Irle Fifth-Graders Show Off Talent

Irle school fifth-graders put on quite the performance on May 30 throughout downtown Glasgow putting on a flash mob for business owners, audience members and those who just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Under the direction of Irle music teachers Christine Gilchrist and Pam Marks, the students performed five songs and even had guests, including the Glasgow High School swing choir and cloggers join in.

Making stops at Prairie Ridge, the Loaded Toad, First Community Bank, Glasgow City-County Library, Albertsons, Hi-Line Gymnastics and Clogging as well as Independence Bank, there was no shortage of displays of talent. The set consisted of "Home" by Phillip Phillips, "9-5" by Dolly Parton, Disturbed's version of "Sound of Silence," originally done by Simon and Garfunkel, "Boot Scootin Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn and Darius Rucker's "Wagon Wheel."

Guests, such as Gilchrist's fifth-grade violin students and the Glasgow High School swing choir under the direction of Luree Chappell, joined on on the song "Wagon Wheel." The swing choir also joined in on the song "9-5" with cloggers under the direction of Tiffany Ross."We also had [Irle Staff] Nate Doornek and Kayla Larson join in this year!" exclaimed Gilchrist.

Putting together a flash mob doesn't just happen overnight. The students started rehearing in March, with this year's songs being picked by both students and Gilchrist. Fifth-grader Josie Kemp suggested "9-5" while Gilchrist chose other songs and decided which harmonies and music would best suit the group while also being entertaining for the audience.

Every year on the last week of school Marks and Gilchrist take the fifth-graders around town to sing their program songs and flash mob. "It's a fun way to spread music and cheer around Glasgow," said Gilchrist. "The fifth-grade choir this year was a very talented and musical group. The performance was the last time they'll ever sing together as a class as they will join different electives in middle school."