Geneva Day School’s Fall Festival Authors Phantom (of the Opera) Fun and Hits High Notes for Fundraising

hat kind of music do ghosts write?

Sheet music!

Or so Geneva Day School’s Fall Festival flyer might suggest through its charming depiction of little ghosts wearing headphones.

To what do they listen?

DJ music, most likely by “Dynasty Ave” DJ, who invigorated crowds at Geneva’s Fall Festival last year and is set to do so again this October 24.

Such music “is family-friendly,” described GPA President, Mrs. Glenda Fu Smith, who looks forward to again tapping this crowd-pleaser.

“I believe the DJ will be DJ Pandu. . . . It’s just going to be kid music!” she explained.

As a lifelong enthusiast of music, Mrs. Smith has also served as Music Instructor at Geneva. “I think Music is a universal language that connects us all. Especially for children. You can see the difference in how children come together. And can see how they are suddenly in a good mood,” she described.

Last fall, Mrs. Smith waved her wand (or perhaps her conductor’s baton) to conjure an innovative “children’s music station” - complete with headphones, maracas, and drums - which invited the smallest hands to assist with rhythm. This year, Mrs. Smith will offer the same and is excited to see who will be inspired to “step up” to a music-leadership role next to the DJ’s platform.

“I just grew up in a lot of choirs, playing piano, and singing and dancing all the time,” she described of her passion.

Indeed, the school’s annual Fall Festival is set to delight the senses:

Come lift a cheek to face-painting or lend a hand to pumpkin-decorating.

Come navigate an obstacle course or explore a bounce-house.

Come sip apple cider or taste treats from a “spooky bake sale.”

Come mount a pony and accept an “assisted trot” under brilliant fall leaves.

Come tilt an ear to immersive music ("Dynasty Ave" DJ and young Geneva DJs take the lead!).

Proceeds from the event will benefit the school and are curated by the wise hands of the Geneva GPA. “This is my last year as co-president. . . The last year of being President of the Geneva Parent’s Association,” stated Mrs. Smith, whose youngest child will graduate from Geneva’s PreK this spring, on the heels of an older child having done the same.

Over the previous academic year, Mrs. Smith led the charge to raise funds through such innovative efforts as the Spring Auction, the Geneva Spirit Wear Campaign, Book Fairs, and of course, the Fall Festival.

Director Lizama, who has witnessed nearly four decades of Fall Festivals, stated she is “very excited to be able to celebrate yet another Fall Festival. Not just with our students, families, and staff, but also our community. And for us to gather together to raise funds for the school.”

Both Director Lizama and Mrs. Smith were pleased that last year’s fundraising amounted to over $20,000; a percentage of this made possible the installation of “playground sails.” Wide spinnakers of brightly-colored synthetic canvas, anchored over high-frequency points along Geneva’s playground, evoke the sense of sailing. On some days, these sails offer shade from intense sun and on others, protection from rain clouds.

On all days, such sails herald the adventure that is the great outdoors and make playground time more fun. They serve as a reminder of Geneva’s extraordinary grounds: a bamboo forest, embankment slide, fairy tale bridge, tree-stump obstacle course, Monarch butterfly waystation, and nearby creek form the “atlas” through which Geneva students (and campers) venture. Much of the school’s campus will be available for discovery during the Fall Festival, including its playground with magnificent “sails.”

“As this will be my fourth (and final) year leading the Fall Festival, I (hope to make it) the biggest and best yet. . . . When I reflect on this, I realize it’s such a great community. So supportive. . . Of course, I want to go out with a bang,” declared Mrs. Smith, who channels enormous effort.

Her attentive curation of activities, vendor tables, and sponsorship opportunities ensure a Fall Festival of “Andrew Lloyd Weber excellence.” Little ghosts (or phantoms), soaring music, and original compositions define her maestra’s touch. . .

Per her ear for unforgettable, percussive performance, Mrs. Smith leads with a bang. . . And a BOO!

Be sure to visit Eventbrite for the Fall Festival latest and join Geneva Day School for an annual tradition set to be so memorable, it merits a standing ovation.

Geneva Day School continues to welcome scholars throughout the year via rolling admissions.

Call 301 340 7704 to schedule a tour.

www.genevadayschool.org

See you outside!