CHOCOWINITY — Chocowinity Primary School students will take on the roles of pirates in the upcoming Steppin’ Out performance, to be hosted April 17 by the Beaufort County Schools Education Foundation.

“The name of our show is ‘Pirates All Are We’ so we’re going to be pirates,” said Julie Sizemore, CPS music teacher and director of the school’s performance.

CPS’s contribution to Steppin’ Out will be two decidedly different songs.

“One is a sea shanty and our second number is a ballad called ‘Song of the River’, which the children will be singing in two-part harmony,” Sizemore said.

CPS third and fourth graders will represent the school. Among them is Vernon Collins, who said he is excited to become a pirate for the evening.

“I love that they are doing a pirate song, because I love pirates, and that we can get pirate costumes,” Vernon said. “Also we get to sing a slow song with high and low pitch, and it is so sweet. So we’re going to have excitement, then we’re going to make them cry. See you at the show … aargh!”

Sizemore and her students have been preparing for the show since January, and choir practice was held after school each Monday. It’s a lot of work, but the students are enjoying it.

“Oh, they love being pirates,” Sizemore said with a laugh. “What a natural thing for kids. It’s easy to get them to act and do the facial expressions.”

Campbell Barnes is another student who can hardly wait until show time.

“I like doing the songs at Steppin’ Out, especially the pirate song this year because I like pirates,” Campbell said. “The songs are what makes Steppin’ Out fun, and I’ve liked learning them with Mrs. Sizemore.”

Steppin’ Out will be staged at Washington High School’s performing arts center beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 each and may be purchased at each school. The show will include performances by students from throughout Beaufort County Schools and is being directed by Joe Sizemore, a former teacher at Washington High School and Northside High School.