BLESSED TRINITY
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
FINE ARTS
2024-2025
2024-2025
Blessed Trinity Fine Arts Season
Matilda, the Musical
November 8-9, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Concert
December 12, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
Alumni and Student Works Dance Concert
January 10, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
25th Anniversary Alumni Event
January 11, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Winter Play
January 31 and February 1, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Band Collaboration Concert
February 25, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Spring Dance & Art Concert
March 22-23, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Spring Musical
April 26-27, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Spring Band Concert
May 6, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Spring Choral Concert
May 8, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Dear Patron of the Arts,
In support of our school’s mission, you play an invaluable role in nurturing the growth and development of our fine arts students. The Fine Arts Program at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School highlights the importance of the arts in shaping well-rounded individuals. Your commitment to our program allows students to explore their creativity, develop critical thinking skills and cultivate emotional intelligence. Engaging in music, vocal, theater, dance and visual arts not only enhances students’ academic experiences but also equips them with essential life skills.
Participating in the arts fosters helps students work effectively with others through collaboration and communication. Through the arts, students learn to express themselves, manage their emotions, and appreciate diverse perspectives, contributing to their overall personal growth.
Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in the transformative power of the arts. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore their passions and realize their potential.
In Support of the Arts,
Marcos Arias, President Cathy Lancaster, Principal
Blessed Trinity Juniors Ashlyn Lester, Maggie Duke and Tatum McCarthy painted landscape pieces used to decorate President Arias’ office.
Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, and laughter never ends. Let me be part of your journey, whether you are selling or buying a home, I will be delighted to assist you!
As we embark on a new school year celebrating 25 years of the Arts at Blessed Trinity, it is with great enthusiasm that I extend a warm welcome to all our supporters, patrons, parents, alumni and friends. Your unwavering support and generous contributions have been the cornerstone of our success. From the visual arts to music, theater, and dance, our programs are designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, innovation, collaboration and cultural appreciation. It is through the dedication of supporters like you that we can provide our students with the tools and opportunities they need to explore their artistic talents and reach their full potential.
This year, we have a lineup of exciting events, performances, and exhibits in place. These events are not just about showcasing talent; they are about building community, inspiring innovation, and cultivating a lifelong passion for the arts. With your support, we aim to expand our programs, enhance our facilities and ensure that every student has access to a comprehensive arts education.
Your sponsorship makes a significant difference. It allows us to bring in artists for workshops, purchase state-of-the-art equipment and fund scholarships for current and future Titans. As we kick off this new year of sponsorship, I invite you to join us at our upcoming events and see firsthand the incredible impact of your support. Together, we can continue to inspire, nurture and celebrate the artistic achievements of our students. Thank you once again for your generous support and for being a vital part of our arts community. We look forward to an exciting and successful year ahead filled with countless moments of inspiration.
In the Arts, Sharon Mueller
SHARON MUELLER
FINE
ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
BAND
Brad Nelsen is the Director of Bands at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School. A native of Atlanta, Mr. Nelsen earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the Schwob Conservatory of Music in Columbus, GA. After teaching public school in Alabama, he attended University of Nebraska earning a Masters degree in Wind Conducting studying under Carolyn Barber. He returned home in 2019 after teaching public school in Arkansas. It is his sixth year at Blessed Trinity.
In addition to his position at Blessed Trinity, Mr. Nelsen is also the Director of Bands at Queen of Angels Catholic School here on campus. He remains a dedicated performer in the local community currently holding the position of Principal Bassoon with the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, along with other groups in metro-Atlanta.
BRAD NELSEN DIRECTOR OF BANDS
Outside of music, Mr. Nelsen is a devoted sports fan (GO BIG RED!) and an avid reader. He is thrilled to have all of you attending our performances and hopes you are thoroughly entertained.
BAND SPOTLIGHT
The Blessed Trinity Symphonic Band is the centerpiece of the Blessed Trinity band program. The ensemble consists of winds and brass players of all grade levels. All students are welcome to join the band class regardless of previous experience. The ensemble rehearses many genres of music including traditional wind band repertoire, marches, jazz, popular styles, and more contemporary selections. The Symphonic Band features student soloists in our Concerto Program each year.
The Symphonic Band performs several times a year. Including the Fall Fine Arts Festival, the annual Christmas Celebration Concert and several more performances in the spring semester.
The Blessed Trinity Band program also features a robust percussion program with its two levels of percussion classes.
Add - Titan Battery Info
DANCE
Aside from her teaching career, Ms. Long performs professionally with Monica Hogan Danceworks. Her previous performance experience includes work with Sideways Contemporary Dance Company, Marie Christine Giordano Dance company, and freelance work in various Atlanta dance festivals. She is the Artistic Director of The Introspect Experience, a summer training intensive created for pre-professional dancers to cultivate their artistic expression through internal reflection, collaboration, improvisation, and intention. Ms. Long strives to create a safe space for dancers to find their artistic voice and confidently step into who they are meant to be.
