San Diego Community

76 TROMBONES LEAD THE BIG PARADE! DUE TO ARRIVE IN VALLEY CENTER ON MARCH 12^th, 14^th, 16^th, 18^th, 19^th, & 21^st!

Valley Center Middle School students present a BROADWAY JUNIOR PRODUCTION OF MEREDITH WILLSON’S ‘THE MUSIC MAN JUNIOR’!

Valley Center Middle School is joining the schools across America with a production of Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN JUNIOR, taking the classic concept of “let’s put on a show” and reaching new academic heights through a program titled, “The Broadway Junior Collection®.” A division of Music Theatre International, Broadway Junior abridges classic Broadway musicals into special editions for ages 8-14 to perform.

Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN, Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Author, Composer and Lyricist, Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN tells the story of a charismatic con man Harold Hill, who galvanizes a stodgy, entertainment-starved Iowa town at the turn of the century. Intending to fleece the town with a false scheme to

organize a boy's band, Hill's plans hit a sour note when he falls for Marian, the town librarian. Ultimately she tames his runabout impulses while he teaches her - and the entire town - the joys of emotional risks. Music Theatre International’s Broadway Junior offers the vast majority of students their first experience with one of America’s truly unique art forms: Musical Theatre. Freddie Gershon, chairman of New York-based Music Theatre

International (MTI), began developing the program in 1995 with the first production opening in 1998, motivated by his belief that musical theatre could be translated to life-enhancing experiences for children. Teachers, parents, school administrators and friends have witnessed students changed permanently and positively by learning life and behavioral skills – ranging from communication, collaboration and time management to

creativity, imagination and confidence – from the experience of participating in a

musical theatre production.

“From the first rehearsal the students have really worked hard and learning their parts and have had a great time with the singing and dancing, we think they deserve a standing ovation from the community for all their work,” says Mrs. Andrea Vasquez, Valley Center Middle School teacher and director of the musical. Mr. Rich Horne, Valley Center Middle School Drama teacher and producer of the musical would like to join Mrs. Vasquez “in applauding the unique ways that each student has contributed to the show; from performing, to lights and sound, working backstage, and even painting promotion signs!”, he adds, “the students are involved and committed to the success of this production and are willing to contribute in any way they can.  The students learn a lot from being involved in a project like this.”

Recently, independent evaluator Dr. Rob Horowitz, completed a study on the effects of the Broadway Junior program on the students and community of New York City public schools. In his report of key findings he says that: children participating in the program demonstrated personal growth in several areas…positive risk-taking, self-confidence, motivation, self-discipline, and social behavior… that the program supported the devel-opment of general cognitive skills; the program had a positive impact on school climate; the school community grew stronger and more cohesive and children demonstrated

improvement in social skills and relations with others including teachers, administrators, peers, and production staff.

Valley Center Middle School will present the Broadway Junior Production of Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN JUNIOR on March 12th, 16th, 18th, & 19th at 6:30pm and on March 14th & 21st at 2:00pm at the Valley Center Middle School Multi-purpose Room at 28102 North Lake Wohlford Road. Tickets are $6.00 and can be purchased at the door or ahead of time at any of the Valley Center School’s front offices or email the VCMS Drama Boosters!

For more information on the show please call 760-751-4295 (Valley Center Middle School) or email vcdramaboosters@gmail.com to contact the Valley Center Middle School Boosters President.