District 56 talents showcased during ArtsMix

Clinton S.C. – Clinton High School served Saturday morning as a showcase of the arts as ArtsMix 56 resumed following two years off due to the pandemic.

Elementary, middle school and high school music and choral students performed for parents in the CHS auditorium and artwork from every District 56 school was displayed throughout the commons or the library, which held ceramics and sculptural fabric weaving.

“We have so many students gifted in one or more areas of the arts and it’s important to give them an opportunity to showcase that talent,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brenda Schrantz. “Art is so important and art brings communities together, and it did that Saturday. We had an auditorium full and it’s so exciting to have our community back inside our school buildings.”

While promoting fine arts was difficult during the pandemic, Schrantz said Saturday’s ArtsMix proved that the students’ abilities are still strong.

“Everybody does not find success in academics and athletics, and art is important,” Schrantz said. “Dr. (David) O’Shields and our board have been dedicated to help. They provide money to the arts and continue to grow the program.”

Title 4 and Title 5 funding available for rural schools and grant funds are used for the arts in District 56 and Schrantz said Saturday’s program shows its paying off.

“We have teachers who use their wonderful ideas and creative explorations and our kids have excelled at it,” Schrantz said. “Seeing elementary students play the harmonica, and bouncing basketballs to the beat of The Nutcracker made me so proud to be a Red Devil. Our students were amazing and our community came out for them.”

That community support adds value to the classroom successes of the students in art and music.

“They need to know their participation in the arts is as important as taking part in athletics and academics, because it’s about the whole child,” Schrantz said. “And District 56 did a tremendous job showcasing them.”

This story published Page 1 of the Wednesday, March 9, 2022 issue of The Laurens County Advertiser. See additional pictures in the printed paper, on the Laurens County Advertiser’s Facebook page and Instagram, @laurenscountyadvertiser.