Visual and performing arts

Dear Families:

Gordon’s visual and performing arts faculty cannot wait to begin working with your children in September! This note summarizes the opportunities open to students for music ensembles, after school theater, and the public sharing of visual art. Essentially, arts programming for the fall will look very much as it did last spring. Opportunities may be added and protocols may change as we navigate the year, so stay tuned for further developments.
 

Music ensembles

We plan to reintroduce ensembles in Middle School this fall through the arts electives program, beginning with Chorale Ensemble and Band. These will meet during the day, in person, with grades seven and eight combined. Grade level choruses (third, fourth, fifth, and sixth), as well as percussion ensembles, will begin later in the fall, meeting in person during the school day. Ms. Baird will be looking for opportunities for our younger students to perform safely, as well. All music experiences will be conducted masked and socially distanced according to the latest health and safety guidelines. We hope to reinstate in person concerts, and are evaluating the best time and place for bringing these important, joyful experiences back to our campus!

 

above: the 2020-2021 G-Notes collaborated with G-Notes alumni for this virtual performance

G-Notes

G-Notes a cappella group will continue this year led by Mr. Vélez. Anyone entering seventh or eighth grade who is willing to commit the extra time to meet the challenges of this style of singing is welcome to audition; students who have been part of the group do not need to re-audition. G-Notes will meet twice a week: once during the school day and once on Friday afternoons from 2:00-3:00 PM. There may be additional rehearsal time as needed and as the schedule evolves. If your student is interested in auditioning, separate information on the audition process will be published at the beginning of the school year.

All State ensembles

The opportunity for seventh and eighth grade students to audition for All State music ensembles will be available again this year. As always, participation is contingent on a student’s  participation in at least one Gordon music ensemble, whether it is Band, Chorale Ensemble, or G-Notes.

Private music lessons

After school music lessons will continue in person and on campus this year! Please see separate information from Mr. Beaudoin at www.gordonschool.org/musiclessons for that program.

No Fear Friday

The Eighth Grade Arts Council will again run four “No Fear Friday” Open Mic nights. These are currently planned to be held in person; all of Middle School is invited to sign up to share any style of performance. As the dates approach, we will publish specifics on performing and watching.

The annual art show and the Britt Nelson Visiting Artist

Two of Gordon’s most beloved traditions will continue, with Ms. Tonsgard and Ms. King curating examples of student art that demonstrate the power of self-expression and the joy of creation. For now, the hope is that the annual Art Show will take place live and on campus in 2022. Work with the Britt Nelson Visiting Artist remains scheduled for the spring.

 

above: High School Musical, the spring 2021 Middle School production

Theater

After school theater will continue in the safe, socially-distanced form developed last spring, with important change: grades seven and eight can be combined, and individual classes do not need to separated. All are welcomed to audition for their grade’s opportunity, and all will be cast. The work will be creative, child-centered, and celebrated. The goal is to perform in person, but we have our new filmmaking skills to rely on, if necessary!

The fall play
Open to fifth through eighth grade
Rehearsals will be on campus from dismissal to 5:00pm, beginning September 1st and ending at Thanksgiving. Individual grades will meet on a specific day each week, as follows: Seventh and eighth grades combined: Mondays and Friday
Sixth grade: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Fifth grade: Wednesdays
As always, students can participate in a sport and the play!
More details, and signus, at www.gordonschool.org/afterschool

Winter fourth grade musical
Open to fourth grade
Rehearsals will begin after winter break

Spring Middle School musical
Open to all Middle School
Rehearsals will begin after spring break and will follow protocols in place at that time This year, students will be abe to participate in a sport and the spring musical!  

As you can see, the arts at Gordon School continue with vibrant, vital, and visible programming that seeks to engage students and ignite passion. Please reach out to any of the arts faculty with questions, concerns, or just to chat. We can’t wait to welcome your children back to school!  

Regards, Milly Massey
Director of Visual and Performing Arts
mmassey@gordonschool.org