Winston Salem Times

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools issued the following announcement on December 20.

Ashley Hayes

Music Teacher

Union Cross Elementary

DECEMBER 20, 2021 – When students at Union Cross Elementary have an opportunity to perform, they give it their all, even when the audience will be virtual.

Music teacher, Ashley Hayes, began the year teaching the songs and choreography for a soccer-themed musical Goal by John Jacobson. The show is about never giving up, working together as a team, and giving it your all. This entertaining musical not only celebrates the most popular sport in the world, but highlights unique musical styles including Rap, Pop, Broadway, and Latin music.

Students performed on the stage for two filming sessions which were combined with their acting roles to create a show entirely for YouTube. With more than 160 students in the show, it required months of rehearsing.

55Premiering Friday Dec. 17, each student can watch the show at home with their family and perform their songs.

They were gifted bags with popcorn and finger lights for at home performances of the original rap song “PRIDE” which showcases their school's core values of Positive Attitude, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence which are rhythmically chanted using popular Fortnite dances and dancing with the lights in the dark.

The equipment used to make the tracks was purchased through the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Education Grants and specifically funded by Smitty's Grille on Main St. in Kernersville.

One character, Picky Patty – as played by third-grader Allison Bedolla Garcia – doesn't understand why soccer is called El Juego Bonito, the beautiful game. Our cast works hard to show her how soccer is about teamwork, coordination, and effort. Our coach, Bryan Watters, reminds his players to never give up.

"I love telling the students that I will be ‘relying on one of my strongest motivational speeches ever!’ They really listen to me and it will show the other kids at our school that it's important to keep trying."

Goal 87Music teacher Ashley Hayes adds, "I'm so incredibly proud of these students. We worked to sing lyrics in Spanish and teach new vocabulary words like 'absurd’ and ‘yield.' I expected them to learn all the lyrics and sing in two-part harmony. They did not disappoint. They gave this show their all."

Original source can be found here.