Spirit of Alabama: Sun Valley Elementary School choir

It’s not every day that you get a private concert, but our chief photographer Mike Dodd and anchor Mike Royer got just that when they visited Sun Valley Elementary School.

The 4th- and 5th-grade choir has already performed at the annual all-city music program and they presented a concert for their families and faculty.

The students have worked hard and when they performed, it showed.

Rhonda Evans runs a tight ship here at Sun Valley. She doesn’t just teach music to a few.

“well, I teach all 600 kids that come to this school, so mixing it up, keeping them involved. I think if you keep the music going, then they will keep going, and they don’t have time to get into trouble or anything like that… just keep the music going and keep them involved.

“I’m a musician and that’s what I love to do, and I love kids, and I love sharing what I know and the knowledge that I have with the children.“

The students sing many traditional Christmas songs… and newer ones too.

Evans has taught music for 14 years.  It’s hard work, but this is the reward.

“Seeing them perform, it’s all about the kids, it’s not about me or my getting recognition…it’s seeing them perform and seeing how well they can do and seeing them shine,” Evans said.

They’re having a good school year at Sun Valley Elementary School and thanks to the hard work of the students and Rhonda Evans, the Christmas season is extra special too.