Nelson Mandela Elementary offers many extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. Scholars that are inclined to sing can participate in the Meerkat Melodies, a choir that meets weekly to practice, and has many performance opportunities throughout the year. The Meerkat Melodies was founded in 2016 by Ms. Alisa Moore and 12 scholars who had a heart for music. Ms. Moore’s vision was to invite scholars into a world of music, one that would allow them creativity and diversity. In 2017, the choir welcomed Ms. Bajah Pittman as the Assistant Director to accommodate growing numbers. Today, the choir proudly contains 75 scholars. The program has not only grown in numbers but also partnerships. Nelson Mandela is blessed to partner with Opera Omaha. Through Opera Omaha’s education and outreach programs, scholars in the choir expand their horizons of music and music genres. Opera Omaha also regularly attends practices to teach the scholars the importance of stage presence, tone, pitch, and diction, all of which allow the scholars to proudly share their gifts. The Meerkat Melodies will be sharing their gifts in December throughout the city. Last weekend, Mandela’s Meerkat Melodies performed at Christmas in the Village. Saturday, December 14 they will perform at Christmas at Union Station at the Durham Museum at 12:00pm, and Tuesday, December 17, the Meerkats will present their Holiday Concert at Nelson Mandela (6316 N 30th) at 5:30pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the holidays!