Search Results: music
Fiddler on the Roof was a HUGE success! Congratulations to all who spent many weeks and sleepless nights creating a wonderful production! Ticketed performances were Friday – Sunday, March 1-3 with a pay-what-you-will dress rehearsal on Thursday, February 29. Each performance was in front of a packed house of friends,…
It’s been 50 years since the 1973 Christmas fund drive played a crucial role in shaping the school’s physical landscape. The addition of the fine arts wing was constructed in a process of symphonic hammering and chiseling. As the structure took form, it became more than just a building; it…
Join us Sunday, February 18, 2024 for a special Black History Month concert featuring jazz music, stories and poetry. A professional sextet will perform classic jazz music from Count Basie, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and others. Dr. Joanne Gabbin, founding director (emeritus) of the Furious Flower Poetry Center,…
District Honor Band The annual District Honor Band auditions serve as a showcase for the musical talent and dedication of middle and high school students. In order to audition, students prepare a set of scales and learn a piece of music, then sight-read a short piece they haven’t seen before.…
More than 300 linear feet of shelving space – the length of a soccer field — are now dedicated to housing the choral sheet music library at Eastern Mennonite School’s choral room for grades six-12. The installation came over the summer with volunteer vision, labor, and talent when an upgrade…
Music education was a primary goal when EMS was founded more than 100 years ago. Today, the creative spark in every student in all divisions is nurtured through music, other performing arts and the visual arts. We believe artistic expression is part of how we experience God and develop fully as…
More than 90 students were involved in the EMS’ musical production of “The Wizard of Oz,” March 24-27, 2022. Students were involved on stage, in the pit orchestra, and in set design and creation, props, make up, and technical support behind the scenes. This Daily News-Record article, by Jillian Lynch,…
Eighty students from grades 1-12 will come together to offer audience members a “delightful trip down the yellow brick road” at Eastern Mennonite School’s production of The Wizard of Oz, Feb. 24-27 at the school. Joy Anderson directs this stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale with assistance from…
The standing ovation went on… and on. It was a release of joy and appreciation after more than a year of silenced musical performances at Eastern Mennonite School and around the world during a global pandemic. Families and school staff reveled in live music in the school’s auditorium. The EMHS…
More than 30,000 views of an EMS virtual choir performance of “Don’t Be Afraid,” by John Bell, on March 28 — more than 26,000 views on Facebook and more than 6,000 on YouTube — indicate that online choral singing can be meaningful, even if it comes with deep disappointment. Choir…
We sang together at all levels this season in community gatherings and elementary, middle and high school programs of celebration and worship. The school hosted four Christmas programs, one each for elementary and middle (which included Jazz Ensemble) and two high school programs. The elementary program included whimsical songs of…
Eastern Mennonite School presents the musical Little Women, January 24, 25 and 26. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel, the story focuses on the four March sisters— traditional Meg, played by Afton Rhodes-Lehman ‘20; wild, aspiring writer Jo, played by Maggie Fairfield ‘21; timid Beth played by…
Second grader Sydney Byler has loved Mondays the past six weeks. That’s because the school day has ended with a musical visit with new friends at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. “It’s fun to talk with them!” she explains, skipping her way to a recent visit together with friends in grades…
Eastern Mennonite School presents the musical Little Women, January 24, 25 and 26. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel, the story focuses on the four March sisters— traditional Meg, played by Afton Rhodes-Lehman ‘20; wild, aspiring writer Jo, played by Maggie Fairfield ‘21; timid Beth played by…
October 30, 2019 was another day of music at Eastern Mennonite School. First and second grade strings classes shared mini concerts for parents and grandparents. All first and second graders take strings two times a week with Maria Lorcas, a program that is partially grant funded by the Virginia Commission…
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy! Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” Psalm 126:2 “For the love of the game” was the theme of the elementary school’s spring music program. Under the direction…
Tues., Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Eastern Mennonite Elementary School A Christmas music program and sing-a-long directed by Joy Anderson. Students will share a program of light holiday fun and reflection on the season, including string performance under the direction of Maria Lorcas. The program will conclude with a luminary-lit walk…
