Eighteen fifth graders from Gloucester County Public Schools participated in the All Virginia Elementary Chorus on April 1 at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake.

This marked the first time Gloucester has participated in the chorus, which consisted of 208 children from across the state, according to Achilles Elementary music teacher Amy Lenderman. 

Each school was allowed to send up to four children from its highest grade, Lenderman said, and Gloucester was the only county in the state to have all of its elementary schools participate.

The participating children had to memorize nine pieces of music before arriving at rehearsal, which was conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Western Branch. They then gave a public concert at 4:30 p.m.

Lenderman also said Gloucester was the only school division to have one of its administrators attend the concert, with Bess Worley, Gifted Education Services Instructional Supervisor, coming to support the students.  ...