Northside Elementary School presents its tenth annual fifth-grade musical titled “Country Must Be Country Wide” on Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 in the NES gymnasium. Directed by Kelly Jo Birmingham, the fifth grade students will present a tribute to country music and the artists.
Northside Elementary School’s spring musical provides our students with the opportunity for artistic expression. This year’s production is comprised of approximately two hundred fifth grade students plus staff and community members. “Country Must Be Country Wide” is a student-based community project, combining the talents of Northside students, faculty, and staff, as well as the talents of several Smithville community members. Smithville’s Josh Issac Melton will be performing in this year’s musical. He was the winner of DeKalb’s Got Talent Competition and The Voice’s VIP Pass. The VIP Pass guaranteed that he be able to skip the first few rounds of the audition process. Melton says, “This is my third year helping with the fifth grade musical. I love how it makes all the kids a part of something big and it helps them explore their talents. I love being able to give back and help them grow in the arts. I know this is a time they will never forget.”
Former resident of Smithville, Mr. Greg Owens, also known as “StyckMan” of 106.9 Kicks Country, assists with the musical production each year. He states, “I am told the kids look forward to being in the fifth grade musical from their very first year at Northside. Each group does their best to outperform the previous shows. I can honestly say every year, I am amazed at how well the kids perform. It is the highlight of my year. I love working with the students to create a fun show.”
NES Music Director, Kelly Jo Birmingham says, “It’s truly an honor to get to work with such talented students and colleagues. Each year, I am blessed by the overwhelming support from the parents and community businesses.” Birmingham goes on to state, “this year, we had several organizations donate money to help make this year’s musical a memorable one for our students. I would like to personally thank NES PTO, Stonehaus Winery, Tenneco, DTC Communications, Family Medical Center, DeKalb Community Hospital, Optimus, Sarah J. Cripps, Atty, Tecia Puckett Pryor, Webb Anesthesia Services, PLLC, Cliff Duke, DDS, Fast Pace Clinic, Glenda Davis, CPA, Citizens Bank, State Farm Insurance, Bumpers Drive-In of Smithville, Herndon Farms, Wilson Bank and Trust, Bratten Cook III, DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Bates Apparel, and Rob Ramsey for supporting us this year. This is a student-based community project, and we are very grateful for the continued support from the community each year.”
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