A “nudge from God” and a commitment to accompany congregational singing made her go to church on a Sunday in 2014 when Janet Heatwole ‘83 Hostetter says she was exhausted and might have chosen to do what she never did…sleep in. But being there that morning may have changed the…
Thank you!!! With the help of our community we received 96 gifts to raise $10,750 for financial aid! If you would like to support our learning community click on “Give after the Day” button. Give after the Day More about the day of giving… Each year, the Great Community Give…
In a world often filled with negativity and self-doubt, the concept of words of affirmation stands out as a beacon of positivity and encouragement. Words have immense power – Words of affirmation are powerful messages of encouragement, support, and praise. Words of affirmation are not only beneficial for personal growth…
Fiddler on the Roof is a timeless musical masterpiece set in the fictional Russian village of Anatevka. Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl. Book by Joseph Stein, Music by Jerry Bock, and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. It follows the life of Tevye, a Jewish milkman,…
As the year draws to a close at Eastern Mennonite School, we reflect with gratitude on the moments that defined our journey. Happy New Year to our school community – a year in review marked by growth, faith, and shared joy. Our students grew, achieving milestones that reflect both their…
Eastern Mennonite School has been working on the 10-year accreditation renewal process for over 18 months, culminating in a November weekend with a VAIS visiting team. Lila and Ana, 5th grade students, warmly welcomed the team to the school. Lila started, “I hope you get to know some of our…
Every Christmas, our learning community comes together to sing and make melody with our hearts. We speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs – loosely paraphrased from Ephesians 5:19 NASB. Join us! All programs will take place in the auditorium behind the upper building at 801…
Walking through the halls of EMS during class time you hear melodic voices singing, band instruments blending, and young minds engaging in discussions. Tucked in a side hall you find the robotics workshop classroom where Mr. Carini fosters creativity and problem solving skills through hands-on learning in robotics 1 and…
EMS homecoming weekend 2023 was an opportunity to come “home” and celebrate the connections we cherish. Homecoming weekend is testament to our deep-rooted traditions and the spirit that unites us. Many gathered for picnics, alumni reunions, athletic games and a concert highlighting the music department. Alumni, friends, and current families…
Walking down the arts wing of Eastern Mennonite School (EMS), a new captivating display stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of our touring choir and its directors. The display serves as a tribute to the dedication, talent, and unity that have defined this exceptional choir. The Touring Choir’s…
Eastern Mennonite Elementary School (EMES) is unique in its approach to education. They prioritize music, library, art, physical education, language, and peace-building classes, considering them to be just as important as core curriculum classes. They continue to honor the school’s Mennonite heritage by offering a class that promotes peace within…
Eastern Mennonite Elementary School (EMES) is unique in its approach to education. They prioritize music, library, art, physical education, language, and peace-building classes, considering them to be just as important as core curriculum classes. They continue to honor their Mennonite heritage by offering a class that promotes peace within their…
At the final chapel of the 2022-23 school year, members of the class of ’23 decorated (and later, cleaned up) the auditorium. Seniors Emily Hess and Andrew Lantz, who were part of the senior class executive team, shared the following reflections (watch them here). The class chose Benjamin Bixler, Bible…
Middle school students will stage A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, set in outer space, at Eastern Mennonite School May 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. “People of all ages will love the humor, wit, and plot complexities this classic Shakespeare comedy offers,” says Leah Huyard, director. The outer…
“Every nation, tribe, people, and tongue!” is the theme for the Mennonite Schools’ Choral Festival to be held at Eastern Mennonite School April 14 and 15. Five choirs will gather to share their own songs and perform in a mass choir on Sat., April 15 at 7 p.m. in the…
Joel Ross ‘01 and Amy Birdsong were guest conductors for EMS and Dock Academy instrumentalists at EMS on March 3 and 4. Sixty-eight students, including 24 from Dock Academy in Lansdale, Pa., benefited from the encouragement and expertise brought by Ross and Birdsong. They rehearsed a day and a half…
A visit from a local guzheng player helped to nurture elementary students’ curiosity about various cultures’ musical instruments recently. Chin En Hu demonstrated the instrument for students during music class. This Chinese plucked zither — stringed instrument — commonly has 21, 25, or 26 strings. Chin En, a 10th grade…
This article was first published in the Daily News-Record on Feb. 9, 2023. Article and photos by Rhys McClelland. Portraying Jesus on stage or film is an enormous challenge and responsibility for an actor of any age. Impressively, for an upcoming Eastern Mennonite School production of 1971 musical “Godspell,” that…
