As an alumnus of CCHS and its famous choral music program, I beamed with pride as I watched the continued excellence on display in the recent production of “Matilda.” I confess I had a nephew in the production, but wish to affirm far more than his performance. Specifically, I want to mention four things.

First of all, a musical is nothing without good singing. The vocals — from the talented star soloists in leading roles to the overall preparation and excellence of the chorus — were outstanding. You can’t out-decorate or choreograph bad singing! The heart and soul of the musical was there in the fine preparation and energetic delivery of the show’s heart-filled songs. Great work, Mr. Jarvis!

Secondly, in a world filled with karaoke tracks and DJs, it is not only delightful but remarkable that live orchestras continue to accompany these productions.

As a student who both sang on the stage and played in the orchestra in my day, it continues to be a point of pride and sensitivity to great music-making to include live instrumentalists for the performances. A live orchestra led by a sensitive conductor enables the nuance and heart for convincing musical production that is a hallmark of Moultrie’s choral program. An accompaniment track will simply never deliver. Thank you for the time taken to train student musicians and for the funding to use professionals to supplement student talent. Keep it up!

Third, production was not only good for a “high school”… it was just GOOD. From every student director, prop manager, lighting and sound designer, choreographer, costume designer, propmaster — and anybody else who made sure each character was wearing what they were supposed to wear and holding what they were supposed to hold with a working microphone and light shining — and whatever else I could have missed — your work is entirely and completely seen and appreciated and matters to make the music shine with the sparkle, artistry, and emotion it deserves.

Finally, others have famously said… “It is not like this everywhere. I’ve looked.” There are good things going on in other schools. A comment like that is not meant to disparage the work of others. But there is nothing like the community support for this program in Moultrie, Georgia. As a United Methodist pastor, my work has taken me wherever the Lord and my bishop have assigned. Although my own children weren’t able to feast at this particular banquet, I am proud to know my niece and nephew have been a part of this excellence and to know it has changed their lives for the better. So from the “Conductor’s Circle” patrons to those who just bought a ticket and went to a show — thank you, Moultrie. Thank you for continuing to value the arts and the impact they have on making better humans and citizens of our world.

Bravissimo to all! Thank you for educating the whole person by supporting first rate academics and world class music.

God bless!

Rev. Tony G. Crosby, CCHS Class of 1993