Aca-Scuse me? Aca-believe it.

In lieu of the recently produced movie, "Pitch Perfect", I feel that it's fitting to write about GA Acapella. Although we only meet every Wednesday morning, the people who participate are clearly just as excited as Mr. Masters, who conducts/ transcribes/ creates parts to fit the music/ anything else musical that I didn't mention already. The group is comprised of people who have extensive musical backgrounds to people who have never sang in their lives. And yet, we are aca-awesome (sorry that was really cheesy...). Right now we are working on "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons and "Down" by Jay Sean. Eventually, these two songs will be combined into one, and be performed in front of the Upper School. Regardless of the limited meeting times, I know that we can pull it off. In fact, I'm surprised we aren't signed to a label yet (I joke, I joke). Wednesday morning acapella definitely brightens my painful Wednesday mornings!

Lauren W.

Reflecting on the Ride

I never considered myself the sentimental type but I must admit that it‘s hard not to be as a senior.  Everything that happens this year, is happening for the last time.  This past Saturday was my last time participating in the GA Jazz Cabaret. While it is always a struggle for me to get to practice at 7:30 am, twice a week, year round, I can not help but reflect on my growth as a musician over the years and how those early morning practices improved my musicianship. As I listened to many of my friends belt their improv solos, I will always look back with fondness on the many friendships I made through the Jazz Ensemble. It has been a great ride Mr. Horner! Congratulations LS, MS, and US Jazz Ensembles and Patriot Select on performances well done!  

- Michael H.

Indoor Field Hockey... Say what?!

Believe it or not - GA’s indoor field hockey team DOES exist. Whether anyone is aware or not, GA hosts an indoor league which takes place every Thursday night in the field house against various teams from the area. Four games are played every Thursday, and our coach, Ms. Watson, and Jess, a Lower School art teacher, ref the games. It has been a great way for the team to bond off-season while playing in a low stress environment. They are always something I look forward to in the week and a great way to forget about the stress of school for an hour or so. We even get together after school and have a team dinner if we have the dreaded 8:45 game. With only two games left before the close of the indoor season, I will definitely miss our Thursday night games. It has been a great season and I am already looking forward to next year!

-Morgan I.

Breaking Records en Route to Making them

This year GA sent a record number of students to the Pennsylvania Music Educators' Association (PMEA) District 11 Band. Michael Hanamirian, Peter Hillinck, Tim Reuter, Eli Scheleicher, and myself, all seniors, spent three days at the end of January perfecting professional level music in a group of 70 high school students selected from high schools from Montgomery and Bucks County.

Our conductor, Dr. Jason Worzbyt, was so surprised at this year's band's preparation that he complimented us every single time he spoke to us as a group (which was too many times to count). The three day event culminated in a performance that had everyone on their feet by the end of the last song.
 

The five of us all met a wide range of unique and talented musicians, all were excited about music and love spreading it. We were also proud to represent our school, as GA was one of the few schools to send at least five students to District Band. This is a great testament to the music program at GA, led by Mr. Mauro, the Wind Ensemble director, Mr. Horner, the orchestra director, and Mr. Masters, the new performing arts head.

The five of us are sad to have performed at our last District Band, but are happy to leave GA on a positive note.

Not pictured: Michael Hanamirian

 -- Brett C.

As Long as I got my Suit and Tie

Once a year, the entire upper school is invited to a very much anticipated semiformal dance. It features stressed ladies trying to decide which dress they look fantastic in, stressed guys praying that the girls they ask to the dance will say that magic "yes" word, stressed teachers not looking forward to chaperoning the dance, stressed everyone. It's quite a big deal , but don't let me make you think it's all about stress. Although this winter formal dance is not unique to our school, the class with which students carry themselves is. Mr. Schellhas does a truly brilliant job of enforcing rules in a fun and yet serious way. The same goes for guidelines regarding semi. And not only that, but dresses are beautiful, suits are starched and neat, and people are happy. The more profound part of me thinks that it is a chance for the entire upper school to attend one huge event and to create a stronger sense of community. But, of course, the profound part of me does not like to pop up for long. Semi is also about friends to see each other at their finest, and to taking glorious photos. However the students feel about semi, I hope that they are able to overlook the anxiety over finding the perfect dress and perfect date and enjoy it. After all, it only happens once a year. 

- Lauren W.

Get smart...with SMART boards?

Every academic classroom in GA is equipped with a SMART Board. It reaches students via a medium they are very comfortable with. It is fast moving, colorful, tactile and engaging. It even manages to involve the most reticent learners. There is something alluring about the boards. Students are excited and pleased to be called on when it involves using the SMART Board. They enjoy teaching their peers with it. Teachers have noticed that SMART’s biggest advantage for them is that it is truly collaborative. It has enhanced dialogue about education and the curriculum across divisions and departments.

Check out this video to learn more about SMART boards at GA....

(this video can also be found on our GA YouTube Channel - GA1759)

Make-A-Wish

The Make-A-Wish Tournament, which Germantown Academy’s Girl’s and Boys’ basketball teams compete in, is this coming weekend. Both teams play back to back both Friday and Saturday night, and the atmosphere in the gym is unlike any other basketball tournament of the year. All proceeds of the tournament benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. Teachers, students, faculty, alumni, and the rest of the GA community all come to show their support of the teams and the Make-A-Wish foundation. From the roaring student section, to the action packed games, this event combines fun with giving, which is especially great during the holiday season. You can find most of the GA community in the gyms this weekend, selling concessions, tickets, the Make-A-Wish Ad books, and in the stands, all to support the rest of the community and to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

- Angela U.