School officials are looking forward to showing the wonder of local art and the musical talents of students throughout Sampson County.

The public is invited to attend the All County Concerts and Art Exhibit. Featuring elite work from Sampson County Schools and Clinton City Schools students, the event is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. this Friday, April 15, at Midway High School, 15274 Spivey’s Corner Hwy., Newton Grove.

Many school administrators, teachers and students are looking forward to the event. In addition to music performances, artwork from Clinton High School, Hobbton High School, Lakewood High School, Midway High School, Sampson Early College High School and Union High School will be on display during the event.

“This is one of the greatest opportunities that the school systems have to showcase their students talents for the folks in Sampson County,” said Col. Tommy Macon, assistant superintendent for academics and student services for Sampson schools. “It touches every person in a very special way and leaves them with an appreciation of what the arts have to offer people as a whole.”

During the event, some of the best artwork from city and county schools will be observed by outside judges. For the performing arts portion of the event, the districts brought in music conductors for two days of instruction. The band concert is scheduled to begin 7 p.m. Friday, April 15 at Midway High School.

“It’s always a packed house,” Macon said. I encourage everybody in the county to come out.”

Like many educators, Macon believes art is an important aspect of education, which requires a lot of skills.

“There’s an intellectual part of art as well which includes the imagination,” Macon said. “As far as the performing arts, you have to know your skill and talent. Not anyone can play a musical instrument. I would love to play an instrument, but I just don’t have those skills

Regardless of rain or shine, Macon said community members enjoy attending the annual tradition which features the talents of students. Dr. Stuart Blount, superintendent of Clinton City Schools, is looking forward to the upcoming event as well.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents and hard work,” Blount said. “They will be competing with students that have tried out and made it to the level, which should prove to beneficially challenge their personal best to become better musicians and artists.”

Blount also said that students in the school system are talented and is looking forward to their work being shared with others.

“The Friday All County Band and Art Exhibit should be a night not to miss,” Blount said.

Faith Jackson, community liaison for Clinton schools, added that the upcoming event is a great night to be entertained and “view beautiful art by local students.”

“Clinton City Schools students are beyond talented and are extremely happy about this showcase opportunity,” Jackson said.

Joshua Tew, Midway band director, will be one of several educators who assisted the students during the process.

“The Sampson All-County Bands are made up of the top middle school and high school musicians in Sampson County,” Tew said. “It is a great honor to participate in All-County Band. We are honored to host the event at Midway High School and look forward to a great learning experience for all of our students.”

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.

By Chase Jordan

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Local students enjoy looking at a variety of art during a previous art exhibit. The Clinton and Sampson County School systems are preparing for the All County Concerts & Art Exhibit, scheduled for Friday, April 15 at Midway High School.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ArtXplosion.jpgLocal students enjoy looking at a variety of art during a previous art exhibit. The Clinton and Sampson County School systems are preparing for the All County Concerts & Art Exhibit, scheduled for Friday, April 15 at Midway High School.

Macon
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_Macon.jpgMacon