"Almost Recess" Comes To Wicomico County

Wicomico Students Experience A Cappella Fun and Learning with Almost Recess

Wicomico students are getting a unique musical experience and education this week with Almost Recess, a nationally performing a cappella group that creates the sound of a band using only voices.

"Almost Recess is an amazing group with such incredible talent!," said Fruitland Intermediate Principal Kristina Gosnell, whose students attended Almost Recess assemblies Monday. "They are truly engaging and the students (and adults!) couldn't get enough of their music. They not only performed songs, but included an ongoing lesson about music styles, voice qualities, and even a demonstration for the students of how to make "drum" sounds themselves."

With some assistance from the Young Audiences of Maryland, the Wicomico County Board of Education was able to make the Almost Recess musical program available to all intermediate, middle and high schools. Almost Recess visited half the schools in January, and is back now for a second week of shows.

"This is by far the best group I've ever been able to bring in for a county-wide program," said Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of fine arts and music.

Almost Recess varies its "School of Rock" program to suit the age level of the students, and each performance is set up by a discussion in class, then followed by activities that align the performance with the core learning goals in Maryland's Voluntary State Curriculum.

"Our students were very impressed with the program. They were attentive to the songs and the patter," said Jon Shearer, principal of Wicomico Middle. "The assembly was very organized and the presenters were responsive to the audience. The kids loved it!"

Almost Recess visited Wi Middle, Glen Avenue Elementary, Bennett Middle, Northwestern Elementary, Delmar Elementary, East Salisbury Elementary, Pittsville Elementary and Middle, and James M. Bennett High in January. This week, the group performs at Fruitland Intermediate, Westside Intermediate, North Salisbury Elementary and Parkside High (Tuesday), Mardela Middle and High (Wednesday), Prince Street Elementary and Pinehurst Elementary (Thursday), and Salisbury Middle and Pemberton Elementary (Friday).