Davis Elementary School Chorus

     A combination of practice and heart teaches these students a different type of lesson.
     WDEF News 12's Mandy Odom has more in What's Right With Our Schools.
     Third grader Cole Erwin says, "You learn actually how to sing."
     "I'm just a music person. I like music," says 3rd grader Faith Best.
     Cole and Faith are two of the 60 student members of the Davis Elementary Choir.
     At the beginning of the year, 3rd through 5th grade students sing for Assistant Principal Dotty Abercrombie to become part of the chorus.
     She believes every child should have a chance to participate.
     Abercrombie says, "It's not just the reading and writing and arithmetic that's important in the world. I think bringing in the arts, it gives you a chance to express yourself and to share yourself with others."
     The students must have good grades and behavior to travel with the group.
     They raise money to go on trips like singing at Dollywood.
     They also sing for charities like the Sheriff's Forgotten Child Fund.
     The students say they have lots of fun singing for people, but still get butterflies in their stomachs.
     Third grader Robyn Skipper says, "I usually go on stage nervous, but then when I start singing I get over it."
     "What I do is I think Emily you can do this and you just got to think that. Then it helps you a whole lot," says 5th grader Emily Beach.
     Abercrombie says the kids have to fully commit to the chorus.
     They have to come early to school three days a week to practice.
     She says the extra hours are worth it.
     Abercrombie says, "Lots of times, we get some that cannot carry a tune at all and by the end of their time with me, you can hear them singing and in fact they're doing solos."
     Best says, "People just have a good time watching, and we have a good time singing and dancing for them. And we learn so much."
     "Entertaining them," says Erwin.
     In Trenton, Mandy Odom, WDEF News 12.
     Look under bonus video to see a song from one of their performances.