LES Choir Club Sets Sail with Spirited Spring Production of Pirates! The Musical

The stage at Lakenheath Elementary School was alive with music, laughter and high-seas adventure as the LES Choir Club performed Pirates! The Musical for their spring production, delighting audiences with a spirited display of young talent and creativity.

Directed by LES music teacher Ms. Ainley, the performance featured 45 second and third grade students who brought the swashbuckling story to life. The show, with music by John Jacobson and Roger Emerson, showcased the students’ dedication and growth in a program that has more than doubled in size since last year.

“This was such a fun and fulfilling experience,” Ainley said. “The kids were confident and enthusiastic. They looked adorable in their costumes and sang with joy and gusto! A music teacher couldn’t ask for anything more.”

What started as a group of 20 students in 2024 has blossomed into a robust after-school program. The Choir Club meets one to two times a week, with additional rehearsals for speaking roles beginning in March. Preparation for the musical began in January, culminating in a performance that drew praise from staff, families and community members.

Third grader Autumn Brown, who played the lead role of the stowaway, shared her excitement and nerves after the show. “I didn’t think that I would get the main part! I thought—what if I mess up? I was really excited but nervous. Many people are telling me that I did a good job, and it feels good because the nerves just rushed out. It was a pretty fun experience that I’ve had.”

While students were initially hesitant to move away from last year’s musical, Pajama Party, Ainley encouraged them to explore new stories. Pirates! The Musical quickly captured their imagination and enthusiasm.

For Ainley, this production was particularly meaningful. “This is actually my first position as a music teacher,” she said. “I was previously an ESOL Specialist, but I majored in music in college and had my music endorsement. My husband—who’s also a music teacher at neighboring LIS—has been my inspiration. He’s taught for nearly 40 years and knows how to get quality music out of kids. I’ve learned so much from him.”

Thanks to Ainley’s leadership and the students’ commitment, Pirates! The Musical was a rousing success and a milestone in LES’s growing music program.

“I don’t know how we can top this next year,” Ainley said with a smile. “But we’ll certainly try!”