Colonial Days at Sts. Peter & Paul School

Above, students combine Art and Social Studies to learn about Colonial times

Nanci Barnhart, Arts Coordinator at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Lexington, sends this update:

Eighth grade students recently held a Colonial Day at SPPS where
they presented projects they had researched in Social Studies
and practiced in Art. This integrated project was shared with 4th
and 5th grade classes who also studied the colonies.

Trades that were represented included weaving, men’s and women’s clothing,
blacksmithing, candle making, a general store, baking, and stocks
(jailers), as well as examples of Native American beadwork. The projects were the result of a collaboration between Social Studies teacher Rachel Guadagni and Art teacher Beth
Ettensohn.

Good Shepherd Helps Decorate the National Christmas Tree!

Above: Fr. Howell and students, faculty and parents of Good Shepherd School applaud the debut of the hand crafted ornaments that are headed for the National Christmas Tree in Washington DC.

Amy Greenwell, Technology Coordinator for Good Shephered School in Frankfort, sends this exciting news:

The United States National Park Service in collaboration with the Kentucky Governor’s Office, selected arts educator, Jennifer Zingg and her 7th and 8th grade middle school students at Good Shepherd School in Frankfort to create Christmas tree ornaments that will represent the state of Kentucky at the White House this Christmas. Each state will have a tree as part of the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington DC.

Ms. Zingg directed the design of the ornaments during art and religion class. They named the ornaments "Gourdian Angels."

At right, a cameraman captures GS students creating the ornaments.

At left, a closeup view of the process

Below right, Fr. Charles blesses the ornaments on their way.

Congratulations to Jennifer and the 7th and 8th Grade at Good Shepherd on their fine work!

You can take a look at KY's ornament as well as those of other states at the National Park Service website at http://www.thenationaltree.org/visit-santa/pathway-of-peace/

Music to Warm the Heart

Above: Kathy Shewmaker conducts the Concert Band to acompany the gigantic Combined Choir on the other side of the Bueter Gym for the spectacular Lexington Catholic Christmas Concert, Dec. 6, 2010.

Clear voices from the choirs and rich tones from band ensembles warmed up a freezing cold night at Lexington Catholic High School's annual Christams Concert.

Things got off to a great start as Chuck Smith, President of Distric 7 of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, was on hand to present LCHS Principal Sally Stevens the Administrator of the Year Award in honor of her outstanding support of the music program at LCHS. Almost one third of all Lexington Catholic students are involved in a choir or in a band each year, and as Chuck noted, along with great students and great faculty, you need a great administrator to make it possible for so many students to enjoy a top notch music program. Congratulations again to Sally!

Then it was on with the show. The newbies in the Beginning Choir included, appropriately enough, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," to kick off the show. Below, the Jazz Band, heats things up some more, and at left, the Advanced Men's Choir were looking sharp while sounding note-perfect. Below left, the Show Choir conjured up some more warm imagery by wishing eveyone "Mele Kalikimaka."

























At right, special guest Elaine H. Cook greeted attendees in the lobby before the concert with beautiful harp music, and later performed a solo and with the Chorale, seen below right.

At left, the Advanced Women's Choir angelically sang the beautiful Spanish hymn "Villancico."

Below right and left, the Concert Band let loose with a lots of fanfare on "Joy to the World" and finshed up with a rousing "Carol of the Bells." The tricks of the percussion trade were all out on display.

After the concert, there were lots of goodies out in the lobby, courtesy of those festive band/choir boosters. Along with the Christmas cookies and treats, patrons could purchase band poinsettias, choir CD's and shirts, and also make a donation to help folks out through the good works of the St. Vincent Mission of David, KY.

Many thanks to all the talented and hard working students for sharing their gifts with us this season. Many thanks also to Band Directors Brad Kerns, Kathy Shewmaker, and Allison Weitkamp along with Choir Directors Adam Beeken and Rob Vanover for putting together such a wonderful program.

Finally, as baby Julia says, "Thanks for coming, everybody! Have a very Merry Christmas, with best wishes for a Happy New Year!"

