MT. PLEASANT — The lights dimmed, the first notes of jazz floated through the room, and the Mt. Pleasant Community School District’s annual Dessert Theatre began — a cherished tradition that once again turned a spring weekend into a celebration of music, family, and talented students.

Held Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, this year’s Dessert Theatre showcased the talents of Mt. Pleasant Community High School and Middle School music students in an intimate two-night musical showcase. From jazz bands to show choirs and plenty of solos in between, students delivered heart-filled performances to a crowd of friends, family, and proud community members — many enjoying delicious dessert as rich and delightful as the onstage music.

For parents like Melia Liles, the weekend was more than just a concert.

“It meant a lot, especially this year,” said Liles, whose son Talan performed with the middle school band and daughter Isabella sang with the high school show choir. “It always makes you proud as a parent to watch your child on the stage, even more so if it's something they're passionate about. The arts are our football arena — my kids love to perform, and I beam with pride watching them entertain.”

Saturday night’s program included performances from Jazz II, directed by Mr. Kent Keating and powerful vocals from MPCHS’s “InMotion,” under the direction of Ms. Makenzie Kauffman-Ho. Solos and group numbers for the evening spanned musical eras — from ABBA’s Slippin’ Through My Fingers to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman — with musical accompaniment by the Show Band led by Mr. Micah Peck.

Liles pointed to several performances that stirred emotion, including a standout family moment on stage.

“I was exceptionally proud of my son, he nailed his solo on tenor saxophone during their set,” she recalled. “I’d be lying if I said that Addison Peck’s solo didn’t make me cry. Her mother accompanied her on piano, with her father and younger brother playing behind her as well. Absolutely beautiful.”

The audience was treated to classics like Fly Me to the Moon and Dream a Little Dream of Me, performed by seniors, with a touch of Debussy’s Clair de Lune woven in — a creative blend that highlighted the musicality cultivated in Mt. Pleasant’s music program.

While the student performances took center stage, the sense of community behind the scenes helped make the event possible. Parents and volunteers filled dessert tables, local businesses donated support, and familiar names like Dave Schneider and MPTV-Close Up captured lasting memories on video and in photos.

“I see my children flourishing, their confidence growing after each and every performance,” Liles said. “Auditioning and getting solos, stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things … I love the passion that my kids have, and I couldn’t be happier that we live in a community that prioritizes keeping the arts alive.”

Events like Dessert Theatre provide more than entertainment — they become emotional landmarks for families, according to Liles.

“These events are so important on both sides,” Liles said. “The kids work so hard, putting in so many hours of practice and aiming for perfection in their performances. They deserve a packed house and loud applause!”

From a parent’s point of view, Liles says these are the moments they live for.

“To get the opportunity to watch our kids do what they love,” she said. “To see the passion that's been nurtured and encouraged by the wonderful educators that have guided them, shaping them into the stars they are.”

Liles couldn’t help but express her gratitude for the teachers that nurture these young musicians from the classroom all the way to the stage.

“These moments are so important for the teachers, too,” she said. “These kids, our kids, they're their kids too. The joy, the pride, the love, it's shared all around that room.”

She recalls numerous times the proud adults in these students’ lives have showed up to support them.

“I'll never forget watching Terry Jerrel hop on stage and dance with his son Isaac during a show choir invitational, watching Adam Creager put on a gorilla mask and march around with the band kids while they played the drums,” Liles recalled. “Seeing different families congratulating their kids after amazing performances. It's all the little, special moments that make these events so magical.”

While each performance may last just a few minutes, the memories created linger long after the final note.

As Liles put it: “These experiences are ones I know my children, my family, and I will remember forever.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com