Show time for Guys and Dolls!

Get your tickets online or at the door. 

Opening night is Friday Dec 13 at 7pm. Then Saturday Dec 14 at 7pm and Sunday Dec 15 at 2pm.

2013-14 MHS Performing Arts Calendar

FoPA is happy to provide this easy to use reference for Band, Orchestra, Choral, a Cappella, Theater, Drama events.

Bookmark or print it out

Student Letter to the Editor in support of MHS Performing Arts and FoPA

Many thanks to MHS Senior Julia Taliesin for her amazing, heart-felt letter to the editor in the Marblehead Reporter this week. We need donations from MHS parents and the wider community to support our incredible, creative students because the Performing Arts have a lasting, far-reaching impact on our students, our families, and our town.

Make your donation now! 

MHS takes part in their first trip to UMass Band Day

Your FoPA donations at work! On October 12th the MHS Band joined more than 3,000 band students from across New England at Gillette Stadium for what band member Alex Kerai described in a great piece in Marblehead Patch as a day where "the excitement never let up."

"The bands watched the first quarter of the game (during which a football came over the net behind the field goal post and hit someone in the band section) and then got in position during the second quarter. Once halftime began, all of the marching band students filed onto the sidelines of the field. They were each in assigned groups (A, B, C, and D) from the morning rehearsal and remained in those groups as they marched on. The UMass band played two songs and then welcomed the 73 high schools onto the field. What followed was unforgettable performance."

FoPA is thrilled to have helped to fund this opportunity. Winship plans to make this an annual event for the MHS Band and has set a swift pace for the band department, rolling out new opportunities and musical adventures for our students. Go band go!

More great pictures from the event:

 

 

 

See you tonight at 7pm in the MHS Principal's conference room

Get all the info you need and meet other parents!

It's a good time to bring your donation checks.

<-- Or you can donate here with your credit card

We have a musical!

Auditions are Wednesday September 25th

Students should prepare an audition song - preferably one  from a musical that was written in the 1970s or prior to that decade. Sign up for an audition time slot on the bulletin board outside Room C105.

Callbacks will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00.

Show dates are December 13, 14, and 15.

Questions? Contact Ms. Roeder.

Auditions for Winter Musical (Title TBA soon)

Wednesday, September 25

Students should prepare an audition song - preferably one  from a musical that was written in the 1970s or prior to that decade. Sign up for an audition time slot on the bulletin board outside Room C105.

Callbacks will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 4:00.

Show dates are December 13, 14, and 15.

Questions? Contact Ms. Roeder.

Join us for our September meeting.  

We welcome even occasional participants and we'll help you stay informed, and get involved without pressure and in ways that fit your schedule. 

Tuesday Sept. 24th at 7:00pm
 in the MHS Principal's conference room

Your membership dollars make the difference.

FoPA funds performing arts opportunities that would otherwise not be available. Already this year we are helping to send the MHS Band to Band Day at Gillette Stadium, a request from our new Band Director Scott Winship! All year long we fund numerous programs as well as providing grants to students so they can make their own performing arts ideas come to life. And at the end of each year we fund college scholarships for students who have been active in performing arts at MHS. Your fall membership donation is vital and makes performing arts at MHS a reality.

Donate to FoPA with your credit card or Paypal now

Do you have a young actor, musician, or singer in the house? A dancer? A budding techie? Set painter?

One third of all MHS students are involved in the performing arts. Many have won state, regional, and national awards for the quality and creativity of their work. But the high school is an awfully big place, and it’s hard for even the most dedicated parents to discover and guide their students toward activities that will help their talents blossom.

Did you know that your student can…

Play in our orchestra, band, or jazz band—or showcase rock band talents at local open-mic nights?

Sing in four a cappella groups and multiple choral programs, ranging from classical to gospel?

Act, crew, sing, or dance in our ambitious yearly musical?

Collaborate in a play as part of Dramafest, a statewide drama competition?

Dance on the MHS Dance Team?

Qualify for the national Tri-M Music Honor Society?

Take classes in theater, the history of music, guitar, and more?

Apply for grants to fund new performing arts projects?

Earn college scholarships based on their performing arts involvement?

Join our community, Friends of the Performing Arts.

We need you. FoPA’s fundraising and volunteer efforts help make these opportunities a reality. We hold monthly meetings for interested parents, provide volunteer assistance behind the scenes at performing arts events, and offer a relaxed, enjoyable way to support our students.

We’ll give you all the information your student needs to participate in activities—including the practical stuff: how to sign up, how big the commitment is, what classes are available, and even how to create a whole new venture that no one’s thought of yet. Want to start a songwriting club? A tap dance workshop? We are here to help. How?

