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At Dakota Adventist Academy, the students involved in music or gymnastics practice and perform all year long, and then host clinics to teach others their trade. All the hard work and training that each student and staff member puts into the group is then culminated in Home Show Weekend at the end of the year. On Saturday, May 14, family, friends, church members and alumni gathered Sabbath evening to enjoy the students' performances at Home Show. The evening began with the Vespers Concert Program, arranged and directed by John McCombs, DAA Music teacher. The stage in the auditorium was decorated as a throne room in Heaven and the theme for the evening, "When We All Get to Heaven", was displayed along the stage. The DAA Choir started the concert with a rousing version of the theme song, arranged by John McPheeters. The Brentwood Elementary Band, whom Mr. McCombs has been directing this year, also performed two numbers. Two band students were given the opportunity to direct the Brass Ensemble, with Thomas Chapman guiding the band in "Trumpet Voluntary" and Leanna Quaile leading out in the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Dakota Singers sang several numbers beautifully and concluded the program with two crowd favorites, "Yahweh" and "How Great Thou Art".
Next on the docket for Homeshow was an Acrolights program in the gymnasium. The Acrolights created a big-top circus complete with acrobats, animals, and even a clown. The "Cirque D'AA" event highlighted the time and effort the students and coaches had put into planning and perfecting group and specialty routines. Coach Chris Morrison introduced the team, all 25 Acrolights, and as they were introduced, they showcased a special skill that they had learned. Students Jill and Jenna Donald organized a twelve-member group routine, planning each move and directing the members. Host Matthew Boyko, along with cohorts Lexi Dossenko and Adrienne Bohl, kept the audience laughing in between acts. Several other specialty routines included a Pink Panther comedy routine, the Quad Squad performing daring feats, and the Duo Routine featuring Leanna Quaile and Brienne Engelhart. The final performance of the evening was the Team Routine, using each member of the team to build giant pyramids, toss gymnasts into the air, and perform great stunts.
The year of hard work by our gymnasts and musicians paid off. Their final performance before the large audience might have been nerve-wracking for some, but they were prepared and knew what they were doing. Thank you, DAA students, for your hard work and for a great evening!