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Students Dazzle At Holiday Show

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By LOIS KINDLE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 22, 2007

RUSKIN - Some of the youngest students at Cypress Creek Elementary School were the stars of the stage Tuesday during a rehearsal of "Dear Santa," a musical performance of holiday songs and letters to Santa.

They were joined by two of the school's special ensembles, the Manatee Musicians - fourth-graders who play recorders lutelike instruments - and the Broadway Babies - a show chorus of musically talented second- through fifth-graders.

Led by music teachers Ellen Kleinschmidt and Judith Tiso, the 30-minute performance highlighted youngsters from nine kindergarten classes taught by Nancy Waddell, Shannon Castillo, Ericka Moscoso, Christina Collingsworth, Amy Broughton, Linda Wootton, Ann Williford, Elizabeth Stogner and Erin Burke.

"We started working on this the beginning of November," said Kleinschmidt, adding that she gave CDs to the teachers to work with. "They were in charge of costumes and props, and of teaching lyrics."

Some of the kindergartners came dressed as reindeers, singing "Pablo the Reindeer." Others performed in their pajamas as they crooned "Too Fat for the Chimney." And the remainder held handmade props - Christmas trees, stars and gingerbread men - which they produced, on cue, during their song "Christmas Cookies."

In a poignant performance, fifth-grader Stephanie Tindel, a deaf student, signed as the Peter Yarrow song, "Don't Laugh at Me," played overhead. Interpreter Frances Brush signed during the entire show for Stephanie, as other students attempted to join in.

Each segment of the show was introduced by a student who read a letter to Santa Claus.

The morning rehearsal was one of two performed before the student body prior to an evening gala for parents.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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