b'Dear GDS Community,The Music, Arts, and Drama (MAD) Society strives to enhance the music, visual, and performing arts at GDS through community building, program support and financial contributions. The MAD board would like to thank the many families that have joined us in helping fulfill our mission this year, and what a year it has been! School kicked off with Fiddle Fusion joining in the Big Bengal Bash for lots of family fun. The outstanding production of Little Shop of Horrors followed in November. December brought amazing Winter concerts by our Chorus, Band, and Orchestra. We rang in the new year with The 39 Steps in January and celebrated winter with Frozen Jr in February. Of course, since then, shows and performances have been canceled or postponed, but the arts carry on!Distance learning did not hinder the arts staff at GDS! Orchestra students heard from professional musicians and GDS alums about music history and their professional careers. US Orchestra and Choir collaborated on a piece of music to be used for graduation. Each student individually recorded the audio or video of their part to Impossible Dream, and with the expertise of Pam Wheeler, there will be a Virtual Choir and Orchestra video to be used for the end of year ceremonies. Band students interviewed family members about their musical backgrounds, and explored the music of Beethoven. Art students utilized household items such as coffee and tea for use as mediums and created themed self-portraits with their cameras. Students learned firsthand, art is everywhere and easily accessible at home. I am thankful to the faculty for inspiring our students and continually investigating ways to improve the programs we have.This year the school welcomed several new arts faculty members, including Jennifer Jellicorse as US Drama Director, along with Brandon Bickham as Band Director. We are saying a fond farewell to several of our beloved arts faculty, including: Michaeline Parrish, LS Drama Director; Pam Wheeler, MS Chorus, US Chorus, and Noteworthy director; and Ruthie Tutterow the Director of Fine and Performing Arts-Department Chair. We look forward to welcoming back Sonny Willis who will be taking over for Ms. Parrish and Ms. Wheeler. We are looking forward to a few of our rescheduled events; the 50th Anniversary celebration events and Songbirds, an original musical written by our own Jill Hare has been rescheduled for spring 2021.Music, art and drama bring joy, empathy, creativity, innovation, collaboration, and so many other wonderful benefits to our school! MAD is proud to offer our support for this critical aspect of learning. Thank you,Heidi GingerichMAD Board PresidentParent of Katherine 20 and Morgan 2624 | Summer 2020'