Step 1:  Join our email list and like us on Facebook.
Step 2:  Become a member. Membership dues are the number-one funding source for the programs, scholarships, and other benefits we offer your students.
Step 3: Come to a meeting. We welcome even occasional participants and will help you find ways to stay informed and get involved.

As you know, arts funding in public schools is never secure, but our administration, faculty, and staff believe in maintaining and, if possible, expanding our curriculum and extracurricular activities in this area. But they cannot do it without the help of parents and community.

FoPA invites you to step onstage—or backstage—and help our students pursue their most creative dreams.

Support our students with an annual FoPA membership.

Membership Levels

Member: $25+      Friend: $50+    Supporter: $100 +    Patron: $250+

Benefactor: $300+    Star: $500+    Angel: $1,000+

FoPA members are listed in all 2013-14 performing arts programs.

Pay Online by using the DONATE button on the side column of this site.

or 

Print this form and mail it with your check.

Questions?
Email us at fopamarbleheadhighschool@gmail.com
Susan Hauck and Kera Dalton, Co-Presidents
Marion Higgins, Treasurer
Molly Welch and Julie Glass, Communications

Thank you for supporting MHS students!

Congratulations to the 
2013 FoPA Scholarship Winners

Each year FoPA awards scholarships to graduating seniors that have been involved in MHS band, drama, crew, tech, orchestra, chorus, a cappella, or dance. Students do not have to be planning to study or continue with performing arts in college to apply.

This year's recipients are...

Front row left to right: 
Elizabeth Nuccio, Brianna Keating, Shanna McCarriston, Sonya Rosen, Tatiana Dalton, Jake Carey, Matt Kennedy

Back row left to right: 
Josh Zeff, Victoria Kearney, Hannah Landergan, Alex Clough, Joe Boyce, Abby Dempster, Geoff Selden, Max Levine

Thank you and Best of Luck to Steve Black

We wish Steve Black the very best of luck as he moves on to a new teaching position outside of Marblehead this fall. During his tenure, Steve has strengthened and expanded the Marblehead High School drama curriculum and extracurricular programming, bringing students high impact learning experiences via classes, musicals, Dramafest and the launch of a new Drama Club.

FoPA has spoken with Superintendent Maryann Perry and the district is firmly committed to build on Steve's good work. A process is in place, per district hiring protocol, to immediately submit a job posting and establish a search committee for Steve's replacement. FoPA will provide a representative to the search committee and will stay in close communication with Superintendent Perry throughout the process.

Get thee to Spamalot

Fetchez la vache! Opening night of Spamalot is tonight! 

Sure to be a great time, the production is directed by Marblehead High School Theatre Director Steve Black and features Marblehead High School 2013 graduate Joe Boyce who will start the theatre program at Boston University this Fall. 

Sweeney Todd Receives Multiple Nominations

The MET Musical Awards is an educational program sponsored by Broadway in Boston and run by the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild as a way of recognizing outstanding performance and production values as displayed by Massachusetts high schools and middle schools during the course of the theater season, which ran from September 1 through May 19, 2013.  Schools that wish to participate in the MET program submit their shows for consideration to a panel of experienced theater adjudicators who evaluate each participating production and score them in a number of performance and design categories based on standard scoring criteria. Educational comments are returned to the directors to share with their students in order to improve scholastic programs.

In its inaugural year, 44 high schools across the state participated in the MET Musical Awards. Marblehead High School’s production of Sweeney Todd brought in seven nominations, including a nod for Best Production! Other nominations included Best Leading Actress: Libby Jancsy, Best Supporting Actress: Tatiana Dalton, Best Stage Management: Max Levine, Best Sound Design: Baie Rogers and Jake Carey (winner), Best Music Director: Amanda Roeder, and Best Props: Davis Franklin (winner).  


In an interview on Fox News, METG Executive Director Mike McGarty stated that over 600 people attended the awards ceremony at the Paramount Theatre in Boston.  The opening act was MHS’s Libby Jancsy and Joe Boyce performing “Little Priest” from Sweeney Todd.  McCarty was thrilled that the arts are alive at all of the participating schools, and hopes to get more Boston schools involved in next year’s program.  For more information on METG, go to their website at metg.org.

Join us for a Cappella Tonight

Hope to see everyone tonight at 7:30 for one of our favorite concerts of the year!

Thank you Ken Warren!

Before, during and after the annual Spring Concert last night our fearless Band Director of 27 years, Ken Warren, was honored for his years of service at Marblehead High School. The tributes were too numerous to count from students, colleagues and parents.

We will miss you Ken and wish you all the very best!

