3 minute read
FPD Golf Tournament
Disney’s Descendants
With great anticipation and enthusiasm, FPD Director of Fine Arts, Dr. Andrew Strickland introduced a new concept at FPD this year – an elementary and middle school musical.
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“While I have directed almost 150 theatre productions, I have never previously directed a full scale musical with elementary and middle school students only,” he recalled. “I was excited about the opportunity but also concerned. Musicals require a large amount of work. I hoped we could not only put together a great show but have fun while doing it. What I discovered was that my cast was ready to work hard and found fun in everything!”
In May, FPD fourth through eighth graders presented Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, showcasing the strong talents in FPD’s upper elementary and middle school.
FPD seventh grader Megan Casey performed as Mal, the daughter of Maleficent. She fondly remembers the cast as one big family. “I loved getting to know the elementary cast,” she said, “I enjoyed how enthusiastic they were about this production. This was an incredible experience. I have grown in my friendships with my castmates and become a better performer.”
FPD eighth grader Ella Washburn played Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen. She agreed with Megan, “Having a cast which consists solely of elementary and middle school students has been incredible; however, it has also been a learning experience. This was our first musical without high schoolers to lead us. The older cast members have had to take on a role of leadership that we haven’t had in previous shows.”
Looking toward next year, Dr. Strickland is pleased to be able to bring back the beloved spring musical with middle and high school students. However, when asked if he would consider a musical for fourth through eighth graders again, he resoundingly said “Yes!”
Collaborate!
FPD fourth graders splattered and splashed, dotted and spotted as they came together to paint a large 4’x15’ canvas cloth. Lower school art teacher Mrs. Jaime Simmons led the class in the collaborative art project as they studied non-objective art and Jackson Pollack-style “splatter painting.”
Art Awards
Band
Region & District Honors Bands were not hosted in 2020 due to pandemic precautions. All State Band - Conner Crosby, Chandler Katzer Top 5th Grade Band Members - Woodwind, Rory Brumbelow; Brass, Wyatt Doubleday; Percussion, Kameren Kim Top 6th Grade Band Members - Oliver Hunt, Samantha Gray Most Improved 6th Grade Band Student - Jacob Rodgers
Dance
FPD took home division wins at the Smoky Mountain Open Nationals in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for Hip Hop, Pom, and Prop. The Hip Hop team was also recognized with an additional “Sweet Surprise” award for their outstanding performance.
Theatre
Outstanding Performance By A Group - Ryan Bray, Kyla Gay, Luke Strickland Excellence in an Ensemble/Supporting Role, Actress - Grace Mancin Excellence in an Ensemble/Supporting Role, Actor - Reece Hatfield Excellence In Vocal Performance - Reagan Simmons Excellence In Specialty Stage Movement - Abby Tillery Outstanding Debut Performance, Actor - Thomas Everitt Outstanding Debut Performance, Actress - Anna Thompson Outstanding Middle School Performance, Actor - Sam Cook Outstanding Middle School Performance, Actress - Abby Tillery Breakout Performance, Actor - Bonner Law Breakout Performance, Actress - Sydney Williams Excellence In An Ensemble Role, Actor - Andrew Correa Excellence In An Ensemble Role, Actress - Sydney Williams Excellence In A Featured Role, Actor - Hollis Correa Excellence In A Featured Role, Actress - Kate Spivey Outstanding Comic Actor - Sam Cook Outstanding Comic Actress - Reagan Simmons Outstanding Dramatic Actor - Lanier Nelson Outstanding Dramatic Actress - Ryann Perkins Volunteer Award - Chandler Katzer Serlio Award - Roan Cerny, Chandler Daniely, Emily Jones, Alyssa Ranow, Jordan Tolbert, Jarrett Ward Director’s Award - Ryann Perkins fpdmacon.org // 35
