Greenwood State of the Arts 2024

STATE OF THE ARTS STATE OF THE ARTS

@GREENWOOD SCHOOL

*SNAP,SNAP*A *SNAP,SNAP*A CCREEPY&KOOKY REEPY&KOOKY ROMP! ROMP!

Greenwood’ssecond theatricalproduction enjoyedafullysoldout run!

NEWMUSIC NEWMUSIC DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT, WHODIS? WHODIS?

AnInterviewwith GreenwoodSchool’sNew MusicTeacher,Kwesiann Brown.

Featured Articles

FULL STEAM AHEAD!

Mrs. Surowiec and her classes and teams are empowered through science in the STEAM lab

*SNAP, SNAP*GREENWOOD’S SECOND MAINSTAGE SHOW, THE ADDAMS FAMILY

A FEAST FOR THE EYES

Visual Arts at Greenwood have never looked this good!

INTERVIEW WITH KWESIANN BROWN

The HALLS are alive with the sound of music!

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THESPIAN TROUPE 10512 TAKES ON DISTRICT + STATE COMPETITION

The eagles have landed at the largest youth theatre festival in THE WORLD!

WRITING SAMPLE

Become enthralled with Greenwood’s creative writers!

Associated Faculty

Head of School

Jacqueline Herman

Enrichment Department Chair/ Theatre Department

Zach Rivera

Music Department

Kwesiann Brown

Art Department

Kaz McCue

STEAM Department

Leslie Surowiec

A NOTE FROM MR. RIVERA

We have had another WONDERFUL year in the arts, here at Greenwood

With the addition of our new music department and the illustrious Ms. Kwesiann Brown, fascinating developments in our STEAM offerings thanks to Mrs. Surowiec and her robotics crew, and a wide variety of amazing happenings, we are able to offer for our wildly creative students, great opportunities!

In the arts at Greenwood we have TWO competition teams, FOUR distinct arts departments, have done work across the state, and even received accolades and awards from outside organizations!

The arts save lives They are a community for those that feel like they have none. They are a refuge for students when the world feels like too much, and a soapbox for them to shout their beliefs and convictions from the rooftops

The arts matter, and for our students, some of whom have been told that they couldn’t in relation to the arts, the arts make the world of difference

I invite you to read about the offerings of our arts departments here at Greenwood, and if you feel so inclined, to lend us your support.

CRUNCHING SOME NUMBERS

Over 500 people attended Greenwood Arts Events in the 2023-2024 school year! (That’s 2.5x the size of the student body!)

Between ticket sales and donations, the arts at Greenwood have earned over $5,000 this year!

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Mrs. Surowiec and her classes and teams are empowered through science in the STEAM lab

SCIENCE - Agriculture isn't just about farming and cows; it's a universe of exciting possibilities! In our plant classes, students dove into hydroponics, learning the art of soilless growing and STEAM skills galore Getting hands-on with animals boosts social skills, sparks creativity, and hones problem-solving superpowers.

TECHNOLOGY - In a universe bursting with content, it's crucial to have creators crafting captivating content. Students crave outlets to unleash their creativity Coding isn't just about numbers – it's a canvas for students to paint their passions. Our coding wizards recently rocked a global showdown, clinching top three spots in a game-making battle for the 13-18 age group

ART - Students learn design, 3D modeling, and the nitty-gritty of printing, skills that unlock industries like engineering, manufacturing, and architecture 3D printing is a game-changer, sparking creativity and teamwork while sharpening problemsolving and critical thinking skills. This year, students rocked OnShape to craft stunning hanging lamps!

MATHEMATICS- By sprinkling a dash of modern sorcery into traditional woodworking, students can unlock a treasure chest of skills. It's a brain workout! Mixing tech with woodwork is like finding a secret passage to new materials and designs, lighting up a fiery passion for math. This year, our carpentry class rocked the set design for Addams Family Who knows what masterpiece they'll conjure up next!

ROBOTS AMONG US?

ENGINEERING -

High School Robotics Team #20324 Mechanical Eagles has been rocking the robot world, strutting their stuff in FIRST Tech Challenge since 2019 They burst onto the scene as rookies in 2021, diving into action-packed tournaments that are like robot Olympics! Zooming through judges' interviews, pit judging, and nail-biting Qualifying Matches, they've been on fire, snatching up 3 shiny trophies in the current 2023-2024 season At the NEFL League Tournament, they soared as the Finalist Alliance captain among 32 top teams. Coach Surowiec even snagged the Compass Award for her stellar mentorship Plus, they scored a golden ticket to the Florida Championship for the first time ever, waltzing away with the prestigious Judge's Choice Award out of a whopping 56 teams Talk about robot royalty!

Middle School Robotics Team #61491, also known as the Robotic Eagles, soared into the robotics scene as rookies, unleashing their talent in the FIRST Lego League In the epic 2023-2024 season, this team of young masterminds snagged a trio of shiny trophies! At the Bulldog Bowl Qualifiers, they clinched the Core Value award. Their coach, Mrs. Surowiec, scored the Compass award for being a top-notch mentor As if that wasn't impressive enough, they nabbed a spot in the North East Florida regionals for the very first time, where they swooped in and snatched the Breakthrough Award amongst 56 competing teams These robotic prodigies are on fire!

