Local youth put talent and skill on display

By Cory Claxon
Olive Hill Center for Arts & Heritage

There’s certainly no shortage of skilled and talented musicians and performers in our small community. Last Thursday, nearly 40 young adults put that skill on display, joining together for the first combined choir and band performance. The stands at West Carter High School’s gymnasium were chock full of proud parents and supportive community members.

Members of the Bella Harmonia youth choir projected passion and enthusiasm during their second ever public performance. “Here Comes the Sun,” “Aura Lee,” “Scarborough Fair,” “Skyfall,” and “Colors of the Wind” were their chosen pieces. The choir performed for about 30 minutes prior to handing the show over to the West Carter Band. Additionally, Jordan Richmond performed along with the choir during the performance of “Scarborough Fair.” Richmond is a violin student at the Center under the guidance of Elaine Brunelle. 

“I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Norm Brunelle, who conducted the choir. “This group continues to exceed expectations… I’ve been directing music groups for over 30 years, and this group of young ladies provides some of my greatest musical experiences! I am beyond proud of them!”

Bella Harmonia consists of 10 West Carter High School students who are under the direction of Dr. Norman Brunelle and Dr. Debra Baker Harman. Brunelle and Harman have volunteered nearly every Tuesday and Friday since January 2024 to re-establish a youth choir. This has been accomplished through a partnership between the Olive Hill Center for Arts & Heritage and West Carter High School. The choir students are Natalie Bailey, Narissa Barnett, Charlee Clay, Madison Dickerson, Emily Erwin, Jill Knipp, Leila Lister, Lillian Messer, Ava Roberts, and Alivia Wagoner. Roberts is a graduating senior this year, she will have a cord to wear during graduation for her participation.

Under the direction of Mike Arthur, the 29 students of the West Carter Band performed a variety of pieces, including “Fanfare for ‘Our Time’,” “The Rowan Tree,” “Swords of Evolution,” “Appalachian Expedition,” and “Into the Unknown.” Arthur presented awards to band members by popular vote of the WCHS student body. 

“Our students have put in countless hours to prepare our concert,” said Arthur. “They are great musicians, and they represent our school at the highest level. I am proud to stand in front of them every day!”

The band members include Natalie Bailey, Kaylee Barker, Laela Binion, Gabriel Bond, Ella Bush, Jacob Carpenter, Charlee Clay, Abby Daniel, Sebastian Dean, Grayce DeBord, Tyler Flannery, Jayden Hammond, Claire Holbrook, Shelby Jordan, Gabriel Kelley, Khloe Kiser, Matthew Maddix, Cara Mays, Brody McCleese, Corey McGlone, Mason Nichols, Christian Offill, Rylyn Rayburn, Layla Roberts, Tomi Shutte, Abigail Tackett, Kendyll Thompson, Marua Thompson, and Kendra Valandingham.

Binion, Daniel, Jordan, Rayburn, Shutte, and Maura Thompson are seniors and will be graduating at the end of the semester. Arthur gave each senior a medallion that they’ll wear during graduation.

The Olive Hill Center for Arts & Heritage remains dedicated to providing authentic, meaningful arts and cultural heritage experiences for all. We’re also a non-profit organization which derives its support from patrons, donors, sponsors, grantors, and the Kentucky Arts Council.