Performing Arts

Performing Arts News

Band Adopts Pandemic Adaptations

St. Johns’ band program had to adopt many previously unheard of safety adaptations this year in order to proceed in the face of COVID-19. From masks with cutouts for mouthpieces to bell covers for wind and brass instruments, many modifications were made to St. Johns’ performing arts programs this fall.

At the start of the year, band director Mr. Michael Warren ordered band students special bell covers— stretchy, spandex covers that act as a mask for trombones, trumpets, clarinets, etc. Additionally, disposable masks with cutouts for their mouthpieces helped keep musicians’ mouths covers while still allowing them to play.

For their instruments the flutists received air shields, a clear plastic shield that redirects the flutist’s air away from others. And finally, the larger Symphonic Band moved practices onto the wide, airy stage in the Performing Arts Center, rather than in the smaller, enclosed band classroom. With these modifications, St. Johns’ Middle School and Symphonic Bands were ready to play!

Two Spartans Earn Florida Vocal Association Seats

Two St. Johns students earned seats in the prestigious Florida Vocal Association All-State Choruses last fall. Students were selected based on a statewide recorded audition that included vocalizations and performance of excerpts of three choral selections. Autumn Henry ’25 was selected for the Middle School Mixed Chorus and sophomore Tripp Vogt earned a seat in the High School Men’s Chorus. Because of Covid restrictions, the annual Florida Music Educators Association Conference, during which the AllState groups rehearse, will be a virtual conference for educators and student musicians this year. Congratulations to Autumn and Tripp on this outstanding accomplishment.

Clue: On Stage!

This fall, St. Johns’ theatre and technical theatre classes opted to take on the adaptation of the classic ’80’s movie, based on the Parker Brothers® board game, Clue. This fast-paced, witty whodunnit features a diverse cast of characters and leaves the audience guessing right up to the end about who killed whom, where, when and how.

“2020 has been a challenging year for all,” said theatre instructor Mrs. Kim Cadley-Mach, “but everyone in the theatre has felt it particularly keenly.” From not knowing whether they could even have a fall production, to rehearsing in masks in the band room (while band was rehearsing on the PAC stage, for social distancing), the production was truly a labor of love and dedication, and a great success.

Winter Choral Concert and Bands & Bells

Despite many challenges facing the performing arts this year, St. Johns was pleased to host a Winter Celebration concert in December. Both handbell choirs, Middle School Chorus, and Symphonic Band all performed holiday favorites including Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and two renditions of Carol of the Bells in a socially distant, masked concert. Attendees agreed that it was a festive and much-needed interlude.

Identity Plays

In December, Middle School Drama presented “Identity Play; or Who You Are If You Think You Are,” by Jon Jory & Jason Pizzarello. The show was a series of short comedy and dramatic vignettes that explore how each of us define ourselves. Is it by our actions? Our words? Intentions? Or how we dress? Not only did the students have to contend with these questions, but also with face masks and social distancing both in rehearsals and in the live performance. Well done, students!