Timber Trail choir challenges cell phone users to take a break
Timber Trail Elementary Choir’s winter concert was entertainment with a message – parents were challenged to sign a pledge promising not to use their cell phones while driving.
By Lisa Crockett with photo courtesy Cynthia Berndt
Like many famous performers, the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Choir uses a multitude of props to enhance its performance and convey a message. During its winter concert, the choir employed the use of kazoos and cell phones. The kazoos, which were funny, captured the attention of the audience in the opening number, while the cell phones were used to share a more serious message.
“TTE has witnessed some unsafe driving behaviors in our ‘kiss-n-go lane.’ I had always wanted to sing a song titled ‘Yakkin’ On A Cell Phone’ with the choir, so I took the opportunity to combine both ideas,” said TTE music teacher and choir director Cynthia Berndt. “I printed out the 9News ‘No Phone Zone’ pledge, and stuck it in my choir concert programs. We took a moment during our concert to advertise our mission to be a safe school zone, and offered every adult who signed a contract a ribbon made of school colors to wear, or place on their vehicle.”
The 49 members of the choir, who are all fourth and fifth graders, also used scarves and tissue during other numbers and also employed the use of choreography to enhance their performances.
At the base of it all, of course, is the blending of young voices. The choir program is offered at Timber Trail Elementary as an enrichment program, and rehearsals are held two days a week before school. Berndt sees music as an enhancement to the educational experience for the choir.
“Choir provides an environment for certain students to thrive,” said Berndt. “I accepted all students, no matter their singing ability. Solos were chosen by drawing from a hat, not by talent. Everyone is welcome.
