THE ARTS

WE’RE BACK

PERFORMING ARTS MAKES A FULL RETURN TO GCS.

By Cate Barry

DIRECTOR OF THEATRE ARTS

Something magical is happening across campus. After a challenging year of virtual performances, actors, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists have taken to the stage, Forum, multi-purpose room, parlor, and hallways for inperson audiences!

A year of exciting performances started with Upper School theatre arts students performing the Kristen Dougherty play, “TEEN”. Using hallways, the library, and the Forum as a backdrop, “TEEN” examines social and emotional issues faced by contemporary teenagers through a selection of short scenes and monologues written by teenagers for teenagers. Audience members journeyed through the Upper School, experiencing both the highs and lows of teenage life.

The Mulitz Theater—complete with a new stage curtain and upgraded lighting—opened in November 2021 with the Middle School musical production of Disney’s “Moana Jr.” Featuring a talented cast of 31 students and supported by more than 20 Upper School students and dedicated teachers, the Mulitz was alive with the sounds of Moana, Maui, and friends. The audience sang along as Maui danced through “You’re Welcome” and adventured with Moana as she wondered “How Far I’ll Go.” On her journey, she met monsters, Kakamora coconuts, and a shiny crab named Tamatoa. Through her work and bravery, Moana returned the Heart of Te Fiti and brought health and prosperity back to her island of Motunui.

Today, Middle and Upper School students are busy working on “The Music Man,” the spring musical. In this musical, we meet con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader who sells band instruments and uniforms to naive Midwestern townsfolk, promising to train the new band members. Harold is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons.

Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but she falls in love when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness. Harold risks capture to win her. This musical will be a community favorite with set designs and construction by GCS’ talented stagecraft students, music provided by an incredible instrumental ensemble, and an extraordinary cast.

And still, there is much more to come. Young musicians are learning music for the annual instrumental and choral concerts as actors prepare for the spring play. Eline Reis will soon cast the fifth-grade musical and take to the stage in May. We can’t wait to share our work with the Dragon community!

REUSE AND REPURPOSE

GCS SCULPTURE STUDENT WINS STATE COMPETITION.

By Deborah Banker

VISUAL ARTS FACULTY

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Maryland Department of the Environment hosting “Rethink Recycling,” a sculpture competition for Maryland high school students.

In the fall, for the first time, a GCS student was recognized. Nigel Hafiz ’23 placed second in creativity, winning a cash prize for an original and complex sculpture inspired by an 1882 political cartoon about British Imperialism. Hafiz replaced John Bull with Uncle Sam and used maps of countries that have felt the heavy hand of American imperial power, incorporating soda cans to symbolize the extractive relationship between American capital and the global South.

Hafiz worked tirelessly over many weeks to solve the problems of fabricating a sculpture with only recycled materials, including hangers, pool noodles, fabric tote bags, cans, and cardboard.

“What struck me as important about the experience was the ability to bring attention to the often-ignored history of the American Empire and to have spurred discussion on anti-imperialism within our community,” says Hafiz.

Visual arts teacher Deborah Banker was impressed by the depth of Hafiz’s political commentary on modern world politics and the commitment he exhibited in his fabrication practice. “Many students can think of complex and interesting ideas, but very few are willing to work hard enough to complete the creative expression,” Banker says.

Other students who submitted work to the competition include Karleen Cangialosi ’23, Samuel Dodge ’22, and Corrin Grimes ’22. The sculpture contest, part of America Recycle Day (ARD), challenges students to innovatively and artistically use recycled materials as a solution to waste reduction. Cecilia Lazzari ’24 notes that “it is important to create sculptures out of recycled materials because we repurposed them instead of materials going to waste.”

Dodge agrees. “The value to me was using things that would otherwise be unused to make a meaningful new piece of art to share with people.”

Students benefit from participating in this event because work from across the state is submitted. The event is an opportunity to see other students’ work and connect with the artists. As the five judges peruse the competition artworks, each judge speaks with the artist and asks questions about the design concept and recycled materials’ origin and use.

Grimes found the interaction helpful. “After talking to the judges multiple times, it gave me more confidence to talk to adults.”

As a national event, ARD promotes recycling, source reduction, and buying products made from recycled materials as objectives to a more sustainable society. The contest gives students the chance to be inventive and create a sculpture made from recyclable or reused materials.

Cangialosi recommends students participate in the project because “it allowed me to look at different materials in unusual ways that I would never have thought.”

Top to bottom, left to right: Nigel Hafiz ’23, Karleen Cangialosi ’23, Samuel Dodge ’‘22, and Corrin Grimes ’22

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

STUDENTS EARN COVETED PLACE ON ALL-STATE CHOIR.

By Karis Nichols

PERFORMING ARTS FACULTY

Jola Oyegoke ’24, Gavin Gundersen ’22, and Connor Schrott ’22

For the first time in school history, three Upper School students learned they would represent Glenelg Country School (GCS) in Maryland’s All-State Choir. Over 1,900 singers from across the state auditioned for one of 220 coveted spots in the tenth- to twelfth-grade ensemble. Students learned two challenging audition pieces and submitted recordings to a panel of choir teachers from around the state for judging. Gavin Gundersen ’22, Jola Oyegoke ’24, and Connor Schrott ’22 scored high marks to earn a spot on the ensemble. Upper School choir teacher, Karis Nichols, was thrilled with the results. “Auditioning for the All-State Choir is a culmination of preparation that spans a student’s entire musical career. The arts are strong at GCS, and I look forward to setting a new GCS state choir record next year,” says Nichols.

The three students will travel to Baltimore, MD, on Saturday, March 12, for a rehearsal and concert led by an expert conductor.

CONCERTS & SHOWS 2021