*SNAP, SNAP*

GREENWOOD’S SECOND MAINSTAGE SHOW: THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL

“Normal is an illusion darling What’s normal for the spider is a calamity for the fly ”

This year’s mainstage theatrical production was none other than The Addams Family Musical This musical explored themes of family and what it means to be “normal”. We all have our quirks, and normal doesn’t exist This message was perfect for our Greenwood community as we push forward the idea that it is okay to do the radical thing of accepting yourself as you are

With over 40 students involved, we had over 1/5 of the entire student body involved in the crafting of this production From the backstage technical work to ushering, to scenic construction to those who performed on the stage, this was THEIR work Our students are truly amazing

An Interview with Graduating Seniors, L.P. & E.K. (Morticia & Lurch)

“As a person on the spectrum, portraying different characters and emotions is exceedingly difficult, but I have been able to overcome that challenge...”

Reflecting on your experiences, what advice would you give to incoming freshmen interested in joining the theatre department?

L.P.: Stage fright doesn’t matter! There is this great thing called breathing, and if you can separate yourself from your character, you’ll be fine

E.K.: Breathing definitely helps with anxiety, when you get on stage, it’s like your nerves disappear.

How do you envision incorporating your experiences in theatre into your future academic or career pursuits?

L.P.: There are times when you won’t feel up to doing something. Being able to “trick” yourself and fake it ‘till you make it is an important skill

E.K.: I am planning on going into film Knowing how to act, how things work, and more will only help me.

If you could have anything for the future of the theatre department as it grows, what would you hope for?

L.P.: An auditorium would afford us the opportunity to use microphones, a curtain, as well as having a dedicated space for the performing arts

E.K.: Performing in the gym has its challenges The bleachers are not the most comfortable, and we could do more ambitious shows with a proper stage!

What has this outlet meant for you personally?

L.P.: I think it is interesting to study your characters and to see how they behave, how they express emotion, and how their emotions are an outlet for our own

E.K.: As a person on the spectrum, portraying different characters and emotions is exceedingly difficult, but I have been able to overcome that challenge and that means I can pursue what I want to do

A FEAST FOR THE EYES

VisualArtsatGreenwoodhaveneverlookedthisgood!

Visual Arts classes are an integral part of Greenwood School’s enrichment program, offering classes to middle and high school students. In the visual arts students engage with arts studio practice, art and cultural history, and visual communication. STATE

“Art is fun and inspirational. What we do in art expands our knowledge and creativity in the Visual Arts!”

- B.R. and J.S. (8th Grade Students)

As students develop a variety of skills, the curriculum leads them through the foundations of art as a method for observation and interpretation. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, students are immersed into the process of working and thinking creatively in order to expand their knowledge and interaction about the world around them.

Interview with Kwesiann Brown, Teacher of Greenwood’s Newly Established Music Dept.

Last school year, Greenwood set out to search for who would spearhead the creation of Greenwood School’s Music Department. What would it look like? What kind of performances and opportunities would be afforded to our students in this new program? How would it fit our students’ needs?

These were the question at the front of the search. Luckily, we found all the answers and more in the hiring of our new music teacher, Ms. Kwesiann Brown.

3 Questions With Ms. Brown

What is your favorite kind of music?

My favorite kind of music is Reggae! I like it because it definitely comes naturally to me I love that it emphasizes the off-beat. It makes people happy too. Internationally, it is known as happy music. It’s also full of energy and the message is very powerful

Why is music education important for our students?

I think Music Education is good for our students because it encourages discipline It helps students improve self-management In order to improve at something you need to get your mind in that right space Psychologically and neurologically speaking it stimulates both sides of the brain! Because of that it improves coordination, focus and the development of new skills!

Favorite moment from your first year?

I must say when the students performed on the recorder for the first time It was a triumphant moment for me I had students who were not comfortable in their ability in this newfound skill and I was able to help them come out of their shell and grow, which I think is the overall goal here at Greenwood.

THESPIAN TROUPE #10512 TAKES ON DISTRICT + STATE COMPETITION

The eagles have landed at the largest youth theatre festival in THE WORLD!

In December of 2023, Greenwood’s Thespian Troupe went to the District 2 Thespian Competition We took 34 pieces ranging from solo musical pieces, pantomimes, group acting scenes, costume and makeup designs, original plays, and more!

Of these 34 pieces, 20 qualified for the State competition held in Tampa Due to regulations set by the Florida State Thespian Chapter of the International Thespian Society, the troupe was only able to take 8

These were:

1

Student Directed Scene (Rating: GOOD)

Duet Scene (Rating: GOOD) 2.

3

Two Original Plays (Rating: EXCELLENT)

4.

Two Pairs of Contrasting Monologues (EXCELLENT)

5

6.

