Westminster Students Immerse Themselves in Music
Scientists at the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute have discovered a link between music in early childhood and accelerated brain development. Music contributes to children’s growth in various ways, and Westminster School, a private school in Virginia, endeavors to offer its students ample musical opportunities. The school strives to provide an environment that builds the students’ musical skills and fosters their creative growth. The article below shares the various musical performances by the Westminster students in June.
The Importance of Music in Children’s Growth
Music fosters the development of intellectual, social, emotional, motor, language, and literacy skills. Children’s motor skills, as well as mind-body coordination, are enhanced while learning an instrument. Moreover, music improves a child’s language skills, empathy, and teamwork skills.
Diamond Jubilee Celebration
On June 3, celebrating Westminster School’s sixtieth anniversary and Diamond Jubilee, the students led the spring music program, which showcased their creative growth and teamwork. The preschoolers’ rendition of “The Loco-Motion,” the fourth-graders “Sweet Caroline,” the second-graders expressive “Hit the Road Jack,” and the fifth-graders version of Elton John’s “Your Song” stunned the audience. The Westminster Orchestra presented Boléro, and a Spanish flamenco dancer accompanied.
The upper-school students sang spirited selections from Beauty and the Beast and The Sound of Music. It was an unforgettable performance.
The senior class quartet, which consisted of Maddie, Arleigh, William, and Sasha, delivered a stunningly beautiful version of “Somewhere” from West Side Story.
The evening concluded with a surprise performance of the song “Stand by Me” in recognition of Mrs. Schuler's leadership throughout the challenges of COVID-19 and her first year as head of school.
The guidance and effort of Westminster’s music teacher, Mr. Locke, to inspire a love of music and singing in the students made these stellar performances a reality.
Kings Dominion Festival
The Westminster Orchestra and director, Ms. Crespo, took part in the Kings Dominion Festival for the fourth time overall and the first time since the pandemic began.
Well-rehearsed and wearing the matching T-shirts Mr. Crook designed, the students wowed the judges and received an "Excellent” rating for their performance. Among the adjudicators was the highly regarded Don Brubaker, who gave the Westminster group the most points for its performance.
The leadership skills of the experienced students and the teamwork of the orchestra paved the way for the success of the younger students and the orchestra overall.
Upcoming Musical Performances
The Westminster Orchestra is already preparing for the 2022–2023 opening assembly, which will feature the “Star-Spangled Banner.” With limited space, the students have been asked to register for the performance as early as possible.
These music performances happen twice a year. They have helped Westminster students experience the benefits of music and enriched their school experience. Westminster School has always aimed to provide its students with a holistic education and an environment that brings out their best.
Why Westminster School?
Established in 1962, Westminster School is a private school that follows the traditional and time-tested classical education for the forward-looking twenty-first century. The school adheres to the highest educational standards, which sets it apart from other public and private schools. Besides building a well-informed mind, strength of character, dedication to learning, generosity of spirit, and joy in the possibilities of life, the Westminster academic program trains students in foundational subjects within a broad humanities curriculum.