Megan Long graduated Summa Cum Laude from Winthrop University
DANCE SPOTLIGHT
Blessed Trinity's dance program has established itself as a prominent discipline in the Fine Arts Department. The program includes four levels of dance: Dance Technique, Intermediate Dance, Advanced Dance, and Dance Company. All levels of dance have the opportunity to perform with the exception of Dance Technique. Placement is based on auditions. Guest artists and choreographers are often invited and encouraged to work with students and students are encouraged to choreographmanyoftheirownworks.
Dance classes perform each year at the Annual Fall Arts Festival, Alumni and Student works Concert in January, and Dance Concert & Art Show each spring. Dance Company and Dance Team also perform at Open House. See calendar of events for dates, times and ticket information.
The Blessed Trinity Dance Department has had twelve students selected for Governor's Honors in the past 16 years. The dance department at Blessed Trinity encourages students to pursue their interest in dance beyond their high school experience. Many students continue their studies in dance departments throughout the United States including such schools as the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Florida State University, University of Georgia, University of Alabama, Kennesaw State University, George Mason, Duke, Princeton and Juilliard. Many graduates are now pursuing professional careers in Atlanta, New York, Europe,andLosAngeles.Alumniareencouragedtocome back to the Blessed Trinity community and choreograph andsharetheirtalentsastheygrowasartists.
THEATRE
Amanda Ketcham has dedicated over 20 years to the performing arts. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications, all while passionately dancing with the Kennesaw State Dance Company. Her extensive experience in the arts includes a 14-year tenure in the dance department at Blessed Trinity, where she has inspired countless students and nurtured their love for movement and expression. In 2021, Amanda took on the role of Theater Director, where she continues to cultivate talent and bring engaging productions to life.
AMANDA KETCHAM THEATRE DIRECTOR
When she is not immersed in the world of dance and theater, Amanda loves to travel the globe with her wonderful husband, exploring new cultures and experiences. Her commitment to the arts, combined with her adventurous spirit, reflects her belief in the transformative power of creativity and connection. Amanda continues to be an influential presence in the performing arts community, inspiring future generations of dancers and artists.
The cast of the upcoming production, Matilda, the Musical, performing at Grandparents and Special Friends Day.
THEATRE SPOTLIGHT
The Blessed Trinity Theatre Arts is dedicated to bringing quality performances to the Blessed Trinity stage in an atmosphere of fun and fellowship. The program emphasizes helping each student enrich their emotional, social and educational growth through a variety activities both in production and in the classroom. Blessed TrinityTA provides students with opportunities to learn new theater skills from professional educators and industry recognized special guests in performing, technical theater and design.
Students are also encouraged to develop their own creative and leadership skills by writing, directing and designing for theater experiences with our Chapter of the International Thespian Society-Troupe 7498, in productions and classes. All areas of Theater Production (performance and technical) are fostered and encouraged through this established and well recognized program.
November 8 & 9, 2024
7:00 p.m.
VOCAL ARTS
Mr. Jacob McDonald, Director of Blessed Trinity Choirs, is excited to showcase the students in both the Concert Choir and Trinitones.
Mr. McDonald comes to Blessed Trinity from the Georgia State School of Music, where he received his Masters of Music in Vocal Performance as well as Choral Conducting.
Prior to Blessed Trinity, Mr. McDonald worked as a professional vocalist and choral musician in the Atlanta area, lending his voice to numerous projects such as the Atlanta Festival Consort and the Atlanta Parlor Project. He also performed and served on the board for the Atlanta-based semi-professional choral ensemble, Voces Amicis
JACOB MCDONALD CHORAL DIRECTOR
Outside the world of choral music, Mr. McDonald has performed on the operatic and musical theatre stage with several local companies, such as Capitol City Opera and the prestigious Atlanta Opera. Mr. McDonald is excited to bring his musical skills and talents to the students of Blessed Trinity, putting his expertise to work not only with the choirs, but also with the musical theater program and Mass musicians.
Members of the Trinitones a capella group pose on stage before rehearsal.
VOCAL ARTS SPOTLIGHT
The Vocal and General Music Program at Blessed Trinity contains varying groups of energetic and talented students of all grades and vocal levels. The Concert Choir concentrates on developing the students as well-rounded musicians, not just as singers. One focus is preparing music for performance, but the choir also studies music theory and history while examining how music can make them not only a better citizen within their society, but how they can make a better world. The music performed is a challenging and stimulating representation of quality choral repertoire from all historical musical periods, from Medieval to Contemporary Music. This ensemble is a year-long class that meets during the school day. It does not require an audition; however, permission of the teacher is required to join.
