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Holiday DPI performances highlight the arts

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Students in Durham Charter School's orchestra perform in the State Education Building. Laura Browne/EdNC

This holiday season, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (DPI) hosted public schools for special arts performances to bring some musical cheer.

EdNC attended two of the holiday performances, including one from Independence High School’s chamber ensemble on Dec. 5 and one from Durham Charter School’s orchestra on Dec. 10.

Independence High School Choral Music Teacher Corey Poole stands with his students for a picture. Laura Browne/EdNC

Independence High School Choral Music Teacher Corey Poole said a quality arts education helps create well-rounded and collaborative students. He and his students showed how music is a big part of holiday tradition in the same way an arts education is essential to enriching students’ lives.

Students in the Independence High School chamber ensemble discussed how an arts education gave them soft skills like communication and empathy while encouraging their leadership within the performance group.

Independence High School Choral Music Teacher Corey Poole directs the school’s chamber ensemble at DPI Laura Browne/EdNC

Independence High School’s chamber ensemble performed songs like “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Silent Night” with great focus as Poole conducted with great enthusiasm and passion.

Durham Charter School’s orchestra performed lively and energetic songs for NCDPI, bringing many staff members to view the performance over the second floor railing.

Durham Charter School orchestra teacher Daniel Levin conducts his students. Laura Browne/EdNC

Cheers could be heard throughout the lobby as the Durham Charter School students performed a wide selection of songs including “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “All I want For Christmas is You” with concentration and gusto.

Students in Durham Charter School’s orchestra between songs. Laura Browne/EdNC
Durham Charter School’s orchestra, led by Daniel Levin, performed at DPI. Laura Browne/EdNC