It is not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters. ~Epictetus

Good Morning -

Probably should have waited another day to reach out, but then who could have foreseen the closure of the school buildings across the state?  The administration, all of us felt shocked by the news, just like all of you, I am sure.  I suppose we always thought it might happen but I really wanted to believe we'd be back the 6th and then I resolved to the 20th and then that wasn't the case anymore, and I know I am not alone in those sentiments.

By now you have probably figured that this year's musical is not going to happen.  Sadly, year 17 for me, and 14 for Leslie is not going to happen in the traditional sense (but we had already sort of come to terms with that).  There were tears last night for a lot of different reasons the unfinished musical was one those and an important one at that.  This is, as I have said many times, my favorite time of year and like your children I feel robbed, robbed of the time to be together and make theater magic.  UGH, life can be so unfair.  But, it's a new day and I am remembering the lessons I preach to the kids all the time, that life is often unfair and it is how we react to the unfairness that we are in control of, nothing more, nothing less.  Today I have decided to practice what I preach, or at least fake it till I (we) make it.

With that in mind I woke thinking about ways to make something happen for the musical this year, I mean there's a first for everything, this pandemic has certainly taught us that much?!

There are some logistics to work out and legalities to check on, but my wheels are turning, how to make lemonade from the lemons we've been dealt?!  The kids, myself and Leslie have too much creative energy to bottle for a whole year.  As I said to a family this morning in email "it makes me itchy, and frustrated and sad" to not use it (it being those creative energies) and I feel that to my soul for the kids and for me personally.  I am thinking, perhaps something can be done virtually...it isn't ideal, but maybe?  I have to check the legal stuff.   ...I wonder

Certainly my heart is sad today, but the sunshine is bright and it is warm and it truly feels like Spring.  I am choosing to look for the rainbows in life (which are all of you) in all of this, and I believe we will be okay and stronger for this trial...at least I will keep saying it until it really is the truth!!!

For now please know I am sorry, I wish things were different and thank you for being here!

I'll be in touch soon, Kristen Chapman

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION

Good Evening -

As with everything these days, we are ever changing and adjusting.  We hope you all are well and staying healthy and home, but connected.  We would like to remind you that you can reach out to us via email with any questions should they arise in the coming weeks.

Sadly, yesterday we received word that Vermont is going to stay at home until the 15th of April, this PROBABLY puts us off the mark of being in school the week before break though nothing official is out, and everything is still so up in the air...with that in mind Leslie and I thought it prudent to at least come forward with some newer information, even with that knowledge we are hopeful that by the 20th of April we will see some normalcy return.

This means we have a new but still hopeful plan for making the musical a reality this year, we might only be postponing the eventual cancellation but we are really trying to make something come to fruition for the kids, because they deserve to have this.

This is our most recent plan after a lengthy meeting to brainstorm and troubleshoot the latest news.

• I will upload the music for practice to the new Musical Classroom that you or your child was added to.
• You will continue to sing along and learn your parts in the musical
• You will continue to memorize lines
• There will be no costumes this year instead everyone will wear a LMjr tshirt and jean bottoms of some kind, skirts, skorts, shorts, pants, capris something jean blue and sneakers.
• We will do hair, no makeup.
• We will handle the show as though it's a performance concert, the risers from the high school will be used.  All members of the show will be on the stage for the duration.  The scenes will happen in front of the risers.
• If and when we return on the 20th of April rehearsals will be 3PM-6PM daily at the high school
• The week of the show looks a little different.  We will attempt matinee performances.
• Thursday night the 7th of May we will go dark (this means no performance).
• Friday night the 8th at 7PM we will hold our first performance
• Saturday at 4PM we will do a show with the understudies performing the lead parts
• Saturday at 7PM we will do a final show with the leads as cast.
• There will be no intermission
• There will be no set fee for entrance
• Following the show since there will be no strike needed, we will share a few moments to give thanks for a year that almost wasn't and then head home.

