Horace Mann Music Program Breaks New Ground

Mr. Waryk and I started here at Horace Mann at the same time in the fall of 2013.  As we planned the first music concert, we both thought it would be great to have a performance in the cafeteria space.  However, we knew from what others shared that there was no way we could fit for a whole-school performance.

In those 5 years, we've had many wonderful performances in the gym, attended by hundreds of friends and family members here to see students sing and play.  Can you remember your favorite moment?

While things have been very good, Mr. Waryk just couldn't get the opportunity to use our professional-grade stage out of his mind.  We talked about ideas, and problem-solved various aspects of putting on a show in the cafeteria.  I can tell you...he thinks of everything!

As many of you know, all the brainstorming came to fruition last Friday with the Horace Mann Spring Showcase.  Our students in special music groups (Band, Orchestra, Choir and Singers) put on a wonderful show against the backdrop of bright stage lighting, crisp sound and, of course, the velvet curtain.

We owe a hearty thank you to parents for supporting your children's musical talents, PTA and our staff for flexibility on concert day (especially our custodian and Mrs. Mac behind the scenes).  We hope families enjoyed the options of morning and afternoon performances, a link to live stream the concert, longer sets by each group and the availability of the book fair.  Any feedback is welcome as we make notes for next year. 

Here are a few still photos: