This year on April 23rd, Gwynedd Mercy Academy celebrated the arts. GMA’s annual Arts Festival is a time in which students can showcase their work in which they have dedicated hours of the year to. The night began with the art exhibit where students from AP art classes to engineering classes were able to show off all that they had created. Guests were able to walk around, asks the students about their portfolios, and take in all the incredible talent within the community. Around 7pm, guests were then invited to the Performing Arts Center for the musical portion of the night. The performance kicked off with GMA’s jazz band, directed by Mr. Hanrahan. The students worked closely with Mr. Hanrahan all year to not only learn each piece, but rather to also feel the music through working with improvisation. Many of the musicians in jazz band were able to show off their musical abilities within the music through solos. After jazz band took a bow, Glee Club directed by Mr. Borton were invited to the stage. The students sang a rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” and brought the audience to tears. Glee Club’s set ended with a much needed Taylor Swift medley, conducted by senior Maggie Baker. After Glee Club’s performance, Girls with Guitars and GMA’s very own A Capella group, the Mercy Melismatics, sung and played many popular songs. Then, orchestra performed a variety of music including a Beatles medley and a Film Score medley, playing fan favorite theme songs from movies like Star Wars and ET. Before the final set, the senior performing arts members were honored with roses and took one last bow on stage. The night concluded with a beautiful set performed by Chorale. Overall, it was a lovely celebration of the arts and a wonderful way for GMA’s talented students to show off their craft. Special thanks to all that made this night possible especially Gwynedd’s music and art teachers, Mrs. Giangiulio, Mrs. Hohenstein, Mr. Borton and Mr. Hanrahan.
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The Arts Festival 2024
May 2, 2024
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About the Contributor
Ashley O'Doherty, Editor-In-Chief
Ashley O’Doherty is a senior at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. This is her second-year writing for the Mercy Magnet, and she is so excited to take on the title of Editor-In-Chief. She has been involved in Monarch Media Productions since Sophomore year and is also a proud member of the Gwynedd music department, participating in Orchestra, Jazz Band, Glee Club and Tri-M Music Honors Society. In addition, this will be her fourth-year swimming for GMA’s swim team. She cannot wait to work with the Mercy Magnet staff this year to produce wonderful writing!