No doubt this will be a huge undertaking with the short time to approach this but I have every faith in my team and with the kids that we can pull this off.  Mrs. Rench and I discussed that even going back to school we might be still told no large events in which case we may still have to lay the musical to rest for 2020, the final decision will not be up to us in it's entirety.  As with everything right now all we can do is plan and hope for the best and roll with what we are dealt.

We miss you all, and thank you for understanding this latest hurdle, with love, Ms. Chapman & Mrs. Rench

Response to COVID-19 Uncharted territory for musical learning

Good Morning All -

We wish we were writing you under better circumstances, but we are coming from a calmer place now that a plan has been laid out by our administration. (Notice from the Superintendent)  It's been a tense few weeks and we are so grateful to all your children for continuing to bring their silliness and laughter.  We will undoubtedly miss our afternoons and their creative energies flowing most of all over the next three weeks.

With that said, we are remaining hopeful that we can return to our show at the end of this time away.  This is a novel virus and with that comes changes by the day right now as we work together to social distance in the community effort to keep our loved ones healthier. 

I, Kristen, will be making dance videos (gulp, this is a huge concession for me considering I steer clear on videoing myself).  I will be singing and sharing parts of the vocal pieces via my Youtube channel or here...but somehow I will share this with your children stay tuned.  They all have their scripts at this point, there is no reason not to spend a portion of their time memorizing lines and songs and dances when the videos become available.  You're welcome in advance for the entertainment (Face palm).

An important reminder, T-SHIRT ORDERS are due this week!  We are not wanting folks to come en masse to make drop offs but as we will be working all week we can arrange for a drop off for the t-shirt orders or I (Kristen) will make one time at the end of the week, stay tuned.  IF the show doesn't get finished, we imagine we'll all have these t-shirts as a reminder of that ...one year when... WE ARE PRAYING that doesn't happen.  If your children are here at school today or tomorrow remind them to bring their t-shirt orders to Ms. Chapman.

In 2012 High School Musical was the show, but the words ring true "we're all in this together"!  And together we will get through!

The show must go on, and it will until we're told it can't! 

Be well, be kind, and stay healthy! 

Much love, Kristen Chapman & Leslie Rench

Calendar through the 23rd of March

The Calendar through the 23rd of March is filled in. 

Please note that if the Varsity boy's hockey team makes it through this weekend, our rehearsals next week could be changed in duration.

Thank you, Kristen

THANK YOU! - The Journey Begins

I am always so impressed and grateful at the amount of baked goods that find their way to our table for Town Meeting.  15 years and counting and forever thankful!  Kudos to the parents and kids that devoted their time on Saturday, you time was and is much appreciated!

The town meeting this year, kicked off our musical season.  The first ALL CAST rehearsals scheduled Thursday and Friday this week 3PM - 5PM are in the middle school in Ms. Chapman's classroom.  I am excited to get started and proud of the kids for putting themselves out there I know the end result will be colorful and wonderful with this talented bunch!

Heads up; Friday, t-shirt orders will be going home, the DEADLINE (NO EXTENSIONS) will be Friday the 13th please be courteous to the others in the show and get the order form and money into Ms. Chapman this day so that the kids can help advertise our musical dates by wearing the t-shirts around town early and without too much delay.

Also, I am getting a lesson on online ticket sales this year, this week actually with the same system that the high school uses for their ticket sales to help streamline our process and hopefully sell out all three shows, that's the goal, and a friendly competition will be in store for the kids and I.

I am once again considering a breakfast with the characters for this show, but I am not sure if our timing will allow.  What does everyone think about this?  Email me chapmank@Hartfordschools.net if you think you would be interested in being a part of a breakfast with character's event.

Also, lastly, but certainly not least Doug Heavisides who is the principal at HACTC and who whittles wood on the side as a way to meditate and work with his hands, has kindly begun a Facebook raffle for his latest set of wooden spoons.  He has already kindly donated to other area businesses and charities but this collection of spoons currently being auctioned at $200.00 will be shared with our HMMS Musical funds.  THANK YOU DOUG for your generous donation. 

So, here we are...off to the races, they say...it's sure to be a fun ride. 

Let's go!  The Little Mermaid Jr. awaits!

~Kristen