Bay View Elementary/ Middle School Chorus WOWS the Veterans at From Tents to Tea

April 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Apr 11, 2011 – As part of the Year long veterans initiative She Served Too, the Bay View Elementary/ Middle School Chorus performed at  "From Tents to Tea" at  the Rhode Island Veterans Administration in Providence, RI.   Classroom 3 at the VA was filled with sounds of patriotic and inspirational songs and was truly appreciated by the veterans in the crowd. But before the chorus took to the stage they were invited to participate in the Women Warrior Drumming Circle Group starring Denise Fragoza, Judy Feightner and Melodie Mathews.   The Women Warriors explained how they make their drums from old five gallon water jugs and ordinary household items which they beautifully decorate.  “What a terrific idea. I see drum building in the future at Bay View!” said Kerrin Nagle, Bay View performing arts teacher and co co-choir director. The girls eagerly took up the home made drums and joined in,as the warriors explained the elements of a drum circles contain heartbeat, walking, skipping and dancing, each with a distinct rhythm.   “The drumming circle was really cool.” indicated Bristol’s, Christina Conley, Bay View 7th grader.

Bay View Chorus Director,  Stephanie Smith noted the girl’s enthusiasm and preparation for the special event. "The girls have worked so hard on their inspirational medleys and feel extremely privileged to share their talents with our women veterans today”. The work certainly paid off , as an appreciative veteran offered praise directly to the girls, “ What you did here today is so important, you each are an inspiration and your music so uplifting . I thank you and we all thank you . Music is a valuable part of the military you are wonderful for sharing your talents.”  The sentiments and appreciation of the veterans was not lost on the girls, as noted by 7th grader, Camilla Macera, of Hope,   “You could truly feel the gratitude in their words to us. It was so meaningful to us to know that our music and our voices made a difference today.”  

Bay View Elementary/Middle School Principal Cindy Lorincz was pleased the girls provided music and camaraderie at the event. "We are so thrilled to be part of this "From Tents to Tea" program.  It is only through collaboration and service that our young women will truly understand the sacrifices of so many service men and women. Encouraging our girls to do this outreach speaks directly to  Bay View’s mission. I am pleased our young ladies got as much from this visit as did our veterans.”

About The Women Warriors...They are a drop in group that meets every Monday between 1-2:30 PM starting in the Spring in trailer #36 at the PRRC  No experience necessary.

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Bay View is an independent Catholic School for girls, PreK -Grade 12, located in Riverside, RI. In existence since 1874, Bay View endeavors to provide a quality education, permeated with the compassionate ideals of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, in order to prepare young women for the challenges of the global community of the 21st century. St. Mary Academy–Bay View is a college preparatory school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy and has been providing a superior education to girls and young women for more than 130 years. Bay View offers a values centered curriculum based on tradition and inspired by innovation. There are currently nearly 800 students enrolled in grades Pre-K-12. The academy is accepting applications for the 2011-12 school year, contact Director of Admissions at 401-434-0113 ext 150 or for more information visit www.smabv.org