Meeting Change & Strings Concert

We have shifted the date for the LAST FoPA meeting of the year from April 10 to May 1st so it does not conflict with the All Strings Concert. 

Please go and see our fabulous strings students at MHS on April 10 at 6:30.

And come to the FoPA meeting on May 1st where we will talk about...

• A retrospective on the year. What worked? What didn't? Bring your thoughts and ideas.
• Maryann Perry, Assistant Superintendent and Ken Lord, Technology Supervisor will be in attendance.
• Financial overview and update on My Stage Grant and Scholarships.

Acappellooza 2013 Videos

Special thanks to Chris VanRemoortel for his excellent videos of all the Marblehead a cappella groups at Acappellooza this year. Check them out!

NEW My Stage Student Grant 

The My Stage Student Grant is a FOPA funded grant designed to provide MHS students in grades 9-12  an opportunity to design, plan and carry out supplemental MHS enrichment programs for the performing arts.

$2,000 in total grant funding will be awarded to MHS students for this first 2013 grant cycle for programs to run between May 2013 - December 2013.  The MY STAGE GRANT will then be offered each fall for programs to be run during the school academic year.

Students are encouraged to think outside the box and design programs that will expand the scope of performing arts at MHS and engage and expose students to the performing arts. We are looking for new programs that do not replicate programs already taking place within the MHS Performing Arts program.

Examples might include: Theatrical Design, Chamber Music, Dance Performance, Film Projects and more…BE CREATIVE, SHARE YOUR PASSION and BRING YOUR IDEAS TO MHS!

Download the Application and more Information

Please share this news and reach out to students you know who might be interested. Any MHS student can apply!

Seniors! Apply for FoPA Scholarships

Has your senior been involved in Performing Arts at Marblehead High School at any time either in band, drama, tech, crew, cast, orchestra, chorus, a cappella and/or dance? 

No matter how they've been involved they should apply today for a FoPA scholarship. Students do not have to be planning to do performing arts in college to qualify. The application is included in the 2013 Scholarship Booklet and requires that you fill in the standard application and include a short essay describing both your personal experience with MHS performing arts and the lasting impact your participation has provided for you. 

Deadline for submission is April 1st. 

Each Year FoPA grants scholarships to graduating seniors that are active in MHS Performing Arts. Here are Class of 2011 MHS grads Griffin Lane, Bridger Trap and Ben Barber.

Drama Club Blood Drive on Monday March 25

The MHS Drama Club is hosting a Blood Drive for The American Red Cross on Monday March 25th from 8-1pm. Please contact Steve Black if you or your student would like to set up a time to donate.  

Psst! Guess what the Fall 2013 MHS Musical is?

Steve Black has broken the news...we'll be doing a family-friendly Disney classic next fall! There are so many great parts - encourage your students to audition or get involved with tech and crew. Auditions are held in the fall right after school starts.

Two Concerts Not to Miss This Weekend

Note: They are both at the PAC!

March 15, Acappellooza @ 7pm, PAC

The lineup for this year's gala MHS a cappella event includes Marblehead's four a cappella groups, Marlborough High School's A Choired Taste, and the  professional group Redline. $15 Priority seating tickets are available starting Wednesday March 6 at MHS. Proceeds will benefit the A Bed for Every Child Initiative, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. 

 March 17, Together in Harmony XII Concert @ 2pm, PAC

The 12th Annual Together in Harmony Concert showcases Marblehead, Swampscott and Salem choral programs.166 students will sing! With the help of donations from local businesses, and parents from all three towns, we provide a brunch to students in between their rehearsals. Please sign up here to add your contribution!  Choral students should arrive at the PAC to rehearse at 11:30 am. The show is at 2pm. Tickets will be sold at the door for $12 ($7 for seniors and students).  All proceeds will benefit the three schools' music programs.

Drama Festival 2013 Recap

Marblehead hosted the Drama Festival Preliminary Round on March 2nd with the help of many student and parent volunteers! 

Of the 8 high schools performing, Marblehead High School, Peabody High School and Austin Prep High School advanced to the Semi-final Round which was held at St. John's Prep on March 9th.

Marblehead did not advance to the State Finals which will be held March 21-23 in Boston. But the cast and crew gave two fantastic performances of Candide and also received the following individual awards:

• Props: Kyra Jones
• Acting: Joe Boyce, Annie Krivit, Andrew Dalton, Tatiana Dalton
• David Dooley Award for personifying the spirit of Dramafest: Elizabeth Nuccio, Tatiana Dalton

Here are some great photos taken by Tammy Nohelty from a Candide dress rehearsal. The cast and crew delivered a wonderful, comedic performance of this classic farce and had a blast!

