Greenwood High School - Woodman Yearbook (Greenwood, IN)

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Arts program thriving at GCI-I5 Greenwood High boasts one of the best Fine Arts and Performing Arts programs in Central Indiana. It is evidenced by the reputation of the Marching Woodmen, the high number of Gold Keys and placements in the Scholastics Art Show, the invitations for performance by Choral and Instrumental groups, the professional quality of the stage and musical production. The list of achieve- ments in the Arts goes on and on. It has been a chance for me to try something new and to find I like artf' said one student. The numbers in the Art classes have steadily increased over recent years and much of that success is cred- ited to instructors, Joseph Reynolds, Myron Blank- enbaker, and Judy Adamson by students. Senior Jim Adams said he wouldn't be in art today with- out the patience and instruction of Mr. Reynoldsf' Jim won mention in the scholastics competition. Further evidence of the number of fine artists at GCHS can be seen in the Annual Student Art Show when the main lobby is filled with art of every kind. Works are judged by an outside art instructor and ribbons awarded in every category. One major con- cern for the program was stated by Mr. Reynolds as he noted that the high cost of jewelry materials and Art Show feat1u'es student works. photographic materials could limit students wishing to take these courses. Three years ago there was one photography class, today there are four beginning courses. In the performing arts, GCHS is as varied as the number of students in the department. The March- ing Woodsmen have brought recognition to the school since winning the Indiana State Fair in 1976. Since then, the band has grown and changed and now competes with Division I bands in several invi- tational field marching contests and the Indiana State March Off. But the band is not limited to marching as they have also placed first in State instrumental contests with Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Part of the Marching Woodmen is the Irish Guard. But after marching season, the Guard goes into contest season with other drill team units. Although the year was not as successful as hoped, the Guard went from one unit to two. The interest in the units has continued to grow under the direc- tion of Ms. Pam Smith. The choral music program established a new tra- dition this year as they combined with the Mt. Ster- ling High School choral units for two concerts. The choral music program has given me a variety of experiences and prepared me well to major in music in collegef, said one senior. . . . a variety of experiences . . . The experiences vary from traditional concerts to Madrigal singing to the musical. The Madrigal Din- ners have gained such a reputation in the commu- nity that all nights are sold out even before Thanks- giving. Said director Ron Bell, We could sell out more nights if we had time on the calendar to do more dinners. The goal of the music department, instrumental and choral, is to give students a variety of music experiences from classical to jazz to modern. It also allows them to perform before audiences from hun- dreds to thousands at concerts and contests thus gaining poise and self-confidence. All these have carry-over value in the future whether it is continu- ing to perform or just to be able to enjoy music. The theatre department strives to give students the chance to discover their full potential through working together on plays of all kinds, according to Director Carol Wharton. Poise, self-confidence, and the ability to relate to others are only a few of the benefits of the theatre experience. I always wanted to try out for a play, but I never thought I could, said one senior. I tried out for the King and In and had such a great experience that I wish I had overcome my fear sooner. I really missed some- thing.

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In the past three years the theatre program has grown to include a fall play, a childrenfs play, and jncorporated the musical as an all school event. V'The professional quality of the facility makes the lsky the limit in our production, said Ms. Wharton. l This is one of the finest auditoriums and technical hheatres I've seen in a high school. said one light- Hng student,'f 'fltfs fun to work on the board and to create a mood on stage with colors. The performing arts areas are not without con- cerns as school budgets are getting tighter and as more and more students are getting hit with having Ho work. Many promising students are dropping out lbecause of job conflicts and rehearsal schedules. As lstudents reach the senior year, many are finding it mecessary to drop these performing arts areas ibecause of the number of hours needed for evening Rehearsals. A job is more useful many are deciding. Arts . . . alive and wells at GCHS i It is a shame this is happeningf, said Ms. Whar- ton. The experiences that are offered in the arts area can never be replaced by a jobf' Although those Working in the arts areas understand the need of students for a job, all agree that the student may be short-changing himself in the future. And as school budgets get tighter, these are areas that may suffer first in budget cutting measures. But .. . today the arts are alive and thriving at GCHS.