Spirit of Christmas

It's that time again! Lexington Catholic Choir Director Adam Beeken send along this news about the annual Band/Choir Christmas Concert :

Come hear nearly 250 high school musicians make wonderful Christmas music. Students in several different ensembles will perform a variety of music. This concert usually draws an audience of over 800 people.

We will have an admission to the concert of a donation to the St. Vincent Mission. We are looking for donations of clothes-pajamas, sweaters, hats, gloves, underwear--and personal care items. Cash donations will also be accepted.

Please join us for this annual tradition!

The concert will be held in the LCHS Bueter Gym, Monday, December 6, 7:00 PM.

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And while we're at it, congratulations to all the LCHS singers who participated in the Morehead State Honor Choir last month. Several students had featured roles as speakers, soloists, or members of select ensembles. Congratulations to those students: Elliott Ferrier, Emma Ferrier, Mary Catherine Healy, Trista Mudd, & Catherine Wright. Catherine Wright was won the annual vocal solo competition and performed a solo piece as part of the concert.

Rush of Winds at LCHS

Above: LCHS Students enjoyed the woodwind concert

The Madison Winds performed for the LC Band on Thursday Nov. 12 in the theater at Lex Cath. The group was visiting local schools on their concert tour and made a stop at LC. This woodwind quintet is made up of faculty members from EKU. Performers include Dr. Connie Rhoades, clarinet professor, and Dr. Mick Sehman, French Horn professor, from Paragon Music Theater. Paragon is a local musical theater company and LCH band directors Allison Weitkamp and Brad Kerns will play with them again in May when Paragon presents the musical Gypsy!

More from the KY Arts Council

Here's one more News Release from the KAC about some free stuff!


Performing artists and ensembles featured in the Kentucky Arts Council’s Performing Arts Directory will demonstrate their talents at the 12th annual showcase on Dec. 8 – 9, 2010, in the Eifler Theatre at The Clifton Center, 2117 Payne St., Louisville, Ky.

Recently expanded to two days, Kentucky on Stage combines a showcase of performances as well as workshops and booking opportunities for presenters including festival organizers, librarians, park directors, Main Street Program managers, civic organization leaders, event planners, arts presenters and colleges and university activity boards.

Artists participating are from across the Commonwealth and will present a wide variety of performances including music, theatre and dance.

Performances are free and open to the public.

To participate in workshops and booking opportunities, presenters can register online at http://artscouncil.ky.gov/ beginning Nov. 16, 2010. The schedule for workshops and showcase performances will be announced Dec. 1, 2010.





For a complete list of artists participating in the Kentucky Arts Council’s Performing Arts Directory, go to http://artistdirectory.ky.gov/performingarts/.

Free Workshops!

Here's a news flash that might be of interest to visual and performing arts teachers:

The Kentucky Arts Council will present a series of workshops – with topics relevant to performing artists, visual artists, teaching artists and arts educators – Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2010 at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office, 101 Lakeview Court, Frankfort, Ky.

Over the two days, 15 sessions will be presented; some will be repeated at different time slots to accommodate potential participants’ schedules.Workshops and information sessions include:

• applying to Kentucky Arts Council programs


• choosing work samples for juried exhibitions


• producing effective marketing materials


• creating arts lesson plans using national standards


• using art in the classroom to build 21st century skills.

A special networking session will give people with an interest in the arts an opportunity to share information about projects, events and resources in central Kentucky communities.

For a complete schedule of workshops and their descriptions, go to http://bit.ly/cOUOZf.All workshops are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required, but appreciated.

For more information or to sign up for specific workshops, contact Sarah.Schmitt@ky.gov or 502-564-3757, ext. 492.

Similar workshops will be presented in December and January in western and eastern Kentucky respectively. Dates, times and locations will be announced soon.

Halloween Treat at SPPS

Above: The Sts Peter & Paul School Band got all decked out for their annual Halloween concert

Sts. Peter & Paul School Band's traditional Halloween concert on October 25 was especially fun this year, since it marked the band's first performance in the new Arts Wing! Special guests were on hand, strictly as treats (and to help out with some drum work!).

