Past, Present, Future Program

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS

As the preparations for our 125th celebration began, I was committed to creating an event that truly celebrated our unique community. While this event shines a spotlight on the Performing Arts, we have strived to include students from a variety of programs. My hope is that there will be moments throughout this evening that connect with you and your experience at the school. Whether it be as a student, parent, Old Girl, or Faculty and Staff member, tonight, we have honoured all of you, through music, dance and drama.

Throughout our planning, each Performing Arts faculty member carefully curated their material in an effort to connect the repertoire to the students and our audience. During the performance, you will witness the integration of our school and the Arts. Our Drama students wrote their monologues about Old Girls from different academic pursuits. Our Upper School 125 Dance troupe and Junior School Dance Company created a piece about Prayers, and our Senior School Choir and Drama team collaborated to create works about political science, all of which culminate to our Finale performance, which includes more than 300 performers. Tonight, we will make history. Not only are we celebrating 125 years of excellence, but we are also celebrating the creation of our commissioned work, Past, Present, Future: Havergal’s 125th Anniversary Song , which has been written, in part, by the students of Havergal College. Guided by our composer, Marie-Claire Saindon, more than 400 students took part in composing this piece of music. One of my proudest moments was watching the girls brainstorm about what Havergal means to them. In the end, we have a poem with three parts, each representing a different stage in a student’s journey at school. The girls took this opportunity to use their voice and were very thoughtful about the images and text they wanted to create. I encourage you to read the poem in this program. Past, Present, Future: Havergal’s 125thAnniversary Song is about growth, community and empowerment. Each stage is unique and critical to the development of a resilient student. As we celebrate together, may you feel a sense of pride for being a part of our community, and a sense of joy as you watch the performances that have been so carefully created for you. Now sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Cissy Goodridge Director of Performing Arts, Havergal College

4