Eastern Mennonite School theater department invites guests to the musical Godspell, February 10-12. The musical is based on the Gospel of Matthew with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak. EMHS students will make up the ensemble cast with music that was made popular during…
December is a special time of year in the life of our school. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate our community and Christ’s birth this Christmas season! All programs will take place in the auditorium behind the upper building at 801 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg. Christmas programs Tues., Dec.…
We gathered Oct. 14 and 15 for Homecoming 2022. Activities included: a chapel panel with alumni stories a dodgeball tournament pep rally for all students, K-12 five-year reunions for classes ending in 2 and 7 a picnic for EMS families and alumni with former faculty and staff in attendance a…
Esther Kniss ’49 Augsburger founded the Eastern Mennonite High School art program in 1971 and taught for the next nine years. Esther was the first art graduate from Eastern Mennonite College in 1972, where her husband, Myron, was president. She pursued art studies after initially considering a music major, which…
In 2022, EMS will celebrate Janelle Zook Cunalata ’02, Carl Stauffer ’82, and Ethan Zook ’72 during Homecoming activities, Oct. 14 and 15. We celebrate alumni stories to hear each others’ journeys since high school and to be inspired by lives of service, professional contributions, Christian commitment, and community engagement.…
In 2022, EMS will celebrate Janelle Zook Cunalata ’02, Carl Stauffer ’82, and Ethan Zook ’72 during Homecoming activities, Oct. 14 and 15. We celebrate alumni stories to hear each others’ journeys since high school and to be inspired by lives of service, professional contributions, Christian commitment, and community engagement. More…
In 2022, EMS will celebrate Janelle Zook Cunalata ’02, Carl Stauffer ’82, and Ethan Zook ’72 during Homecoming activities, Oct. 14 and 15. We celebrate alumni stories to hear each others’ journeys since high school and to be inspired by lives of service, professional contributions, Christian commitment, and community engagement. Janelle…
“Community” was a theme during the first week of the 2022-23 school year and the preceding week of faculty and staff conference with a similar call. Widening our circles was a subtheme as teachers, staff, and students began to think about what makes a community welcoming to all. The school…
Set My Spirit Free: Jazz Music’s Soul Connection is the title of a combination concert, worship service, story telling and poetry event at Eastern Mennonite School, Sunday, Sept. 25 at 4 p.m. The 90-minute program will contextualize the uniquely American art form of jazz music and celebrate its place in…
In order to tell the story of our school’s history, we must first acknowledge the people who were here before us. The indigenous tribes occupying the Shenandoah Valley in the long period prior to the arrival of English settlements include the Iroquois (also called the Six Nations) and Shawnee nations as…
Lynette Mast ’84 writes about the beginnings of the elementary division of Eastern Mennonite School, which opened in 2005 with Lynette as peacebuilding teacher. This was written in 2008. It is hard to say how new ideas sprout. But sprout they do as one small conversation over dinner happens, a…
When members of the Chapel Planning Committee brainstormed this past spring about a theme for the 2022-23 school year, it didn’t take long to land on the word “community.” The theme will be a general guide for speakers in Chapel (grades 6-12) and elementary Gathering, and can be used as…
??Broken??, a 12’ by 6’ stained glass cross created by Jerry Holsopple, found a new home in the naturally lit auditorium foyer at Eastern Mennonite School during Holy Week, bringing new beauty, light, and sacredness to the space. Hanging and installing the 500 lb. piece took 10 men and a…
E-term — out-of-the-box experiential learning — for high school students took place March 30-April April 5. Twelve groups explored interests and places near and far. Four groups traveled a distance, with little disruption from Covid, unlike the past two years. The Touring Choir traveled to Puerto Rico where they explored…
Dr. Benjamin Bergey from Eastern Mennonite University directed a full-day orchestra workshop at Eastern Mennonite School on Thursday, March 3, culminating in an evening program in the school’s auditorium. The experience on site was scheduled when the annual Mennonite Schools Council instrumental festival was cancelled due to COVID. Featured pieces…
As schools in the community and across the country wrestle with how to handle lifting of mask mandates, our principals shared comments and a prayer in chapel on Friday, February 25, 2022. Watch a video of the comments and prayer, shared by Maria Archer, K-8 principal, and Justin King, high…
All are welcome to three Christmas concerts at Eastern Mennonite School. Sunday, December 12: Walking Roots Band benefit concert for Mennonite Central Committee with EMHS Chamber Choir as guest performers. This concert will be livestreamed here. Tuesday, December 14: EMHS Christmas Concert featuring the EMHS Symphonic Band, String Orchestra, Symphonic…
