Homer High School presented three performances of the musical “Guys and Dolls” to full audiences last weekend.

After two performances on Saturday the actors finished the day by striking the sets, putting all the costumes and props away and cleaning up backstage. They didn’t finish the evening until approximately midnight with more work to do early this week moving flats and furniture back to their home at Pier One.

By Monday, community members had posted praise on social media of the youth’s enthusiasm in the performances, the local volunteer coordinator, choreographer Maura Jones, the musicians and music instructor Kyle Schneider’s steady direction over the entire affair.

In praise for the performers, retired kindergarten teacher Deb Schmidt noted how much music and fine arts contribute to the components of well-being and mental health for students.

“The arts support self confidence and builds a camaraderie among participants that wouldn’t happen otherwise. It teaches a work ethic and enables people to work together. That is invaluable when they go out into the work arena,” Schmidt said. She also mentioned how students with a musical background tend to perform better academically.

On call for Homer High School music students is the borough Solo and Ensemble for both band and choir taking place at separate times in April. The state Solo and Ensemble festival will take place May 9-12, organized by the Alaska School Activities Association with sponsorship from several business corporations in the state.

Homer community members volunteer their time to the orchestra pit for the high school production of “Guys and Dolls” at the Mariner Theater. (Photo provided by Jennifer Norton)