Every 5th grader in the district had the opportunity to attend a concert of the combined high school symphony orchestras and choirs and witness the annual Instrument Recognition Contest. This tradition, going back over 30 years, is an opportunity to get a glimpse into the possibilities for their futures as they begin to consider performing arts options beginning in 5th grade. Richardson and Pearce learning communities and performers came together on day one, and Berkner and Lake Highlands learning community students joined on day two.
High schoolers prepared popular hits, including renditions of “Golden” from the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, and orchestral arrangements of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, Harry Potter, and other classical songs.
To top it all off, a student representing each elementary school earned a spot to participate in the Instrument Recognition Contest! From the stage, a single student would play a short excerpt. Each 5th grader, who was seated in front of the stage facing the crowd, was tasked with identifying the instrument by sound alone. Their classmates cheered from the crowd as they correctly identified each instrument. Students were eliminated if they incorrectly identified a segment, until a single student remained and was named the winner!
Given the success of the competition with students, the adults couldn’t help but join the fun. Leaders from across the district, including Board President Poteet, district and campus leaders, and coaches, were invited to test their knowledge of musical instruments in the second round.
Congratulations to the winners:
Day 1 – Richardson & Peare Learning Communities
- Student: Landon Gower – Canyon Creek Elementary
- Staff: Taylor Knox – Assistant Principal at Brentfield Elementary
Day 2 – Berkner & Lake Highlands Learning Communities
- Student: Peter Baldin – White Rock Elementary
- Staff: Grant Bortnem – Principal at Big Springs Elementary
Experiences such as these are just one example of why Richardson ISD is a model district in Fine Arts and provides memorable teachable moments for our students.