Interview with Joelle Blosser by Paul Leaman at a recent virtual event in October 2021 Mr. Leaman’s questions | Joelle Blosser’s response Joelle’s a fantastic representative of our student body. She’s heavily engaged in different things from music to athletics, and I just have a few questions for her. She’s…
Thirty-three alumni soccer players (see list at end of article) swelled the numbers of homecoming participants this year returning to campus Oct. 15 and 16, 2021, along with those who attended meals, class reunions, athletic competitions, and a Celebration of Music at Eastern Mennonite School. (Read about class reunions —…
Endowment funds provide long-term support for Eastern Mennonite School. This happens when the school accesses earnings from endowed funds that total more than $10,000. These funds are used to achieve the purpose of the established endowment. Current endowments. Gifts to support existing funds (EMS has nearly 100!) are welcome at…
“Faith at Work” is the theme students in grades K-12 will explore with guests, faculty, staff and student speakers at Eastern Mennonite School this year as part of faith formation programming. Pianist and chapel favorite, Dr. David Berry III, launched the series by sharing a about a time that he…
Seven new faculty and staff joined the Eastern Mennonite School team this fall joining the faculty and staff fall conference for inspiration and connection. Two of the new team members are completing doctoral work; four have extensive international experience; and two are EMHS alumni. Working in a school is a…
Academics EMS leadership scholarships recognize students who are developing an awareness of their unique inner “flame:” the talents, interests and gifts they have to offer the world. Recipients become student leaders who are involved year-round in a variety of programs that encourage other student participation and positively contribute to the…
Graduates of the elementary and middle school divisions of Eastern Mennonite School celebrated this week with parents, grandparents, friends, and teachers completing milestone years and preparing to move on. Elementary We celebrated 19 fifth grade graduates on June 3. Teacher Erika Gascho shared words about each one’s character and contributions…
After 33 years of teaching history and Bible classes at Eastern Mennonite School, Elwood Yoder is ready to “re-wire” — not retire — for a new chapter of history making. In this chapter, Yoder will focus full time on his loves of research, writing, and church history. He will partner…
Fourth and fifth grade students painted sets, wrote scripts, created costumes, memorized lines, managed technical aspects, and performed for teachers and peers at the annual Eastern Mennonite Elementary School Dessert Theater this year. A video for parents took the place of the usual evening performance; snacks in to-go cups replaced…
Prospective students and parents who are interested in applying for openings in grades 9 to 12 are encouraged to plan a visit. Virtual visits provide a time to learn about: Orchestra, choral music, theatre, and art electives such as stained glass and photography Robotics, physics, chemistry and university dual enrollment…
Ingenuity — along with technical know-how, 1,000 feet of microphone cable, an FM radio transmitter, four sound boards, seven speakers, two stereos, a lot of small rooms, and perseverance — were required for EMHS Touring Choir to rehearse safely indoors this winter. After last fall semester’s Touring Choir section rehearsed…
Two Eastern Mennonite High School students have been named National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Gabriel Albers and Arwen Hertzler are among only 30 EMHS students to win this award since 1974; it is the first time that two students earned the recognition in one year. Watch a video of King recognizing…
EMS invites prospective families to learn about the school for openings in grades 6 to 12 for fall 2021 through virtual “Coffee Chats” and Open Houses in the coming weeks. Marsha Thomas, admissions counselor, will host. For Grades 6 to 8 Parents of children who will enter grades 6 to…
Eastern Mennonite School aspires to “reflect Christ’s light as a learning community where every student belongs, thrives, and lives God’s call.” A newly revised endowed fund — the Students of Color Scholarship — provides opportunity for donors to support the school’s growing diversity, and help remove barriers to an EMS…
Along with the rest of the country, EMS did its best to find ways to celebrate the Advent season and Christmas message despite the limitations of COVID-19 mitigation practices. The school was able to enjoy in person learning this fall with social distancing and mask wearing at all times before…
Generous donors gave a significant boost to EMS this fall by giving over $25,000 in two virtual formats: A week-long silent auction and an hour-long live event. Ninety-eight households, many with multiple viewers, logged into the Nov. 6 Friday Night Live event. The hour “together” included performances by locally-based Prince…
