May Day Festivities

Recently in my music classes, the students learned about the history of May Day, which is May 1^st.   A tall pole decorated with long, brightly colored ribbons, and with flowers on top, is central to the celebration.  Traditional folk music is played while participants dance around the May pole.  Though the meaning of May Day has changed through its history, today it is a symbol of Spring.  

During the 1800’s in England,  villages created their own song, or their own version of a popular folk song, and went from house to house every May Day, singing the town song and delivering a “branch of May”(flowers and greenery) to each home.  This “May Day caroling” would end in the center of town, around the May pole.  First and Second grade classes at GWA recreated this tradition by taking flowers to different people around campus, singing a May Day carol, and wishing them “a joyful May”. We presented May Day bouquets to over 16 different groups or individuals.

Pictured below is Mrs. Pulliam’s 1^st grade class.  They took flowers and sang to Mrs. Rebecca Ratliffe and Mrs. Carolyn Phillips in our Lower School Media Center.

Also pictured is Mrs. Franklin’s 3^rd grade class as they prepared to dance around the May pole in Music.

Georgia Elementary Honor Chorus 2017

The Georgia Elementary Honor Chorus was held this past weekend in Athens, Georgia, at the Classic Center.  Representing George Walton Academy were Evie Carter, McNair Shannahan, and Rosemary Ferguson.  These students were selected by Lower School music teacher, Mrs. Debbie Dyer, based on their musical skills and exemplary behavior.  Over 500 fourth and fifth grade students statewide joined together to perfect challenging music they had been preparing with their music teachers over the past few months.  The concert was held before a packed audience.  Congratulations to these talented young ladies!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's Christmas Everywhere!

On Tuesday, December 13th, George Walton Academy 3rd & 4th grade students performed the musical, "It's Christmas Everywhere!"  This program featured songs, dance, and instrumental accompaniments from different countries.  Children wore traditional costumes from various countries around the world.  Selections performed included "Kling, Glochken, Kling", "Kiyoshi Kono Yoru" ("Silent Night" in Japanese), "Aussie Jingle Bells", "A La Nanita (sung in Spanish), "Sing We All Noel", and a rousing African-American version of "Go Tell it on the Mountain".  The presentation concluded with a reprise of the opening song, "It's Christmas Everywhere!" and a parade of nations.  The appreciative audience gave the students a standing ovation!

A THANKSGIVING STORY

Come join us this Friday, November 18th at 9:00am in the Lower School gym of George Walton Academy.  Our K4 and K5 students will present a program you won't want to miss!

Pilgrim girls and Pilgrim boys

Pilgrim minister and Indian boys and girls

Curriculum Night Video 2016

Lower School Music Curriculum Night 2016

In case you missed it, curriculum night at GWA was a hit!  Parents and family members were able to get a "Snapshot" of a day in the life of a student.  Here's a video that gives you a glimpse into the world of Lower School Music:

GEORGIA CHILDREN'S CHORUS IN ATHENS, GEORGIA

Georgia Children's Chorus, in Athens, Georgia has a high-quality choral training program.  Boys and girls ages 7-18 audition and are placed in a choir by ability and age.  Practices are from August to May, on either Tuesdays or Thursdays, depending on which choir you are placed in.  Choristers explore a diverse repertoire from classical works to authentic international, folk, and ethnic music.  They perform at numerous community events in addition to two major concerts in Hodgson Hall in the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center.  Interested singers should contact the GCC office at 706-543-87ll or email gcc@uga.edu This is a wonderful opportunity for students who enjoy singing more challenging music!

Young Artists Programs in Covington

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Mrs.Vaughn is a GWA parent, and works for the Arts Association in Newton County. They have added new programs to the Oxford Singers groups.  They have begun Oxford Little Singers that start in first grade now. Then, they have Oxford Singing Children that is for 4th-7th graders. Performances include Christmas in Covington in the fall and a spring musical later in the year. This year, the younger children will be doing Honk, Jr. and the older kids will do Hairspray. Registrations are currently being held if your child is interested. For further info contact:

Katie Vaughn|, Office: (770) 786-8188 kvaughn@newtoncountyarts.org

www.newtoncountyarts.org