Solo Muical (EXCELLENT)

Original Costume Design (EXCELLENT)

In addition to these competition pieces, our students also took in three mainstage performances, a grand total of 30 workshops and masterclasses, and spoke with colleges in the exhibitor hall What an exciting opportunity!

Announcing Greenwood’s Theatrical Season 2024-2025!

The Greenwood Theatre Department grows even further, producing TWO Mainstage shows in one year for the VERY FIRST TIME!

ALMOST, MAINE

by John Cariani

A new addition, a second Mainstage theatre show in the school year! After the wild soldout success of The Addams Family, The Greenwood Theatre Department aims to give audiences and students even more to look forward to throughout the year. Almost, Maine is a play about love. Falling in love, out of love, and realizing that if we leave our hearts open, it’s closer than we may think.

FALL

WINTER ARTS SHOWCASE

The return of the Winter Arts Showcase means another year of students to show off their artistry together in one big exhibition of music, visual arts, theatre, and the humanities.

SPRING

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (or widely known as just Spelling Bee) is a hilarious musical comedy that explores the journeys of six children as they take on their local spelling bee. There is heartbreak, gut-busting humor, audience participation, and even takes place in a gymnasium! Can you spell P-E-R-F-E-C-T?

Before: No Theatrical Season

2022-2023: Winter Showcase + 1 Shortened Mainstage Show

2023-2024: Winter Showcase + 1 Full Length Mainstage Show

2024-2025: Winterer Showcase + 2 Full Length Mainstage Shows

The arts are about growth. Every year we commit to continue to refine, grow, and improve on the last year ’ s work. The arts are not only present at Greenwood, but they are making a difference!

Student Testimonials

A.G., 11th Grade

“I like the arts because it inspires you to do more than you think you can do. You have a community of friends who are there to support you with everything you need, and to tell you you can do anything you put your mind to!”

G.D., 12th Grade

“Over the years, I’ve grown more confidence through the arts at Greenwood It has allowed me to embrace more areas of myself more openly than ever before!”

B.B., 11th Grade

“I think the arts here, specifically being able to write a whole play for competition, made me realize that I can do this and do it well It’s really cool!

M.L., 10th Grade

“The arts at Greenwood have shaped the ways that I think, and how I interpret ideas. It has made me gain an understanding of others’ points of view!

J.R., 10th Grade

The arts at Greenwood have meant a lot to me, mostly because of the way our directors make the environment feel. It’s like a second family. You feel comfortable, and you don’t have to worry about messing up or hiding. For me personally, I have dyslexia, and I’ve felt like I can use it to my advantage FOR the arts With my ADHD I memorize my lines quickly My differences are positive here

T.S., 12th Grade

“I remember starting out as inexperienced and not knowing what to do, but last year I surprised myself. I didn’t know I could get the ratings I did in Thespians, improving my costume and makeup designs and especially getting up in front of people I even auditioned for a play I would never have done that before The arts have shown me that yeah, I’ve grown!”

An Excerpt From “Eternal Affairs of Mori Valley”

An Original Play by Cass Croft, 10th Grade

Charlotte Anne Gaumond is trapped in a boundless void while the Therapist of the Dead and the Living Embodiment of Life fight a court battle against the 5 gods of the universe to determine whether Charlotte can stay in Limbo or even go back to earth, or if she has to go to the beyond.

CHARLOTTE

Just me and an empty nothing. Forever and always. A universe of my own full of infinite nothing… This is kinda what I expected death to be like. I just Didn’t think there would be anything Some people think there’s a good and a bad afterlife. Some people think there’s reincarnation. Some people probably expected this, if I'm being honest But I expected nothing And now I’m here, on an empty stage. Hundreds of prying eyes, or nothing at all? They’re fighting a legal war up there over the fate of my soul I, a measly speck, am important enough for a battle? Am I seriously that “dangerous”? And why do Sarah and Gearld care about me specifically? I always wanted importance. I always wanted to be seen. And now I am, but it feels awful. I’m either gonna stop existing or have who knows what happen to my soul. I stared in the faces of gods, and they were scared of me. I’m finally important. I am finally something. Now I just wait for a verdict. Do I stop existing? Do I pass on? God, I wish I knew. I’d do anything to stay. Why can’t I just be here?

(Charlotte starts speeding up her walking and talking pace.)

I’m finally important and now I'm going to stop existing or I’m going to go somewhere but I just want to stay here! I wanted to go home but this place is better and I just want to go home! Why can’t I stay here?! Why can’t I! I need to go home or stay here I don’t want to leave and go somewhere else! Please! Gearld, Sarah, please convince them! Please let me stay here!

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE ARTS AND MENTAL HEALTH FROM GREENWOOD’S MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, MRS. SERRANO

“Sometimes emotions and thoughts cannot be put into words and can be expressed through art form The arts give a safe space for creative freedom for one to express what is on the inside. No talent is required for a person to express themselves with music, drawing or writing. When someone is using the creative side of their brain, they are no longer in the reactive brain.”

The Arts...IN NATURE!

“Nature and art can both be very therapeutic!”

-

Ms. Krug

STATE OF THE ARTS @ GREENWOOD

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