Lex Cath Band Fall Concert

Above: The Percussion Ensemble offers a "Taste of the Classics" at the LCHS Fall Band Concert

The Lexington Catholic High School Band performed their first concert of the school on October 10, with selections played by the Jazz Band, the Percussion Ensemble and then the might assembeld forces of the full Concert Band. The band included a little spooky prelude for Halloween with "The Phantom of Dark Hallow."

Sts Peter & Paul's New Arts Wing

Above: Students create Alibrijes!

Nanci Barnhart, Arts Coordinator for Sts. Peter and Paul School in Lexington, sends this update:

Sts. Peter and Paul School started off the 2010-2011 school year with the opening of a new Fine Arts wing, including the state-of-the-art Little Theatre. New classrooms include spaces for Band and Vocal Music, Drama, and Art. Our Knights of Columbus Gym is also being used for dance and Zumba classes that are open to the community. We have added Middle School electives classes in Hip Hop Dance, Advanced Topics in Art, Art studio, Advanced Theatre topics, and Technical Theatre.

On November 5th, our entire school will be attending the Bluegrass Youth Ballet’s production of “Alebrijes”. It is the true story of a fatally ill Mexican cardboard artist, Pedro Linares, who dreamed about mythical creatures calling out to him. When he follows each to its universe, he is miraculously cured. Art teacher Beth Ettensohn, in collaboration with Spanish teacher Luke McClees, is working with students to create their own Alebrijes. Their artwork will be on display at the Opera House the week of November 1st.

SPPS middle school students will present their fall musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on November 12th and 13th at 7 PM. It will be the first production in our newly restored Little Theatre. General admission tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students 13 and under. Reserved seating can be purchased for $10 and $8. Call 859-904-9437 for tickets. General admission can also be purchased at the door.

"Music of the Bluegrass" Will Fill the Air

LCHS Chorus Director Adam Beeken sends this update (via a Facebook invite!):

Lexington Catholic Choirs present their Fall Concert for 2010:

Music of the Bluegrass

Tuesday, October 26 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Lexington Catholic High School Theatre
2250 Clays Mill Rd.
Lexington, KY

Music of the Bluegrass will include performances by over 170 high school musicians. It will also feature a guest Bluegrass Group. We will also be glad to welcome Kentucky composer, Earlene Rentz.

The pop groups will perform in the lobby at 6:30pm.

We hope to have a lot of alumni come to the concert. Please join us in singing The Lord Bless You and Keep You at the end of the concert!

Lex Cath Choir News and Events

Above: The Lexington Catholic HS Chamber Choir sang during the celebration of the beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman at Holy Spirit Parish, which serves as the University of Kentucky's Newman Center.

The school year is well underway, and the Lexington Catholic HS Choirs have swung (make that "sung") back into action, including gigs at the LCHS Bluegrass Bowl, the Walk for Life, Pax Christi, the Newman Celebration at UK, the Men's Choir Festival at Scott County High School, the Red Mass at St. Peter, and a few more as well.

Plenty more is on the way, including the Fall Concert on Oct. 26!

At right, a bunch of choir members were among the new inductees of the LCHS Tri-M Music Honor Society

Arts Grant for CTK

Brenda Psotka, Director of Advancement at Christ the King in Lexington, sends this exciting update:

Christ the King School has been selected to receive a grant from the W. Paul and Lucille C. Little Foundation to develop an innovative arts program for the 2010-2011 academic year which will integrate music art and drama into the classroom of elementary students.

CKS student have an opportunity to experience not only all aspects of the fine arts through this program, but also achieve learning in the business side of the arts and how the arts contribute to local economy and are therefore vital for our very existence. CKS students will also learn that their artistic abilities will assist in funding the program past the grant period.

The program will include instruction in numerous disciplines of the arts and commence with a year end “gallery hop” where each student will showcase its work priced for sale. Throughout the year CKS students will work with local artists to learn the process of pricing artwork. All proceeds from “CKS Gallery Hop” will fund the program the following school term.

