Dolores Elementary Students to Present Magic in the Mountains Holiday Showcase

Dolores Elementary School will welcome families and community members for two evenings of student music and celebration on Monday and Tuesday, December 15 and 16 at 6 p.m. The Magic in the Mountains holiday showcase will feature performances by students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with kindergarten through second grade on the first night and third through fifth grades on the second night.

Each grade selected songs to perform, and the program is designed to showcase a range of student musical contributions. The performances will include student led introductions, keyboard and xylophone parts, and a variety of small ensemble moments including soloists, duets, trios and quartets. "Students enthusiastically chose the theme and have been hard at work preparing for two joyful evenings of music and celebration," Amanda Hill said.

For families in Dolores County this event is more than entertainment. In a rural district where school gatherings serve as central points of community connection, the showcase offers a chance for parents, grandparents and neighbors to support children publicly and to strengthen local bonds. Performing arts opportunities at the elementary level contribute to social emotional learning, build confidence and provide equitable spaces for students to express creativity.

Local schools often operate with constrained budgets and limited access to specialists, making school concerts an important visible sign of community investment in youth. The program highlights how classroom teachers and students adapt musical learning to available resources by integrating simple instruments and student led features. Community attendance also supports intergenerational interaction at a time of year when shared rituals help reduce isolation for older residents and immigrant families alike.

The two performances are timed for early evening to accommodate working families, and the event will take place on school grounds. Residents who plan to attend are encouraged to arrive early to find seating and to respect school safety procedures. The showcase underscores the role of public schools as hubs of culture and care in Dolores County, and it offers a moment to celebrate young people and the teachers who help them shine.