Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience performs at Lucas Thursday after school

On Thursday at 2:30 p.m., Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience will perform for free at Lucas on the K-2 playground. This is a special event for LOC students, but other Lucas families are welcome to attend. Students must be accompanied by a parent.

Simien and his band are in town as part of a two week tour of Iowa communities organized by the University of Iowa's Hancher.

If you can't make it Thursday, head downtown to the first Friday Night Concert of the season, this Friday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m., to catch a bit of this unique blend of New Orleans and Afro-Caribbean funk-reggae. Simien is an eighth generation Creole from the “Capitol of Zydeco Music,” Mallet, Louisiana, and is also passionate about Creole music education and advocacy. He has created a performing arts program called “Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco.” Since its creation in 2001, the program has provided informational performances to nearly 500,000 students in the U.S., Dominican Republic, Brazil, Paraguay, and Australia.

Music to your ears: Spring general music concert dates announced

Check the schedule below and mark your calendars for the time and date of your child's class music performance. The students will share a sample of what they've learned this year in music classes with Mr. Kelly.

Thursday, April 25
1 p.m.: Kindergarten
1:30 p.m.: 1st grade

Thursday, May 9
1 p.m.: 2nd grade
1:30 p.m.: 4th grade

Thursday, May 16
1 p.m.: 3rd grade
1:20 p.m.: 5th grade

Last day of School: 6th grade musical entertainment

Lucas band students tuning up for Dec. 4 concert

Lucas band students will join with other eastside elementary musicians for the Elementary Band Concert, Tuesday, Dec. 4 at City High’s Opstad auditorium. Band students who attend regularly on Mondays after school at Southeast Jr. High will be playing. Students need to arrive between 6:30 and 6:40 p.m. wearing white tops/shirts and black pants/skirts. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for students, or buy a family pass for the year - all concerts, all levels, band, choir, orchestra for $25.

Chili dinner benefits IC Music Auxiliary

A chili dinner on Friday, May 4, at Lucas will benefit the Iowa City Music Auxiliary. This is the organization that provides all band instruments to Iowa City elementary students, including our Lucas musicians. Campfire USA's local Discovery Club is sponsoring the dinner to raise funds for our music programs. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under. They are available from Mrs. Denniston in the Lucas office or by contacting Lily Tate at 354-1767 or LJWTate@gmail.com

If you can't attend the event but would still like to support the cause, contact Lily Tate to donate time, money or ingredients.

Lucas students will perform with East I.C. band May 8

Lucas musicians will join with other east side elementary band students for a concert on Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at City High's Opstad Auditorium. All students who attend the after school band rehearsals regularly at Southeast Jr. High will be performing. Come and see what our talented children can do!

Concerts are open to the public; doors open at 6:30. There is an admission charge of $2 for adults and $1 for senior citizens/students unless you have purchased the family passes earlier in the year.

Beginning Band students are to report to the high school band room NO EARLIER than 6:30 p.m. Advanced Band students (6th grade) are to report to the high school orchestra room NO EARLIER than 6:30 p.m. Parents and students should discuss ahead of time where to meet when the concert concludes.

Press-Citizen features Opera Iowa visit to Lucas

Students and staff alike responded with enthusiasm to yesterday's visit from Opera Iowa, the Educational Touring Troupe of the Des Moines Metro Opera performing “Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing.” A story about the event, including a photo of kindergartners Natalie Wildes and Kaylee Westfall and a quote from first grader Sarah Brennaman, is on page 3A of today's Press-Citizen. It is also available online. Thanks to Nathan Kelley and everyone who helped with this wonderful opportunity for our students.

Students can enroll in Elementary Orchestra program this fall

Attention 3rd Grade Students and Parents!

At the beginning of their 4th grade school year students will have the opportunity to enroll in the Elementary Orchestra program! Instrument demonstrations and program information will be presented during the first week of school. There will also be an informational meeting for parents of interested students.

Lauren Trolley

Register by May 25 for 'Let's Play' Music Summer Camp!

Music teachers are teaming up to put together one of the first, FREE summer music camps at Lucas Elementary School, and they are inviting students from Lucas, Lemme, Mann and Wood Elementary Schools to register for this exciting event!

The "Let's Play" Music Summer Camp takes place from Monday, June 20 through Friday, June 24 at Lucas Elementary School, 830 Southlawn Drive, Iowa City. Students will participate in three sessions each day: Orff Schulwerk/Xylophones, World Drumming, and Movement/Dance. 

On Friday, the last day of camp, there will be a sharing session for parents in which the kids will share and perform what they have been working on all week. The times for these sharing sessions are:

Grades 2-3:  8:15 to 11:30 a.m.

Grades 4-6: 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Students will be placed in a group on a first come, first served basis. This camp is free! Once the classes are assigned, more information and required forms may be sent home. All forms must be completed and returned if your child is to participate by MAY 25th! Online applications are due May 27th! No Exceptions

Print, fill out and send to Lucas the following form. Or you can fill out a registration form online by going here.

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Name of Student (First)_____________________________(Last)__________________________

School ___________________________________________ Grade:___________

Email: ______________________________________ Phone Number: ____________

Indicate the transportation plan for your child after each class (e.g. parent will pick up, child will walk, etc.): ________________________________________________________________

____ Yes, I plan to attend my child’s sharing session on the last day.

Would you be willing let another child in your neighborhood ride with you and your child so they can make it to summer camp? ____ Yes ____ No

Child’s Signature: __________________________________ Date:_________

Parent's signature: __________________________________ Date: _________