When asked how hard they practiced to create the sounds heard that day. Freshmen Kathryn Wilson replied, “A lot of hard work, this year we had two separate classes. Percussion had one class and symphonic band had another, so we had to put the two together a few days before the concert and make sure that everything sounded right in only one practice.” Percussion also had an exciting solo of their own, the sounds of drums and mallets pounding their instruments making harmonic music. The last song played was called Galop by Jaques Offenbach, arr. Bourgeous and as the musicians stood to bow they received a standing ovation from their friends and family. Their next concert is the Christmas concert and members of the band seem excited for it. “It’s going to be Christmas songs and its gonna be a lot of fun!” Freshman Shelby Head says. Others replied with the same kind of enthusiastic replies and they can’t wait for their next concert.

Band wasn’t the only concert to play this month; orchestra also took the stage and entertained the masses. The sound of their bows brushing over strings made the fast and steady paced sounds of Drifen. With their heads bowed and their concentration focused on the instrument the song goes on without a hitch. That particular song was 9^th grader Charissa Davis’s favorite song to play. “It was really fast, and even though it was complicated at first, it was so much fun to play once I got it.” She tells us. Freshman Victoria Cruz tells us about how much it took to put on the orchestra performance. “About two months worth.”  She says. “We didn’t practice for as long as we normally do, because this is new, we don’t normally have concerts this early.” Victoria says.  It looks like they’re hard work paid off and they too are looking forward to their next concert.

Greater Atlanta Christian schools instrument groups have once again put on an amazing performance. They rest again for only a couple months though, for their next concert is approaching fast on there heals. Everyone should begin to mark his or her calendars for the upcoming concerts that never seem to disappoint.

SENIOR FOCUS: Michael Turner

Years at GACS: 9 years, started in 4th grade
Instrument: Trombone.; studied for 8 years, beginning with 5th grade band class
Ensembles: Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band
Marching Band office: Band Captain
Music Honors and Activities: GMEA District 13 Honor Band, GISA All-Select Band, UGA Janfest clinic twice, UGA summer marching band camp twice, Finalist for All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band
College: University of Georgia
Intended Major: History with a minor in Music
Michael says, “I’ve always liked history, especially through high school. I became interested in UGA after my first year in the GACS Marching Band. I’ve enjoyed visiting the campus a few times and can’t wait to march in the Redcoat Band this fall.”
Hobbies: Playing bass guitar, spending time with friends
Favorite Spartan Band Memory: “I’ll always remember that each of our bands earned ‘superior’ ratings at every festival during my senior year.”

Upcoming Event: Members of the Symphonic Band with perform on May 27th at Commencement.

The cast of Snoopy were included in the nominees in 15 categories from 39 high schools in 11 counties, representing 12 school districts as well as private schools in the Greater Atlanta area.

Certificates of recognition were given to the entire cast for Best Ensemble, and to Zac Reidford, Hannah Holdridge  and Page Parker for the talent exhibited as individual characters.  In addition, Hannah Harte was one of the top six students nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

The Snoopy band – Diane Harte, Hunter Greene, Connor Singletary and Nick Coker, were nominated in the top six Orchestra or Musical Accompaniment.

Congratulations once again to our award-winning cast & crew of Snoopy! [Read & See More at WSBTV.com.]

In addition, medal awards of excellence were given to Jacob Baker, Rachel Huppertz and Zac Reidford for their performances and to Director Clif Jones as an outstanding director.

While in New York the GACS group also participated in excellent workshops with professional New York actors including, Kristy Cates from the original cast of Wicked (Elphaba) and Guy Olivieri from the National Tour of Rent (Mark).

Congratulations to the entire cast of VISIONS and to Director Clif Jones!

Junior Hannah Holdridge was selected to be a part of the Southeastern Theater Conference All-Star Cast. The All-Star Cast is an elite group of fifteen to twenty students who are selected each year from the twenty groups that compete in the SETC competition.
Congratulations to the entire Snoopy cast for a great One-Act season. We enjoyed watching you!

Patrons of the Arts invites the GACS family to a FREE “command performance” of the award-winning one-act play. This invited dress rehearsal will be the last chance to see this year’s award-winning performance at GACS before our students take the show to the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Lexington, Kentucky on March 4th.

This is a free performance, but donations will be happily accepted to help defer travel expenses. For more information about Snoopy! and other upcoming fine arts events, please see our website.

The process to getting into All-State is not a quick and simple process. Students start practicing scales over the summer and the selection sof music they are required to play for auditions in August when school starts.

Near the end of the first semester, the first and second rounds of auditions are held. If students pass the first audition, they peform in the second round at the beginning of the second semester. If students pass the second audition, they are accepted into the All-State program. This year it will be held on March 4-6.

During the All-State event, students are split into two separate bands and prepare a concert in two days. On the third day, students perform the concert in front of an audience.

All of us from GACS wish blessings and safe travel to Hunter Greene and Robert Dicks go prepare for and participate in the All-State program for 2010.

Robert Dicks is ranked fortieth out of forty-four clarinet players in All-State and Hunter Greene is ranked fifth in the state. GACS is very proud of these talented musicians!

Forbidden Broadway, Greatest Hits-1

February 5-6 at 7:30 pm; February 7 at 2:00 pm

In this musical review hear all the hits performed in a slightly different way.  You will recognize the song but the words may be a little different.  Come and enjoy the fun!

Freshman Follies

February 26 at 7:30 pm

The freshmen drama students show their talent in acting, singing, and dance.  A night to let the freshmen shine!

Visions Showcase

March 11-12 at 7:30 pm

An original musical/dramatic production created and performed by Visions.   Come and see what is own their creative minds.

Junior High Spring Play

March 19-20

D2-Dinner Theatre

April 22-24 at 7:30 pm

If you love mystery and food join the Dramatic Arts 2 class for this performance.  Limited seating- so get tickets early.

Much Ado About Nothing

May 6-8 at 7:30 pm

The Advanced Drama students perform this classic Shakespearean production-  Great fun for the actors and audience alike.

Thanks, to Director Clif Jones for his promos for upcoming productions. Come out and support award-winning theater at GACS!