Longtime Bumpus educator surprised at Spring Show

Longtime R.F. Bumpus Middle School educator and show choir director Sal Rodas had quite a surprise at his end-of-the year spring show. Not only was it the culminating performance for the school’s Cadence show choir, but former Cadence member Stephen Thomas covertly arranged for current and former choir members to perform a surprise number for Rodas, who started the show choir in 2001. The performance took more than two months of preparation. 

“I had no idea about the surprise and was overcome with emotion as I watched the group sing and dance,” Rodas said. “It is so exciting to me that they would take their time and effort to put together a special moment for me. I love all the students that have been a member of Cadence and feel privileged to have the opportunity share in their lives.”

Hundreds of parents, students, faculty and staff were in attendance for the show. Aside from the unexpected performance, more than 80 Cadence members performed numbers from its annual competition show and its student-choreographed spring show. Solo performances included alum/current Hoover High School student Houston Kendrick’s “Mine,” a single off of his soon-to-be-released album. Additionally, the Brock’s Gap Sixth-Grade Show Choir performed its 2013-14 show. The concert also highlighted members of the group through a photo presentation and individual eighth-grade student recognition.

-Submitted by Jason Gaston