Our Thanksgiving Letter!
Dear Vocal Music Family,
With the Thanksgiving Holiday here, it seems the right moment to reflect on the blessings received, not the least of which is the opportunity to make music together with your students. I can think of no other art form that so exquisitely teaches us both independence and interdependence than choral music. We truly have the best students at GPFAA.
In thinking about our 10th anniversary at GPFAA, the choral art form has sustained and enriched many not only by our own efforts but also by those countless generations who preceded us and, whether they knew it or not, were essentially our teachers. Teaching us how to appreciate what we have, how to unite and grow, and most importantly, how to refine the beauty of community music-making. So, with all our teachers, coaches, mentors who have helped us along the way, close friends, and our families, your support is not unnoticed.
Students (teacher-mentors to those current and in the future)- keep your eyes, ears, and hearts open over the next weeks, for if we do our part, this miracle will play itself out again. Sometimes this happens in clear visible ways, and sometimes less so, but there is no doubt that it happens again and again, and that is undoubtedly something for which to be grateful.
With that begin said, what a tremendous semester it has been so far…a great Fall Festival (showcased by our middle school vocal groups), a superb All-State/All-Region process for the high school students, a successful solo and ensemble for the middle school students, 10 HS singers in the National ACDA Honor Choirs, the announcement of the 2022 National and Commended Winners- Music Education Foundation (MS & HS), 2022 American Choral Prizes Winners, Invitational TMEA MS Tenor-Bass Singers, and our ACDA Invitational HS Tenor-Bass Singers. This is not to mention the MS & HS musicals, additional community performances, preparation for the national invitational conference (TMEA & ACDA), after-school rehearsals and workshops, AND academic studies. This list can go on and on, but here are just a few.
Truth be told, we should all be going crazy! But with the talent and dedication of our students, the strong support of our parents, the GPFAA administration, and our choir family, we keep finding ourselves being more and more thankful to each one of you.
The semester is far from finished, but I want to encourage you to over break to continue celebrating your accomplishments and, more importantly…each other.
Through all these excellent opportunities, we must not lose sight of how we can accomplish them, and that is by supporting and leaning on each other.
Our GPFAA Family Christmas/Holiday show with the Jazz Band strand (Dec 12th) will be quickly approaching when we get back. We must be prepared with our music, energy, and calendars. This event is mandatory for ALL students; this will count as a major grade. Check our fantastic website (gpfaavm.com) for when students will be rehearsing. All students must be present for the dress rehearsal (Dec 11th). We encourage all-vocal music parents to come and enjoy a beautiful production, and please consider volunteering your time to help make this concert successful!
With Warmest wishes for a joyous Thanksgiving Holiday,
Mr. Joel Duarte and Ms. Alexis Galindo
P.S.- Below, check out the latest articles regarding Silent Auction, Dress Rehearsal, and Holiday/Christmas Concert.