Karen Thomas, Christ the King School Principal, stated, “We are so excited the Little Foundation is giving Christ the King School the opportunity to enhance and continue to develop our arts program. This grant affords CKS a greater ability to meet the needs of those students gifted in music, art and drama. We believe this program will change the lives of our students."

Congratulations to Christ the King - we look forward to following the progress of your new arts program!

"Run for the Rosaries" Makes a Big Debut!

Above: William and Carrie Barr are the sponsors of the SPPS entry "Run for the Rosaries" in the Horse Mania art event

Nanci Barnhart, Arts Coordinator at Sts. Peter & Paul School in Lexington, sends this report:

Thursday, June 24 marked the first appearance of Lexington’s newest group of foals and horses for the 2010 edition of Horse Mania. Sts. Peter and Paul School is the proud owner of a full-sized horse, “Run for the Rosaries." William and Carrie Barr sponsored the horse, which was painted by every student in our school, Pre-K through 8th grade. Above, SPPS Admissions Director Laura Vettraino and sponsor Carrie Barr admire Run's classic profile.

LexArts held a preview party at Lorillard Lofts in honor of the by participating artists who brought them to life, including art teacher Beth Ettensohn. The horses and foals will be displayed at public libraries and sidewalks in the downtown area during the World Equestrian Games this fall. They will be moved to Keeneland after the games and auctioned in February with the proceeds to go to local arts programs in area schools.

Below: SPPS Art Teacher Beth Ettensohn and her son, Mark, with "Run for the Rosaries."

Music and Art at CTK

Above: The choir sings duirng the CTK Art Expo

Mary Joe Quinn of Christ the King School in Lexington sends this report:

On Thursday, May 20, Christ the King Middle School Chorus along with the Band from grades 5 thru 8 performed at their spring concert. The Middle School Art Expo took place that evening also.

SPPS Celebrates Arbor Day at Gratz Park

Above: Nanci Barnhart, Arts Coordinator for Sts. Peter & Paul School in Lexington, and student greeters get the crowd revved up for the spectacular Arbor Day Arts Extravaganza in Gratz Park, April 30, 2010

At right: The students enjoyed the skits and songs (and the beautiful weather!)

Below: Three kindergarten students read the poem "Trees"

Sts. Peter and Paul School, recipients of a $4000 EcoArt grant from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and LexArts, celebrated with music, art, dance, and drama in the park on April 30th. Our drama artist-in-residence, Mrs. Susan Pope (right) from the Kentucky Arts Council, worked with our 4th and 5th grade students to write and produce an original play about the historical trees in our urban neighborhood, and how to preserve them for future generations. Each class wrote a scene for the play, and then combined them into a complete drama, using recycled materials for props and costumes.

Our Kindergarten students recited Joyce Kilmer’s poem, “Trees” to start the afternoon’s activities. The 4th grade students performed two dances they had choreographed with Mrs. Schenck (above left), our Physical Education teacher. “Turn it Off”, about conserving natural resources, and “Lean, Green Air Machine”, about the importance of trees to the environment, showcased our student’s tumbling and dancing skills. For the finale, Ms. Hathaway’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade Music students sang a number from their upcoming musical “Nuts!” called “That’s the Circle of Life”.
The program concluded with the distribution of three hundred white pine seedlings to our students, parents, staff, and distinguished visitors. We were truly blessed to have such an amazingly perfect, sunny afternoon for our outdoor theater!

Fine Arts teacher Beth Ettensohn and Fine Arts coordinator Nanci Barnhart then invited students, parents, and guests to stop in at the Carnegie Center right there on the edge of Gratz Park to view student art work on display in the gallery. In addition, a Power Point demonstration was running that showcased student photographs of the beautiful trees in Gratz Park. As a final component of the EcoArt grant, students are finishing up a brochure for a self-guided walking tour of Gratz Park that features information about the trees found in the Park.

Below: A student brings back the pine seedlings for her classmates

AND

Some of the beautiful artwork on display in the Carnegie Center

AND

students had fun finding each other's pictures.

Congratulations to the students and staff at SPPS for putting together such a wonderful Arbor Day celebration!