ELEMENTARY MUSIC

Grace Christian Academy reached new academic heights through its first Broadway Junior Production, “Annie Junior." This Broadway musical, written for 5th-9th graders, was performed by GCA elementary students. “We wanted to give our students the opportunity to participate in a first class musical experience with a strong dramatic emphasis,” said Don Criss, GCA headmaster. With over 150 live auditions for a 31 member cast, two separate casts were formed for this production. “With two separate casts, both shows were unique because of the different personalities. Based on the popular comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie,” Annie Junior tells of a spunky depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel Miss. Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Its upbeat plot and flamboyant characters have made “Annie” one of the most beloved musicals in history. For more information, please contact Tracy Rodgers (trodgers@gracebc.org)

INSTRUMENTAL PROGAM

The Intrumental Program has a wide variety of instruments for those interested in playing. This program seeks to lead the children in a fundamental understanding of music and an appreciation for music expression. We build on prior knowledge of music experience and we equip the children with a stronger ability to play their chosen instrument. Strings is offered to students in grades 1-5. Beginner Band is offered to students in grades 5 and 6. Kindergarten students may enter the program under approval of the instructor. For more information about our elementary instrumental program, please contact Bill Paczkowski (bpaczkowski@gracebc.org or 771-9554).

STORYTELLING

What a great night of family entertainment!  On October 29 of this year, we turned our courtyard into a stage where students participated in our second Fall Storytelling Competition.  The competition consisted of third-fifth grade students.  The students were trained under the direction of Mrs. Tonya Wilson.

Mrs. Wilson received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from Tennessee Temple University.  She brings 20 years of experience in training, directing and performing fine arts. She worked individually with each student as they prepared for this event.  The judges had a difficult time choosing a winner!   We have enjoyed making this an annual event for our elementary.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the 2009 event.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A LESSON IN LOVE AND INNER BEAUTY

After searching for the perfect musical for Grace Christian Academy’s Spring Show, Elementary Music Director, Tracy Rodgers, became captivated by the story of Beauty and the Beast for two reasons. Not only was it an 18th- century classic fairy tale that taught us how to love another and to earn love in return, but it was an opportunity to teach a character lesson to students on how to love and appreciate each other’s inner beauty. This 2010 performance featured the largest cast ever assembled at GCA, and the three performances were performed at an amazingly high level for third-fifth grade students. For more about this musical and some pictures from the event, click HERE.

ART

Every student from Kindergarten through 5th grade has the opportunity to attend art one day a week for 45 minutes. During art students are taught the elements of design such as line, shape, color, form, value, space and texture by creating various projects. These projects are completed using several different processes such as drawing, painting, pottery, printmaking, and sculpture. In the spring, each student has a piece of art work displayed during our Night of the Arts that represents one of their best works from the year. For more information about the art program at GCA, please contact Teresa McNelly (tmcnelly@gracebc.org).