FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Contact: Carole Drury
Phone: 882-7767
E-mail: cdrury@wiscassetschools.org
(Wiscasset, ME) – May 23, 2024
The Wiscasset schools Visual and Performing Arts department recently presented their annual
Spring Gathering of the Arts on May 23rd. There was an art exhibit including work from
4th-12th grade students and a concert featuring the Spring Concert Chorus, the Beginning
Band, the Concert Band and the WMHS Jazz Band.
Students grades 4-12 shared a mix of artworks including drawing, painting, color design,
photography, ceramics and more. Several works that traveled around the state this year were
honored, including a selection of works from this year’s Maine Art Gallery student exhibit. Linda
Dygert, nearly fifty year educator and Wiscasset School district nearly forty year staff member
was recognized as this year’s art advocate for sharing her love of photography with select high
school students, 6th grade quarter four students and the middle school Photo Club! From this
exhibit, works will be selected for next year's state-wide student exhibits! The exhibit will be up
through June 13th. Visitors are encouraged to offer feedback via the show’s guest book.
The concert opened with the chorus presenting three sets of songs. The first was songs of joy,
which included, “Joy Inside” and “To Joy” (a partner song including Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”
melody). The second set featured songs from Broadway shows. First, “It’s the Hard-Knock
Life” from Annie. Then, “When I Grow Up” from Matilda the Musical (with Emery Footer, Charlie
Herrick, Peyton Marr and Emma Stewart as soloist) followed by “Seize the Day” from Disney’s
Newsies (with Christopher Lincoln, Hope Vallier, Hunnter Bailey, Brodie Powell and Jace
McArdle as soloists/a small group ensemble). The last set was songs about the rain which
included the traditional African song, “Mangwani Mpulele” followed by “I Can’t Stand Still Under
Those Raindrops” where students presented a choreographed routine using colorful umbrellas.
The newly formed WMHS Jazz Band gave a surprise performance next. They played the
upbeat “Ants in the Pants.” Anthony Monfiletto opened the piece with a solo on the drum set.
Other players included Linnea Andersson, Christopher Lincoln, Xoe Morse, Rina Munz, Xzaver
Ordung and Danika Osmond.
Following that performance, Linnea Andersson played a lovely solo piece, “Andante et Allegro”
by Barat on her trumpet, accompanied by Mrs. Cheryl Dilts on the piano.
