The halls of Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) were alive this fall with the anticipation of a musical production scheduled for Nov. 10.
The words "Leisl," "Maria" and "audition" have been heard in conversations all over campus as the dramatic parts were cast and the practices set for the beloved musical, The Sound of Music.
Melia Williams joined the AAA team as choral and home arts director. She is passionate about music and has been directing musicals at Adventist academies around the country for the last 30 years.
"My personal music philosophy is that if you want to learn, then I want to teach you," says Williams. "You don't have to have an extraordinary gift to be found worthy of making music. We can work to develop our talents."
The production of a musical can be a lot of work, but Williams is getting everyone involved, including having her sewing class make blouses for the Von Trapp children.
"I think the musical is going to be really fun," says Olympia Hunt, who will be playing the smallest Von Trapp child, Gretl. "It is going to be a lot of work, but I am really excited about getting to work with and know new people."
Through music and creative skills, Williams desires to give students a voice and a confidence that creativity can come out in a variety of ways.
Melia Williams, Auburn Adventist Academy's new choral and home arts director (center), is coordinating a musical performance of The Sound of Music. (Jessi Turner)
Melia Williams brings 30 years of musical performance experience to Auburn Adventist Academy. (Jessi Turner)
The hallways and classrooms at Auburn Adventist Academy are alive with The Sound of Music. (Jessi Turner)
