Tom Henihan
Express Staff
Georges P. Vanier School combined arts program offered a variety of music, drama and food in the school gym on October 13.
“It is just showcases all the fine arts that we have here. We thought it was a good way to get the students engaged in the arts and a good combination for the two art teachers as well,” says Brock Whalen who began teaching music and drama at G. P. Vanier this fall and has approximately 100 students in the band program.
“We are just trying to promote the arts and get some interest and it’s nice to have all of them together,” says fine arts and senior foods teacher, Lindsay Lehmen. “We have sports activities throughout the year so it is nice to have the arts celebrated as well.”
Lehmen, who is also in her first year teaching at G.P. Vanier comes from Kincardine Ontario and spent the past six years teaching in the Middle East.
While the fine arts were not represented at this event Lehmen is confident they will mount an exhibition by the end of this semester.
The senior foods class prepared an excellent selection of snacks and bake goods, which were there for the enjoyment of those in attendance.
The Drama performances were two “black light theatre” pieces called Dance off and Mario.
The distinctive characteristics of black light theatre are the use of black curtains, a darkened stage, black lighting and florescent costumes which allows the performers to create interesting and often comical visual illusions.
Black light theatre typically incorporates dance, mime and gymnastics and the Vanier drama students used many of those techniques to great advantage.
Junior high and senior band performances included excellent renditions of Oh Canada, Power of Love, Hogan’s Heroes and Peter Gunn.
Approximately 150 people attended the Combined Arts Program event and Brock Whalen and Lindsay Lehmen are hoping to make it a semi-regular event.
The next showcase is scheduled for December 14, which will be the Christmas Band Concert.
