The fifth grade of Black’s Mill Elementary School performed their Christmas musical Thursday, Dec. 18.

Performances of  “Holiday at the O.K. Corral” were held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Black’s Mill gymnasium.

“It has been a tradition of many years for the fifth grade to put on a musical during the month of December,” said Black’s Mill Principal Julia Mashburn.

“This year’s musical was special because it was the first year we have had the combined instruction of Alicia Bond and Mary Childs,” added Mashburn.

“The collaboration between the two of us worked really well this year,” said Bond.

“I think it helped improve our music program.”

Mashburn, complimentary of the program and pleased with the turnout, hopes that the shared music teacher position will begin to lay the groundwork for a chorus program.

“We are hoping that the joint efforts of Bond and Childs will be a springboard into a more formal music program that we hope to pilot after the first of the year,” said Masburn. “This is such a good foundation for a chorus-type program that we hope to provide for the children one day.”

This year’s musical had a western theme.

In summary, the musical was about the townspeople of Snowy Gulch preparing to celebrate the holidays with their annual festival at the O.K. Corral on the edge of town.

Bubble Gum Bart, the local bad guy, tried to stop the celebration by threatening to cover the whole town in bubble gum.

In response, the townspeople sent an urgent e-mail to Big Guy for help. Big Guy responded by sending the Candy Cane Kid to the rescue. The problem with Bubble Gum Bart was then resolved and the people of Snowy Gulch were able to continue with their holiday celebration.

“The kids really got into the musical this year,” said Bond. “The cooperation of the kids, and parents as well, made this show enjoyable for those who participated as well as the audience.”

E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.