A starry night at Chaney

A starry night at Chaney

I am writing this letter to commend Chaney’s visual and performing arts school for their leadership and vision culminating in the winter performance entitled “Season of Light” presented on Dec. 14. It was simply spectacular. The inaugural musical celebration of this reconfigured Youngstown city school certainly showcased the diligence, dedication and commitment the teachers and school administrators have made to cultivate the arts for their students.

The middle and high school choirs sang with a precision and voice quality second to none. The dance sequences were so engaging and clever, with such a unique use of lighting, that it was spellbinding. But when I heard the orchestra showcasing the young talents on violin, flute, saxophones and keyboard, I was blown away.

These students are being taught classical as well as contemporary music, ballet, jazz. The drama pieces were so special, particularly the clever Hanukkah selection. The sets were professionally designed, which included beautiful student-drawn murals reproducing Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” And oh, the costumes were a visual delight. All the scene changes were befitting a real theater quality.

As a member of the Rocky Ridge Neighborhood Association, we wanted to support Chaney and the YCS’s goal to uplift the city school system. The totally packed auditorium attested to the new energy and support of parents, school and community.

I can tell you, if this performance is any indication of things to come, lookout everyone. There are some shining stars ready to be discovered.

Kathleen Berry, Youngstown