How has your life been indelibly touched by a teacher who utilized the arts for whatever reason and acknowledge how they were instrumental in breaking the mold to allow you to become who you are today?
The arts, to me, growing up was my savior. Being able to perform and take myself out of my world to be in another was life saving to me. I enjoyed so much all of my school musicals. I also enjoyed the flute, marching at Hofstra with my sax, and my weekly piano lessons. I truly feel without my music and performing I would have never made it. As you read along your notes on a page you are instantly into the magic of the arts.
I also feel that music will heal you. To this day, I am thankful that I was able to enjoy and appreciate the gift of music .With this blog you can make a difference and leave your foot print on this earth to let people know that there is hope. Many kids today don’t have an out. Music and performing must go on!!!! Maybe it will help them to escape from the real world for a little and have fun exploring another.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Still Advocating for Arts
Still Advocating for Arts
by Lisa Mancuso.
Northport Observer.
December 12, 2011.
During her long, successful career in the district, Dr. McGarry, 60, taught such courses as Playwriting and Literature Appreciation. She created theater programs for her junior high school students and eventually brought the programs to the high school: Theatreworks Troupe for 11th and 12th graders and Theatreworks for students in grades 9‑12.
“I was born and raised in
Northport, my son went to Northport schools and my husband, also a retired
Northport teacher, was born and raised here,” said Dr. McGarry. “I had amazing
teachers at Northport. They were truly my inspiration.” Dr. McGarry said she
was a shy girl, but an English teacher encouraged her to try acting and after
playing a Holocaust survivor in a classroom improvisation and receiving
applause for her efforts, she was hooked. “I was always grateful to my teachers
and always wanted to come back to Northport to teach,” she said.
But teaching wasn’t the 5’2”
Northport native’s only focus. Along the way, she earned her doctorate in
educational theater at NYU, directed and acted in plays, did voice‑over work
and taught as an adjunct and visiting professor in a number of colleges
including NYU, Nassau Community College and Brooklyn College
In 2005, Dr. McGarry decided
to retire. It was time to move on, she told herself. Although sad to leave
behind her students, Dr. McGarry was excited to begin a new chapter of her
life. She knew she wanted to remain active in the arts so she decided to pursue
a career with not‑for‑profit arts organizations. She landed her dream ob as an
education director but after four years, the position was eliminated due to
budget cuts.
Losing that position
convinced Dr. McGarry even more that the arts in schools was in danger and is
often perceived as a luxury and not a necessity especially in these tough
economic times. Never one to remain inactive for too long, Dr. McGarry decided
to fight back. She turned her energy and efforts to create a website whose
mission is to advocate for the arts not only in the classroom, but in the home
and in the world.
After working on it for a few
months, Dr. McGarry launched her website, www.francesmcgarry.com and she is
excited for what she hopes to accomplish through her new venture. The site is
filled with information and resources pertaining to the arts and includes a
link to Dr. McGarry’s latest project, her blog ‘First on Line with Fran’ where
she asks people to “. . . join me in discussions on how ordinary people are
doing extraordinary things in The Arts to make our world a richer, deeper,
better place to live.” Dr. McGarry is hopeful the blog may turn into a
television talk show in the near future. She has also started ‘The First 100
Stories Campaign’ on her website and here you can tell Dr. McGarry your own
story about how the arts have impacted your life. (Check out the testimonial
from one of Dr. McGarry’s former pupils, actress and Northport native Edie
Falco.)
Although maintaining her
website is nearly a full‑time job, Dr. McGarry is also continuing to pursue her
acting career and will soon begin a film project “Ava’s Short” in January. She
is also currently appearing on stage in New
York City 158 W. 72nd Street
Monday, December 5, 2011
At the Top of Our Lungs Opens This Week!
In case you haven't heard, there are fourteen fabulous women shouting, "At The Top of Our Lungs! opens this week." It's sassy, it's smart, it's good for the soul. Support our mission to raise money and revitalize the spirit of local organizations that empower under-served women & girls.
Thursday, December 8 at 7 PM
Saturday, December 10 at 9:30
Sunday, December 11 at 3 PM
Click here for more info and to buy tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209106
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209106
Friday, December 2, 2011
viBe Benefit Performance
"At the Top of Our Lungs"
ogues
Directed by
viBe Board Andrea Bertola
Assistant Directed by Lauren Balaban
girls.
girls.
At The Top of Our Lungs is a lively production aimed at
tackling stereotypes that women confront. It's hysterical and heartwarming,
sassy and uplifting. This show is an eclectic mix featuring pop songs, Broadway
favorites, spoken word poetry, monologues, burlesque and more! Grab a table
with friends, enjoy some cocktails and be entertained by this insanely talented
cast.
FEATURING!!!
Christine Marie Evans...Courtney Nolan Smith...Justine
Beirne...Jena Ellenwood...Dana Fortunato...Michelle Wilson...Jessica
Edwards...Sue Dubrovich...Frances McGarry...Cindy Keenan...Lindsay
Bracco...Jessica Stewart...Dee Dee Katchen...Jillian Hassett
PerformDat......es:
December
at Triad Theater
158 W. 72ndSt. 2nd Floor
Click here for more info and to buy $15-20 tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209106
158 W. 72nd
Click here for more info and to buy $15-20 tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209106
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