Ila Bumagin, Junior
We all know that the performance is just the tip of the iceberg. But what really goes on behind the scenes in the Marblehead Performing Arts Department? Beyond the hard work of all the students and teachers, a small group of hardworking parents has emerged to boost the program, and to keep it running the way it has always been run. Marblehead Friends of the Performing Arts (FoPA) works hard for this.
During COVID, the program, like many performing arts programs across the country, took a hit. How could students perform when our instruments themselves were superspreaders? Once we returned to school, many programs found that they needed to rebuild. In order to do this, the leaders of the department took the initiative for the reboot. Andrew Scoglio, Choral Director and Lead Teacher for Performing and Applied Arts, has been involving more people in the FoPA program in order to build it.
FoPA as an organization has been running since the beginning of the Performing Arts department, so basically forever. However, Scoglio says, “FoPA was very behind the scenes during COVID, but in the past year they have tried to involve more people. They have bigger fundraisers, more events, more people.”
In Marblehead, Performing Arts includes the chorus, orchestra, band, and theater programs. FoPA supports all of these, primarily at the high school level, but in the lower grades as well.
FoPA’s goals as a whole have been written down in their mission statement, but Scoglio summarized them nicely. He says their general goal is “to support the music and theater department in whatever way they can. Selling concessions, tickets, providing financial aid, chaperoning events.” This covers what the parents involved will do, but the money will go to instrument repairs, sets, costumes, senior scholarships, and awards banquets. For this year specifically, the organization is raising money for the spring Music Department trip to Disney. They want to be able to provide financial aid for any students in need, and make it an unforgettable experience for the students.
Dawn Weed, president of the organization and parent to a music student, says, “Marblehead is a town that is fully invested in the Arts and we feel like we can bring our HS community and the Marblehead Arts community together to create a solid foundation of support for our young performers.” She wants to allow students’ talent to be seen and heard.
While the group has goals in general, Scoglio has personal goals for the program. He says, “I think there are parents that have really gone above and beyond to support the program. One of the things FoPA is trying to do is to try and involve every parent in the program at least once. Just one thing will go a long way to helping the program thrive.” In other words, it takes a village. If you are interested in supporting FoPA and the performing arts students, here are some ways you can help! Of course, the best way is to donate. Dawn says, “Support could be as simple as buying a few raffle tickets, ordering a wreath, attending a holiday concert, or attending the Spring Gala.”
In addition, just going to performances is great! Students feel supported, and we love to share our art with you. If you are interested in joining FoPA, their next meeting is November 8 at Marblehead High School, in the conference room. Lastly, make sure to follow our Instagram page for updates on performing arts events, @mhdfopa.
Performing arts is a wonderful way to be involved in the community. As Dawn says, “There is unbelievable talent in our students and it would be great if we could continue to work toward growing our performing arts programs.” So look beyond the tip of the iceberg and see these hardworking teachers and parents who make the program what it is!