You are in: Latest News » 2nd Annual School of Performing Arts Graduation...
Released 3 June 2009
2nd Annual School of Performing Arts Graduation
In late-May, the children of The Salvation Army's School of Performing Arts gathered for the 2nd Annual Graduation and Concert at The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Church Hill. The concert featured all of the children in some capacity performing on their musical instruments, in dance and drama productions as well as singing in a gospel choir.
Nearly 100 children from the Richmond and Petersburg area received graduation certificates and performed during this event.
Performances included keyboard solos, keyboard trios, brass solos, guitar group, junior drama, percussion ensemble, youth praise team and gospel choir from the children.
Children performing solos included; Zakiyaa Sands, Charles Bolling, Antonio Kornegay, Dawn Godfrey, Amber Keidel, Amy Li, Aaron Keidel, Ann Li and Richard Li on keyboard; Ann Li and Angela Li on cornet; Rudy Li on alto horn; Amanda Eason on lower brass trombone; and Anthony Rudolph on euphonium.
The Junior Drama Club at the Boys performed the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This was a light hearted rendition of the famous parable but the message was a powerful one, when the word of Jesus was spoken at the end.
The Percussion Ensemble, which involves the banging of plastic buckets with drumsticks in time and out of time to different rhythms, drew large cheers and applause from those in attendance.
During the festivities, Ann Li was given the Outstanding Area Command Artist award for the 2nd year running; and Laurie Keidel was given the volunteer of the year music award.
Majors Dan and Francina Proctor were given a special award in recognition of their continued support and dedication to The Salvation Army School of Performing Arts.
"These children's lives have been changed forever through the music programs that The Salvation Army offers," Matt Sims, Area Director of the School of Performing Arts, said.
"Exciting things are happening in Richmond and the Tri-Cities and it's through the community's overwhelming that it's even possible."