Editor’s Note: Safely staging Les Misérables School Edition at Eastern Mennonite School during a pandemic required creative thinking by faculty and staff and broad community support. In addition to the dozens of hours of rehearsal in varied weather, parents and volunteers from the local community built the expansive outdoor stage…
Choral singing is one of the most effective ways to spread COVID-19. That reality hit EMS hard, a place where singing together has been core to building community for more than 100 years. But Jared Stutzman, choral director, and student singers are not letting COVID get them down. “I continue…
Eastern Mennonite School is excited to offer its students and the community an outdoor musical production of Les Misérables School Edition Oct. 29, 30 and 31 on the school’s south auditorium lawn. The musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michael Schönberg is based on the novel by Victor Hugo and tells…
After 17 years teaching and filling the EMS community with music, Brian Buchanan — also known affectionately as “Mr. B.” — decided to leave EMS. He now works at Dominion Data Group near his home in Staunton as vice president of fulfillment and logistics. He is also working on new…
Experiential and hands-on learning have always been a crucial aspect of the EMS academic curriculum. A variety of classes embody this practice, but Kevin Carini’s robotics and intro into programming classes are among the best. With students of varied skill, interest, and age levels, there is always a multitude of…
Brent Holl, expert music educator, led the fifth grade class in building a marimba in music class this week under the direction of Joy Anderson, music teacher. The marimba (/məˈrɪmbə/) is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with yarn or rubber mallets to produce musical…
For the first time since 2017, two Eastern Mennonite High School students have been awarded the National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Award. Gabriel Albers and Arwen Hertzler were the only two students recognized with the award in the Shenandoah Valley in 2020. Watch a video of Justin King, high school principal,…
Eight new employees joined the school this fall. They are: Nick Gardner, band teacher. Mr. Gardner has a bachelor’s degree in music education with a specialty in oboe from James Madison University, where he played alto saxophone in the marching band. Nick will also become sound technician for auditorium use…
Eastern Mennonite School launched the new year for K-12 teachers, faculty and staff with their annual Fall Conference wearing masks and meeting in multiple rooms, physically distanced, or outside. The bulk of the time was focused on professional development and in classrooms, preparing for in-person learning as long as it…
Four new members beginning two-year terms on Eastern Mennonite School’s Board of Directors bring diversity of denomination, life experience, and race. “I am grateful these four are willing to serve at this time in the institution’s history,” says Jeff Shank ‘90, chairperson of the Board. “Our school will be strengthened…
Homecoming 2020 events for Eastern Mennonite School, originally scheduled for October 16-18, have been significantly cut back or cancelled due to ongoing risks and limitations caused by the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s disappointing to see another aspect of our community life affected, but it’s the right thing to do,” says Andrea…
After assessing facility spaces, enrolled student numbers, and Virginia’s Phase III guidelines for re-opening during the coronavirus pandemic, Eastern Mennonite School has announced it will welcome “every student, every day” to school for the 2020-21 academic year. Paul Leaman, head of school, made the announcement in a July 1 letter…
Jared Stutzman, choir director, shared the following letter with the 2020 EMHS Touring Choir members on June 8, 2020, the day they were scheduled to leave for a trip to Europe. The Touring Choir travels international every other summer. EMHS Touring Choir Parents and Students, Today, the 2020 EMHS Touring…
Words of support and affirmation were exchanged at the annual fifth grade celebration for Eastern Mennonite Elementary School on June 1, 2020, as part of an annual event to mark the move to middle school. The 18 students heard words about themselves and shared words about their school. Maria Archer,…
Abby Stapleton, a top scholar for Eastern Mennonite School’s class of 2020, received two honors this week: a $3,000 scholarship from the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Rotary Club and a $1,000 Better Business Bureau Student of Integrity Scholarship award. Rotary The Rotary Club selects one student from each area school for their annual…
The following message was printed in the April issue of Pathways, the publication of Virginia Mennonite Conference; EMS is affiliated with VMC. Paul’s recorded mini chapel and others in the series can be seen here. A Message from Paul Leaman, Head of School In February, when Virginia Conference requested our…
Donors made 98 individual gifts to raise $26,920 in one day to support Eastern Mennonite School’s COVID-19 Aid Fund. The April 22, 2020 #FlamesStrong Giving Day was made successful by generous support from faculty, staff, parents, alumni, friends and even a current student, reports Trisha Blosser, development director. “Our community…
