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To view the art slideshow, click here!

"Art is essential to learning--not just an educational frill. Learning about the visual arts gives students a window onto the rich and interesting world around them, teaching them about their own history and culture, as well as those of other people. It cultivates self-expression, imagination and creativity as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Students who learn about art develop their capacities to weigh meanings and make evaluations and judgments. Understanding and making art can teach students how to work cooperatively in groups and how to work hard to achieve a goal."

The Value of Art Education:
Education in the Arts and Through the Arts (National PTA & Getty Center for the Arts, http://art-smart.ci.manchester.ct.us/pta_art.html)

GHS hitting a high note.
Will host state band, chorus competition this weekend

BY MACKENZIE ISSLER RECORDER STAFF
Published: Thursday, April 03, 2008

GREENFIELD -- Greenfield schools music director Paul Calcari wore his lucky black, maroon and silver tie to work on Wednesday, as the high school's select chorus and concert band had their last few rehearsals before the upcoming state competitions on Friday and Saturday.

'You sound awesome,' said Calcari to the 19-member select chorus, which was practicing for the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor's Association competition.

'The finest bands from throughout the entire state will be competing with nationally famous judges in attendance,' said Calcari, who has been the music director for 22 years.

Calcari said the competition is the toughest state music competition.

'It gives us validity,' he said. 'It is our SATs.'

After hours of rehearsal, nit-picking and encouragement and constructive criticism from their conductor, the two groups will put all their hard work to the test in competitions on Friday and Saturday.

Greenfield High School is one of the sites for the competition and the 45-member concert band will be performing on Friday. The event is open to public and starts at 3 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The chorus will perform in Longmeadow on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Calcari held rehearsals for most of the morning to fine-tune and practice the band's and chorus' pieces. Each will perform three selections at the competitions.

Every group that performs is evaluated in relation to the quality, complexity and overall performance of their selected music, but not in relation to other groups. Gold medals reflect a superior performance; silver, an excellent performance; bronze, a good performance; medal of merit acknowledges a fair performance; and the participation award is reserved for ensembles who have requested comments only or for groups who have been disqualified or need improvement.

Groups that receive gold medals will receive the opportunity to perform at either the Boston Symphony Hall or the Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

Calcari said that the Boston Symphony Hall is 'one of the greatest halls in the world.' He said this opportunity is one of the only times that high school students are allowed to perform in the hall.

'It is a big deal,' he said.

Two of the chorus' pieces will be performed a cappella, which means without musical accompaniment.

The sopranos, altos, basses and tenors stood on the bleachers in the band room and harmonized as they practiced their pieces. Calcari stood in front of the group, sometimes motioning for more volume, better enunciation and a change in tempo.

Sophomore Cayla Plasse, who is a soprano in the select chorus, said she brings the music home to practice and said she is only nervous for competitions when she feels that the group isn't prepared. But, she feels ready for Saturday after all the group's hard work.

After the chorus, the concert band practiced in the auditorium. The students' eyes were locked on their sheet music for most of the rehearsal, concentrating as they practiced, but when they weren't looking at their music, their eyes were on Calcari.

Calcari stood on a platform in front of the band, with a baton in hand, conducting the group.

Again, Calcari kept things positive as he critiqued their performances.

'A lot of really good things are happening,' he yelled out.

Calcari's optimism, support and expertise are some of the many reasons why students chose to join and stay in the band and chorus groups.

'We can really rely on each other,' said Jordan Seibert, a senior trumpet player in the band.

'(Calcari) has really changed my life,' said Damien Shippee, a senior in the select chorus, who hopes to be Broadway bound.

'He is more than a teacher, he is a support system,' said Plasse. '(The chorus) is like a big family.'

Senior Ashley Brandenburg said being in the chorus and band has taught her leadership and courage.

'I have kind of learned who I am,' said Brandenburg. She said she will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study criminal justice and psychology. But, she said music will always be a part of her life.

And, for some, it is the music department that keeps them at Greenfield.

'I would not be at the school if there wasn't a music department,' said Josh Westbrook, senior tenor saxophone player.

You can reach Mackenzie Issler at: missler@recorder.com or (413) 772-0261 Ext. 257

Calcari earns Gottschalk award
for music education

BY MACKENZIE ISSLER RECORDER STAFF
Published: Thursday, April 03, 2008

GREENFIELD -- Paul Calcari has been director of music for the Greenfield public schools for the past 22 years. His list of duties include the conductor of the high school concert chorus, select chorus, symphony winds, marching band, jazz band and the seventh- and eighth-grade concert band at the middle school.

In recognition of his ''outstanding contributions to music performance and education in the Pioneer Valley,'' Calcari has been chosen as a recipient of a Gottschalk Award.

The award honors Nathan Gottschalk, who was the music director and conductor of the Pioneer Valley Symphony for 37 years. The May 17 concert marks the 15th anniversary of his retirement. At an awards dinner on May 3, the Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus will present the sixth annual Gottschalk Memorial Awards.

According to a statement from the Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus, Calcari's award-winning groups have performed at numerous conventions, clinics and music festivals across the country. His instrumental and choral groups have worked with some of the best composers, arrangers and teachers in music education today.

For many years, Calcari's young musicians have performed with well-known groups and professionals throughout the region, including the Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus.

Under Calcari's direction, the Greenfield High School music department has been successful in producing music students who have gone on to prestigious music schools and performed around the world, the awards committee notes.

Calcari said, this year, the chorus has performed in many different languages, including German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Nigerian and English.

''(Music) is one of the things that gets everyone together in the school,'' said Calcari.

You can reach Mackenzie Issler at: missler@recorder.com or (413) 772-0261 Ext. 257

Greenfield High School

Presents

2008 Blossoming Artists Calendar

The 2008 Blossoming Artists Calendar showcases artwork of talented Greenfield High School students.

At Greenfield, the Arts play an important role in our students' lives, expanding young minds, developing creativity, and promoting accomplishment and self-esteem. Our faculty challenges blossoming artists in the various aspects of visual art, music and theater. Several of the visual works depicted in this year's calendar were among the best in local and regional art competitions, including the prestigious Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards. Students selected media throughout the academic year that suited their artistic ideas and personalities. As a result this calendar includes works in traditional styles of oil, acrylic, torn-paper, watercolor, and graphite. These young artists know that their work represents a fundamental mode of communication beyond written language, and they hope you enjoy their illustrations during the coming year. We are proud to share their art with you.

Copies of the Calendar are available for purchase
from the Main office at
Greenfield High School
413.772.1350.

Price: $15 (shipping and handling, add $2.00)