The Blessed Trinitones a cappella group is an extracurricular, auditioned group for the most committed and talented choir members. The group performs pop and musical theater songs with no instruments - just their voices. Auditions are in the spring prior to class registration with rehearsals and performances after school. The rehearsal schedule avoids conflicts with the Theatrical Alliance rehearsal and performance schedule allowing students to participate in both. Music Ministry is an extra-curricular, nonauditioned ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists who lead worship music at monthly all-school Masses.
VISUAL ART
Mrs. Sharon Mueller holds a B.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University, along with an M.A from the University of South Carolina in Studio Art. This is Mrs. Mueller’s 25th year leading the Fine Arts department at Blessed Trinity. She is a moderator of the award-winning Blessed Trinity Literary Arts magazine, Panorama. She is the sponsor of the National Art Honor Society chapter and is the liaison to the Blessed Trinity Fine Arts Association board. Her AP Art students’ portfolio pass rate has achieved 100% every year.
“Teaching allows me to blend my love for art with my desire to foster my students' God-given talents. I aim to create a place where all students feel empowered to explore their creativity and express themselves through art. I’ve had the privilege of guiding countless young artists as they discover their unique artistic voices for which I am forever grateful.”
SHARON MUELLER VISUAL ARTS TEACHER
VISUAL ART SPOTLIGHT
BLESSED TRINITY
FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION
The Blessed Trinity Fine Arts Association provides vital support to all students as 100% of the student body is actively involved in the Fine Arts programs in Band, Chorus, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts. We invite ALL to join the Blessed Trinity Fine Arts Association this school year as it is your financial and volunteer help that makes the magic happen. We sincerely thank all who have been our past members and appreciate your support to continue the tradition of excellence in Blessed Trinity Fine Arts.
2024-2025 Blessed Trinity FAA Officers and Board Members
President - Teil Gergel
Secretary - Mary Beth Daniel
Communications - Christine Trovato
Hospitality - Erika Bowers
Concessions - Ines Umana
Flowers - Nadia Rodriguez
Band Liaison - Chris & Katie Van Zant
Chorus Liaison - Sherri Dahlheim
Dance Liaison - Tracy Doucet
Drama Liaison - Christine Trovato
Visual Art Liaison - April Harkins
2024-2025 BLESSED TRINITY
FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
ARCHANGEL
Anonymous
The DeLoach Family
Mr. Brent and Karla Giltner
Greg and Pam Huff
The LeDuc Family
Scott and Jenny Loeffelholz
Stephanie and Ian Matthes
Tim and Stephanie Moy
Schafer Family
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Tibaldi
Joe and Christine Trovato
Kathy and James Zimmerman
ANGEL
The Codelli Family
Keith and Mary Beth Daniel
The Healy Family
Jennifer Kim
David and Sue Preissler
Marty and Becki Schmidt
Katie and Chris Van Zant
PATRON
Ryan and Jennifer Ackels
Michael and Paige Casey
Tracy and Ken Doucet
Brigit Fareri-Magin
Brian and April Harkins
The Marshall Family
Patrick & Steffanie O’Neill
Héctor and Nadia Rodríguez
SPONSOR
Paul and Erika Bower
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Butler
Neal and Lisa Chatigny
Richard & Julia Cree
Laura & Chris Czohara
Dahlheim Family
Kevin and Teil Gergel
Jeff and Mary Hunter Gibbs
Norris and Avery Lanius
Manrique Family
Ricci Family
Michelle Runnels
Rich and Jen Shank
John and Nina Soricelli
Hubert and Carina Stankiewicz
David and Stephanie Sweeney
Team DJacobs
Other Donations
Lanier Family
FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Marcos and Kerry Arias Family Enterprises
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc.
BRONZE SPONSORS
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Wang
Hector Eduardo Rodriguez
Eres un joven creativo y talentoso. Nos sentimos muy felices de verte crecer aprovechando todos y cada uno de tus talentos.
Estamos deseamos
muy orgullosos de ti y el que sigas poniéndole
ritmo de la música a tu vida para que vivas siempre en armonía.
La música es la poesía de tu alma.
Te queremos inmensamente,
Mami, Papi y Patricia
DearWill,
Wordscannotexpress ourprideinyour accomplishmentsoverthe lastfouryears.Youhave alwaysbeena percussionistatheart, andnowyouareatrue percussionistinskill!We cannotwaittoseewhat thenextchapterofyour lifeholdsforyou!
Love,MomandDad
BELLA – WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR DEDICATION TO THE BT FINE ARTS!
LOVE, MOM, DAD, & OLIVER
Visit the Blessed Trinity Fine Arts web page at www.btcatholic.org/fine-arts/support-the-arts for partnership opportunities