Sleeping in, reading for fun, hours outside… Along with all of this, EMS students continue to grow academically, socially and emotionally, through virtual community at Eastern Mennonite School this spring during the COVID-19 closure. Some students wish for more online school work, while other students — and stressed parents —…
#FlamesStrong Giving Day on April 22, 2020, will provide an opportunity for people who are able to give gifts of any size at this time to support Eastern Mennonite School families and general school needs during the COVID-19 shut down. EMS has committed that no family affected by COVID-19 will…
Eastern Mennonite High School’s production of Alice in Wonderland, scheduled for March 20 and 21, is postponed indefinitely. ***UPDATE: This production is postponed indefinitely. The projection date will be announced when it is deemed safe and appropriate to proceed. Those who purchased tickets can us their ticket on the new…
“I never would have dreamed that God would lead me to marry a dynamic ministry leader from a small village in Tanzania and that together we would establish an international ministry,” said Regina Horst ’81 Chacha in chapel on February 24, in presentation, “Lean Not on Your Own Understanding, or…
This blog post written by Elwood Yoder was first published on May 25, 2019 on his blog. In 1952, Samuel O. Weaver’s high school English teacher insisted that he learn how to diagram a sentence. Sam saw no need to learn how to diagram a sentence, and he told A.…
Hands-on work — whether it’s with art supplies or circuitry — engages students of varied interests in the seventh grade STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) class at Eastern Mennonite School. The daily course builds — loosely — on concepts covered in the middle school science curriculum. “It’s a…
Between 2009-10 and 2019-20, our school experienced God’s love in myriad ways… Campaigns funded through the generosity of supporters; building projects completed and an elementary school building occupied; lives shaped through mentoring, prayer and tutelage by caring teachers; supportive relationships among faculty and staff; camaraderie built as students grew as…
VOCES8, an internationally celebrated a cappella vocal ensemble based in London, England, will make their 11th appearance at Eastern Mennonite School February 15 and 16, 2020. For the first time, the group’s educational outreach will include a collaborative workshop with the Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir (SVCC), along with the choirs…
For the first time in memory, the senior class has 100 percent participation in the Christmas Fund Drive. Shannon Roth, government teacher, wove letter writing into a government lesson on civic engagement, spurring much of the energy. Learning to write to constituents and express opinions and passions is a key…
A guest panel in chapel on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, helped current students think about the upcoming all-school effort to bless and move the K-5 students into their new building. Panel members remembered their part in the 1964 move of Eastern Mennonite High School into a new building 801 Parkwood…
The public is welcome to three Christmas programs on four different nights to celebrate the Christmas season at Eastern Mennonite School’s three divisions on December 3 (elementary), December 5 (middle) and December 10 and 12 (high school). The elementary program is on Tuesday, Dec. 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The…
The 2019 EMS Auction brought together a diverse group of school parents, alumni and friends for an evening of laughter and music to raise more than $24,000 to support the school. A surprise highlight of the Harvest Celebration event was the auction itself with Adam Yoder, father of Justin ’25…
Isabella Madrid ’20, shared the following comments with a donor gathering in fall 2020. The main thing that I really appreciate about EMS is being able to freely share my religious beliefs with others and learning about what others think about religion. I find it very valuable that I’ve been…
Caleb Schrock-Hurst will draw on a year in Vietnam as the guest speaker for the 19th Annual Kennel Charles Lecture Series at Eastern Mennonite School October 28 and 29, 2019. A 2014 EMHS graduate, Schrock-Hurst worked as a copy editor at Nhà Xuất Bàn Thế Giới in Hanoi the past…
Fifth grade students at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School led the annual Peace Parade for their schoolmates on Monday, Sept. 23. It was the 14th year that older students planned and led the parade featuring a super size peace dove puppet. Students carried origami paper cranes. The United Nations International Peace…
A walk in Park Woods, a nap on the floor, time alone with a Bible or journal, coloring and meditating… these were some of the Sabbath practices that students in grade six to 12 tried out as part of Spiritual Renewal Week, Sept. 16 to 20, at Eastern Mennonite School.…
An EMHS field trip to New York City launched Lori Snyder ‘79 Garrett — the 2019 Eastern Mennonite School Alumna of the Year — on the path to a career in architecture, thanks to art teacher Esther Kniss ‘49 Augsburger. On that trip, Augsberger introduced Lori to three architects who…
