STE. GENEVIEVE — Before the school year came to a close, Bloomsdale Elementary students celebrated the start of summer with a lively performance from the Southeast Missouri State University Steel Drum Band during a school-wide assembly.
Directed by Dr. Shane Mizicko, the SEMO Steel Drum Band is an active collegiate ensemble that performs throughout the Southeast Missouri region at campus events and community outreach programs. The group’s repertoire includes Caribbean, Latin, jazz, funk and popular music. During the assembly, Dr. Mizicko also shared information with students about how steel drums are made and how they produce different musical notes.
Students filled the gym with excitement as they clapped, danced and moved along to the music during the energetic performance. The assembly also held special meaning for the Bloomsdale Elementary community, as SG R-II and Bloomsdale Elementary alum Jacob Kirchner performed as a member of the band. Kirchner, the son of Bloomsdale Elementary teacher Jennifer Kirchner, was welcomed back by students holding handmade posters cheering him on throughout the performance.
The SEMO Steel Drum Band is part of the SEMO Department of Music’s Percussion Program and is open to undergraduate percussion students at the university.
The performance provided students with a fun and memorable way to wrap up the school year and kick off summer break.