‘Introduction to Broadcasting’ class at Aquinas puts skills to the test for community
DAVID CITY – Aquinas and St. Mary Schools in David City are spreading more joy than usual this Christmas season.
The annual school Christmas programs and concerts were not cancelled due to occupancy restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, with the help of many, the programs would go on – online.
Performances were recorded and posted online for family and friends; they were even shared with the local assisted living and nursing care facilities to show to residents, as well.
“I’m very thankful that the choirs were, at the very least, able to record a ‘virtual concert’ instead of cancelling it altogether,” said Mr. Gabe Haberman, one of the choir teachers at St. Mary Elementary School. “I know there are some school districts who cancelled their concerts, and it makes me glad that my students were given the opportunity to showcase their hard work and talents for their parishes and communities.”
The programs include performances from the Aquinas Middle School Band, Aquinas High School Band, Aquinas Show Choir, Aquinas Middle School Choir, St. Mary’s Band, and St. Mary’s preschool through 5th grade choirs.
“St. Mary’s kindergarten through 5th grade are blessed to have music class every day,” explained Mrs. Sarah Zook, principal at St. Mary School. “With fine arts programs diminishing in schools around the nation, it is exceptional that St. Mary’s was able to add 5th grade band and new, enhanced K-12 music curriculum in 2019.”
Production of the Christmas programs wasn’t limited to a simple recording from one angle. Instead, the project highlighted another blessing at David City Catholic Schools.
Aquinas Catholic High School offers multiple career studies courses to prepare students for future careers, including Mr. Tony Smith’s “Introduction to Broadcasting” class which was first offered to Aquinas students for the 2018-19 school year. Students in the class use equipment to film activities, and post-production computer programs to complete their curriculum. This year, they were recruited to film and produce the preschool through 12th grade Aquinas and St. Mary’s Christmas programs.
“My mother lives out of town,” said high school parent Deb Svec. “She was thrilled to be able to see the high school band concert via the internet. She especially enjoyed the professional, up-close shots, so she could see her granddaughter, Maggie.”
Technical support was provided by tech liaisons Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jenna Urban, Father Ronald Homes and Aquinas graduate Emily Dalton. Editing and final production was done by Father Homes, St. Mary’s principal Mrs. Sarah Zook and Mr. Smith. Musical directors are Mrs. Rachel Wisnieski, Mrs. Helen Ostdiek and Mr. Gabe Haberman.
The programs were filmed during the last weeks of school before the Christmas break and posted on the website www.aquinas-catholic.com before Christmas for all to appreciate.
“By having these programs online and available at any time to view, Aquinas and St. Mary’s Catholic Schools were able to ensure more people could receive the joy of Christmas,” said Father Sean Timmerman, chief administrative officer.
