W.H. Oliver Middle School

Nashville, TN

Reported by: Cindy Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

April 1, 2012

Middle School kids like Raymond and Khadijah from W.H. Oliver Middle School in Nashville, TN agree, a team effort makes them successful and happy! This was MORE than obvious in my short but inspiring visit with the teachers and students working on DEAR EDWINA JR The combination of a strong teaching team, a caring administrative staff and a supportive community is a sure fire guarantee that this school will create a musical theater program that grows abundantly every year.  It was great fun to be in "music city" and know that this team holds up that esteemed title with gusto!
Meet KHADIJAH from W.H. Oliver Middle School



Grade: 7 Favorite subject: Language arts Favorite food: Pizza Favorite color: Light green Favorite band or singer: Alicia Keys What’s interesting about you and your family? We are all comical! What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be an actress. Role in show: Edwina Spoonapple Favorite part of the musical’s story: I love when Scott has to sing to me, it's a little awkward, but it's the funny part. Hardest part of being in the show: Hitting the high notes How has being in the show changed you? It has made my personality come to life. Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical? Yes, because this is definitely a team effort. No one would be able to put on a show without everyone being involved!
Meet RAYMOND from W.H. Oliver Middle School


Grade: 7 Favorite food: Sweet potato and meat loaf Favorite color: Red Favorite sport: Skateboard What’s interesting about you and your family? We like to get up and do things like travel. What do you want to be when you grow up? Famous singer Role in show: Scott How has being in the show changed you? It gave me a chance to show people who I am! What do you think your family will say when they see the show? That I did a good job! Do you think it is importa nt for other kids to be in a musical? Yes, to help the program to continue. If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Break a leg!!!

*Read about the "Make A Musical" Team's first visit to W.H. Oliver Middle School!*
“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.