Fargo South seniors perform for board as part of Music in Our Schools Month

At the start of the meeting Patrick Thiel, performing arts facilitator for Fargo Public Schools, introduced a vocal performance by seniors from Fargo South High School’s Bella Orso Voce and highlighted the breadth of music programming across the district.

"There is much to celebrate throughout Fargo Public Schools in regard to the robust and enriching music education our students receive," Thiel said, outlining participation numbers across orchestras, choirs and bands and citing recent awards earned by district music teachers. He noted Fargo Public Schools has been named a "best community for music education" by the National Association of Music Merchants for 15 consecutive years and 21 of the last 25 years.

Students from Bella Orso Voce performed "A Boy and a Girl" by Eric Whitacre. After the performance board members praised the students; one board member noted many musical alumni go on to sing with postsecondary choirs and continue musical study. Board members asked students about rehearsal techniques and eye contact used for a conductor-less performance at an upcoming competition; student Lucas said the group relied on visual cues from a section leader and intra-section communication to coordinate cutoffs and entrances.

The board thanked the ensemble and district music staff for the presentation and recognized the role of music education in building critical thinking and collaboration skills.

No action was taken related to the music presentation; it was a public performance and recognition during Music in Our Schools Month.