Guests at the monthly Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Breakfast on Apr. 18 at the Biltmore Hotel were thoroughly entertained by a program showcasing the award-winning Performing and Visual Arts Programs of Gulliver Schools.
The student-driven program began with a young student leading the pledge and an 11th grader announcing, followed by some of the best entertainment the chamber ever has enjoyed at a meeting.
Chamber chair-elect Peter Adair helped welcome such notables as Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, chair of the Department of Choral and Sacred Music at the University of Southern California, and Gulliver Schools alumna Dr. Emily White, pianist and faculty member at the Julliard School, New York.
Speaking on the impact of the performing arts in education and the development of children, Drs. Scheibe and White emphasized the importance of continuing the arts programs in schools, for the wellbeing and success of each student.
Within the confines of only 27 minutes the creative instructors and directors of Gulliver Schools worked together to create an intense extravaganza of classical and contemporary music, as well as dance and drama from the middle school to preparatory levels.
Highlights included Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik conducted by Adrian Gordon; Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal with music conducted by Mr. Ron Castonguay and dance accompaniment choreographed by Ms. Gerri Barreras. In addition to the exciting sounds of the Academy Middle School Jazz Band as they played Jumpin at the Woodside conducted by Mr. Robert Keating.
The audience also enjoyed performances of Gaston under the direction of Mr. Carlos Orizondo and Ms. Sheila Boyce and finally a performance of Who Will Love Me As I Am directed by Ms. Kimberly Adams.
For those attending the affair, rave reviews were the order of the day.