Two Concerts Not to Miss This Week

March 15, Acappellooza @ 7pm, PAC

The lineup for this year's gala MHS a cappella event includes Marblehead's four a cappella groups, Marlborough High School's A Choired Taste, and the professional group Redline. $15 Priority seating tickets are available starting Wednesday March 6 at MHS. Proceeds will benefit the A Bed for Every Child Initiative, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. 

 March 17, Together in Harmony XII Concert @ 2pm, PAC

The 12th Annual Together in Harmony Concert showcases Marblehead, Swampscott and Salem choral programs.166 students will sing! With the help of donations from local businesses, and parents from all three towns, we provide a brunch to students in between their rehearsals. Please sign up here to add your contribution!  Choral students should arrive at the PAC to rehearse at 11:30 am. The show is at 2pm. Tickets will be sold at the door for $12 ($7 for seniors and students).  All proceeds will benefit the three schools' music programs.

March Madness for Performing Arts

March 6
Advance priority seating tickets available for Acappellooza at MHS. 
The lineup for this year's gala MHS a cappella event includes Marblehead's four a cappella groups, Marlborough High School's A Choired Taste, and the professional group Redline. $15 Priority seating tickets are available starting Wednesday March 6 at MHS. Event is Friday March 15 at 7pm at MHS.  

 

Proceeds will benefit the A Bed for Every Child initiative, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students.

March 7
Salem Film Festival Screening of MHS Student Film by Savanna Cole and Calvin Falk about the making of Sweeney Todd, the MHS 2012 Musical.

March 9
Congrats to the cast, crew, and production team of Candide for winning the preliminary round of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival! Candide will compete in the Semi-Final Round at St. John's Prep on Saturday, March 9 at 10:30AM. Get there early to secure a seat!  

March 9
MHS Students Addy Sleeman and Julia Taliesin Performing at Walnut Street Cafe this Saturday March 9 at 8:30pm

Get their new EP Someday and more news on their site AddyandJulia.com

MHS Student Film to be Featured at Salem Film Festival

Henry Christensen, MHS Television Production Teacher is pleased to announce that MHS students Savanna Cole and Calvin Falk produced a film that has been selected as a Top Ten Finalist in the 2013 Five-Minute Student Documentary Film Contest as part of the 2013 Salem Film Festival.   

The film, "Behind the Scenes at Sweeney Todd" features a number of MHS students who performed in this year's musical.  

Come out and see the film on the big screen at Cinema Salem on Thursday, March 7th at 7pm.  Admission is free.  Congratulations Savanna and Calvin! 

It's Drama Festival Week!

Marblehead is thrilled to host Dramafest on March 2nd at the PAC. Come and enjoy this free event and see regional high schools stage a series of short plays!

See a preview performance of the MHS entry, Candide, this Wednesday, February 27th at 7pm. 

Learn more about the even in this great Marblehead Reporter article:

Thanks to you, so far this year FoPA has funded...

• $300 for the Dance Team to work with a professional choreographer Kayla Harkness. Look for the team to perform at MHS home basketball games!  
• $600 for the new Drama Club to attend a workshop with a Broadway performer during their trip to NYC in May to see a Broadway play
• $60-$120 for music licensing fees for recording MHS choral, a cappella band and orchestra groups - a senior project led by Max Levine   
• $300 Music Arrangement workshop - open to all students
• $100 Orchestra guest conductor
• $142 Orchestra to attend open rehearsal at Symphony Hall
• $100 Accompanist for Sweeney Todd auditions  
• We have also set aside up to $2000 for a NEW STUDENT GRANT that offers students the opportunity to design and carry out a performing arts enrichment program of their own choosing that would foster additional performing arts opportunities and could incorporate new forms of performing arts like spoken word, comedy, bands, etc. Look for more details soon!
• Soon we'll be funding scholarships for graduating seniors who have been active in performing arts. Encourage seniors to apply. The application will be a part of the scholarship packet they receive from the guidance office.

MHS is proud to be hosting Dramafest 2013 Preliminary Round on March 2nd

Dramafest is a competitive festival where regional high schools teams stage one-act plays and are rated for student acting and technical design. MHS is proud to host the preliminary round. Winners advance to the semi-finals for a chance to compete at the state level.

Look for more information soon on Marblehead's one-act entry, Candide.

To host this event we will need student volunteers who will host the other high schools and help organize and work the event.  We will also need parent volunteers above and beyond the cast parents.

This is a one-day only event and a great way to support MHS Performing Arts!

Look for more info soon on how you can help.

Follow Dramafest on Facebook