GEORGETOWN — Georgetown Exempted Village School district’s first Night of the Arts went better than expected, according to event organizers.

More than 100 students, parents, grandparents, and other Georgetown-area residents attended the district’s celebration of the arts, both with displays from students as well as artists in town.

“It’s an idea that we’ve had for a while but I think we finally had the people in place to pull it off,” Georgetown High School teacher Thad Wallace said. “I feel like the arts department is pretty strong, our drama and choir, the band, everyone just pitching in. We have some really strong people and our students are starting to grow and develop skills. It just seemed like the right time.”

The event began with comments from Georgetown Superintendent Christopher Burrows and Wallace in the gymnasium, before the Georgetown High School band performed three songs under the direction of Robert Thomas. The band first performed a warm up percussion piece as they got into place, before playing three orchestral versions of pop songs. First up was The Walker by Fitz and the Tamtrums, followed by Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars, before finishing with Shut up and Dance by Cincinnati-formed band Walk the Moon.

The event then moved into the cafeteria, where the middle school/high school chorus took the stage and sang a pair of songs, the Ghostbusters Theme and Thriller by Michael Jackson. All the students in the chorus wore spooky-themed clothes and Halloween-themed makeup.

Next, the Georgetown Drama Club performed a pair of scenes from their upcoming production of Sleepy Hollow.

Following the performances, the crowd re-entered the gymnasium where children could watch as local artists worked on their crafts, as well as get to do small arts and crafts projects and coloring on their own.

Georgetown Elementary School art teacher Lynette Garrett showed youngsters how to make leaf impressions in clay, Nancy Ache, a professional potter, spun a pottery wheel as she made a ceramic cup, and John Cahall demonstrated wood carving.

Wallace said that the response from the students to this event has been overwhelmingly positive.

“They were excited,” Wallace said. “The last few days we’ve had kids wanting to help hang artwork, and asking if theirs was going to be displayed or if I was going to watch them sing.”

Wallace wasn’t sure how the community would respond to the event, but the large amount of people that attended validated everything he and his staff have been working on.

“The fact that we had to bring in more chairs (for the attendees), that’s great,” Wallace said. “We feel the arts are just as valid as anything else, and it’s an important part of a well-rounded education. We feel good about it and we’re glad the community feels the same way to come out and support it.

Georgetown Elementary School art teacher Lynette Garrett shows James Sehwier how to make a leaf imprint in clay.
https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownNightOfTheArtsLynetteGarrett.jpgGeorgetown Elementary School art teacher Lynette Garrett shows James Sehwier how to make a leaf imprint in clay. Daniel Karell | News Democrat

https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownNightOfTheArtsNancyAche.jpg Daniel Karell | News Democrat

John Cahall displays his wood carving techniques.
https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownJohnCahallWoodNightOfTheArts.jpgJohn Cahall displays his wood carving techniques. Daniel Karell | News Democrat

The Georgetown Drama Club stands for applause following their performance of two scenes from Sleepy Hollow, an upcoming production.
https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownDramaClubNightOfTheArts1.jpgThe Georgetown Drama Club stands for applause following their performance of two scenes from Sleepy Hollow, an upcoming production. Daniel Karell | News Democrat

Members of the Georgetown High School chorus sing Thriller by Michael Jackson.
https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownChorusNightOfTheArts1.jpgMembers of the Georgetown High School chorus sing Thriller by Michael Jackson. Daniel Karell | News Democrat

The Georgetown High School marching band performed three musical routines for attendees at the GEVS Night of the Arts.
https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownBandNightOfTheArts2.jpgThe Georgetown High School marching band performed three musical routines for attendees at the GEVS Night of the Arts. Daniel Karell | News Democrat

https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownBandNightOfTheArts.jpg Daniel Karell | News Democrat

https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownChrisBurrowsNightOfTheArts.jpg Daniel Karell | News Democrat

https://www.newsdemocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_GtownBandDirectorNightOfTheArts.jpg Daniel Karell | News Democrat
Georgetown HS hosts celebration of arts for students and locals

By Daniel Karell

dkarell@civitasmedia.com

Reach Daniel Karell at 937-378-6161. Follow him on Twitter @GNDKarell