.

The choir was under the direction of guest conductor Beth Borchert-Thomas and accompanied by pianist Hunter Mabery. The concert started at 2:30 p.m., following a day-long rehearsal that began at 8:30 a.m. Students had independently learned and practiced their pieces before coming together for the group rehearsal.

The performance included several pieces such as 'Stories of My Life' by David Waggoner, 'Shoo Fly' arranged by Greg Gilpin, 'Here Rattler, Here' arranged by Ruth Dwyer and Martin Ellis, 'Sakura' arranged by Julie Wheeler, and 'Hine Ma Tov' arranged by Henry Leck.

Music teachers from Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) played a significant role in organizing this event. They volunteered on committees responsible for selecting music, creating rehearsal recordings, organizing logistics like lunch and announcements, providing support during rehearsals, managing sign-in sheets, and designing the program. Their collaboration ensured a memorable experience for both students and attendees.

"Teachers who have students participating in the Fifth Grade Honor Choir Performance" include Kathleen Lestone from Alameda; Ralph Cena from Booker T Washington; Antoinette Gucela from Central; Leah Mathe from Columbia; Bailey McLellan from Conlee; Leslie Kowalski from Desert Hills; Maria Cantu from Dona Ana; Kayla Matheison & David Culbert from East Picacho; Patricia Smith from Fairacres; Elisabeth Greene from Hermosa Heights; Kailee Howard & Mark Gallegos from Highland; Miranda Ludeman from Hillrise; Bethany Martinez & David Culbert from Jornada; Tiffany Ward & Antoinette Gucela from Loma Heights; Monique Davis from MacArthur; Joahna Lamboy-Estorga from Mesilla; Christina Fierro from Mesilla Park; Kenna McNeil & Raul Olivas from Monte Vista; Matt Reiter & Sabrina Bonn from Sonoma; Jared Davis & Emanuel Hernandez from Sunrise; Alex Ellenwood & Abrianna Garcia Tombaugh University Hills: Helaina Krug Valley View: James Gier White Sands: Autumn Haeker."