We kicked off the year by welcoming Seagle Festival for their performance of Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers. Students learned what opera is, explored several famous operas, and identified high/low pitches as well as soprano and bass voices. After the performance, students chose to write either a review of the opera or a creative sequel.
October – Silent Film Experience
On October 1st, we traveled to Tannery Pond to watch the silent film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, accompanied by a live score performed by harpist-composer Leslie McMichael and her sister, violist Barbara McMichael. Leading up to the trip, students learned about the harp, the viola, and expressive intent in music. They then created their own short silent films, which will be released as soon as the final editing is complete.
Waterways to Freedom: The Paradox and The Promise — John Brown Lives!
Later in October, students in grades 4–6 participated in a week-long residency with Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner of the folk duo Magpie. This residency was a collaboration between the Minerva Historical Society and John Brown Lives!, made possible through generous support from the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s 2025 CVNHP Artist in Residence Grant.
Students chose to write a song about Solomon Northup. Prior to the residency, they visited the Minerva Historical Marker, the Old Fort House in Fort Edward, and viewed Wesley Wofford’s sculpture Hope Out of Darkness. They also experienced a live portrayal of Solomon Northup performed by Clifford Oliver Mealy. The experience gave students meaningful inspiration for their original composition, “Rivers of Justice.” Read more about the residency here: https://suncommunitynews.com/news/121982/folk-singers-magpie-inspired-music-at-minerva-central-school/
November – CASMA Fall Festival
On November 15th, seven students participated in the CASMA Fall Festival at Warrensburg Junior/Senior High School.
Elementary Band: Ava Burke, Elizabeth Smith
Junior Chorus: Claudia Halloran-Donaldson, Harmony Burke, Michael Smith, Piper Badgley
Senior Chorus: Michelle Ordway
Students rehearsed from 9:00 AM–1:30 PM and performed a wonderful concert at 2:00 PM.
Looking Ahead
The rest of November and December will be devoted to learning about The Nutcracker and preparing for our Holiday Concert, which will be held on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00 PM. We hope to see you there!
