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Photo by Darian Warden

Ridgeview Elementary School first graders perform Thursday afternoon in the school gym during their school concert.

The Ridgeview Elementary School gym was filled with angelic little voices Thursday afternoon as first-, second- and third-graders took turns performing their favorite songs during a school concert for their peers.

The concert, “Our Favorite Songs,” featured a variety of songs, from patriotic, western themed, songs about animals and a crowd pleaser, “the little skunk hole.”

A riveted audience sang along with most songs, knowing them from when they were in the younger grades.

Physical education teacher Matt Ray and music teacher Phyllis Reed teamed up to include dancing and singing in the concert.

“It was a collaboration between the two of us,” Ray said. “The kids have been working on the dances since at least Nov. 1.”

First graders performed the bunny hop and toward the end of their singing, second graders did a line dance and third graders undertook the Virginia Reel dance.

“I think it’s excellent for students watching because they learn proper behavior as an audience,” Reed said. “The students performing learn to stand up and control their behaviors and nerves.”

Reed said the concert was special for students because she said they get to watch each other grow up, building on what they learn each year.

Students repeated the performance later in the evening for parents and other family members.

“I love to see the kids come through and do such a nice job,” Reed said. “They become mature and perform for their audience.”

Darian Warden can be reached at 875-1793 or dwarden@craigdailypress.com