“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” – Plato
When you think of March what special day comes to mind? Most likely, St. Patrick’s Day and all things green. But did you know that March has been dedicated to music in our schools by the National Association of Music Educators? With the threat of even more cuts in education, all the arts are in danger. Advocates willing to spread the word about the benefits of the arts are strongly needed.
To become an advocate for music, visit www.NAFME.org. For all performing arts, visit the National Performing Arts Convention at performingartsconvention.org or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
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An advocate for music education, Gilroy’s Phil Robb will take his high school choirs on an annual trip to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo March 22 for the Central Coast Choral Festival sponsored by the Vocal Arts of SLO. About 220 Gilroy singers will perform a selection of music and receive graded critiques.
The Chamber Singers will then travel south to sing and spread the word about Gilroy’s excellent high school vocal music program. Their travels will take them to a workshop at Occidental College then on to the Azusa Pacific University Invitational High School Festival, in addition to working with Anton Armstrong, the choral director from St. Olaf University.
Finally on March 24, they will perform in Anaheim at the Heritage Festival. In total, the group will receive input from seven college choral directors. Robb stands to bring home more trophies and plaques to add to his walls, testimonials of the excellent programs he has maintained.
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Dr. Kate Booth, also a GHS graduate, has announced the first senior play at Christopher High School. “The Snake in the Grass or … He Rattled the Rails” will feature 25 CHS seniors. It will show at 7 p.m. March 9 and 10 and at 2 p.m. March 10 and 11. Call (408) 843-4124 for details.
“I chose a melodrama because the exaggerated comedy and hero/villain characters will be fun for both actors and audience,” Booth said. “I intend to wring as much silliness as possible out of the kids and hope the performances will be fairly rowdy with lots of actor-audience interaction.”
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“Be a Friend … Put a STOP to Bullying” is the theme for this year’s poster contest sponsored by the City of Gilroy Recreation Department, City of Gilroy Police Department and the Gilroy Chapter of the National Family Week Committee. Especially for youth in grades K-12, posters 14 x 22 inches are due March 19 to 21. They may be delivered to the front office of the child’s school or to the Recreation Office at City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St. For more information, call (408) 846-0460.
– ‘GLEEFUL!’
Sunday, March 11, 25, April 1, April 22
General seating: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
CineLux Theaters, 750 Tennant Station Way, Morgan Hill
$13 ($14.45 w/service fee)
(800) 838 3006
– “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
March 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m.; March 11 at 2 p.m.
Gilroy High School Theater off Princevalle at 10th Street
$12 Adults, $10 Students.
– ‘Out of Order”
March 9 – 31, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m.; March 18 & 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill
(408) 842-SHOW
– Music for the Young at Heart
March 10 at 4 p.m.
$20, Children/Students free
Gavilan College Theater, Gilroy
www.southvalleysymphony.org
– Art in the Park
Gilroy Gardens, Hecker Pass Road, Gilroy
March 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Details: (408) 828-4483
– “Kids Discover Arts”
Saturday March 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wheeler Community Center, 250 W. Sixth St., Gilroy.
Children must be accompanied by an adult and are advised to wear paint friendly clothing.
– Young Artists Exhibit
March 3 – 28; Tuesdays & Wednesdays 2 – 6 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. A reception will be held March 3, 11 – 4 p.m.
Gilroy Center for the Arts, 7341 Monterey St.
