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.

-----------------------------------------------------

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.