Not even a surprise downpour on an outdoor dinner party can dampen the enthusiasm of Kirsten Nafziger ‘89 Moore, recipient of the Community Engagement Award for Eastern Mennonite School 2019. That dinner–a flora and fauna themed event with native and foraged foods–took place on 834 private acres in George Washington…
How do we make time for rest and renewal when our world draws us into busy-ness of mind and body? This is a question that Eastern Mennonite School students, faculty and staff will explore throughout the academic year 2019-20. “Our high school students are dealing with a ton of pressure,”…
For the second time, Touring Choir alumni gathered over the summer and presented a benefit concert to support the work of former choir director Jay, and his wife, Sheri Hartzler, for their work in Romania. More than 30 people sang in the program on August 11 at Park View Mennonite…
Whether it’s required Bible classes, Spanish language discussion, service to others, or how we interact as athletes, faith formation happens throughout the day — kindergarten through grade 12 — at EMS. All three divisions use the Encounter curriculum, developed by Mennonite Schools Council, which focuses on holistic faith formation through…
Shifting Climates, a podcast produced by Michaela Mast ’13 and colleagues, launched its second season earlier this month featuring interviews gathered from New Haven, Connecticut, to Flagstaff, Arizona, including among Native American elders. The podcast, which Michaela produces along with Harrison Horst and Sarah Longenecker, aims to “re-humanize the conversation”…
Eastern Mennonite High School alumni were among the experts that Discovery 2019 participants heard from across the United States this past June as they traveled by motor coach to explore land, water, immigration, First Nations and other issues. Erin Hostetler ‘16 met up with the group in San Francisco where…
Forty-one students graduated from Eastern Mennonite School on Sunday, June 2 during its 101st commencement ceremony. Commencement speaker Maria Archer, K-8 principal, encouraged the students to find their story, sharing a story from her own childhood that shaped her and her family many years ago in rural Mississippi where her…
Guest speakers, students, faculty and staff shared on the theme of “Holy Spirit” throughout the year in chapel and the weekly elementary Gathering in the 2018-10 school year. In an end-of-year wrap up chapel, Justin King (high school principal) and Maria Archer (K-8 principal) shared times when they experienced the…
During the annual Community Service Day, May 17, 2019, more than 250 Eastern Mennonite School middle and high school students fanned across the community to share the gift of time and physical labor in support of various organization’s missions. “Go and be the Body!” was the theme of Abby Stapleton’s…
It all started with a proud mom forwarding a Facebook post that included two of her daughters with former classmates in New York City and the caption “High School reunion in NYC!” Joy Anderson — aforementioned mom, who is also a music teacher at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School (as well…
Click on the photos (right) to scroll through images from our 2019 E-term and Explore Week. See this online booklet, created by Julianne Ross (librarian and E-term co-leader with Anna Haar) describing the jewelry-making term. Learn to turn: Students learned to use a lathe and other equipment in the school’s…
Jay Hartzler, music teacher and choir director from 1981 to 2015, built a podium for the new auditorium in 2005, which was part of a arts wing to the 1964 building. He built the podium with wood from property owned by some of the school’s long-time founding families, including Laban…
Lynette Good ‘84 Mast has been named lead kindergarten teacher at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School. She succeeds Barbara Miller, who served in the role since 2006 and retires at the end of this academic year. As an early visionary of the elementary program, together with her husband Chris Mast ‘84…
Board members, donors, faculty and staff left blessings during a walk through of the the building renovation for Eastern Mennonite Elementary School on April 1, 2019. Mike Stoltzfus, director of business affairs, answered questions as visitors got a first-hand look at the progress of the renovation of the former MennoMedia…
Submit a Nomination EMS welcomes suggestions for stories of alumni — as well as former faculty and staff — to celebrate. Submissions need not fit in a particular category. The deadline for nominations is March 31. The committee reviews nominations early each year and finalizes selections by May 1 for…
Amy Mumbauer, Acting Chair Amy is a physical therapist at Augusta Health and serves on the board’s personnel committee and works with the ad hoc education and student life committee. Amy attends Springdale Mennonite, is married to Steve, a pediatrician, and is mother to two daughters, one an EMS alumnus…
Is there financial aid available? EMS works with each family to make an EMS education affordable. Visit the tuition page to learn more about the value of an investment in an EMS education and see the range of tuition costs for each school division. Families can pay tuition in installments…
Zach Bauman ‘19, wrote the following perspective as part of an assignment for a personal finance class. Zach was a member of Touring and Chamber choir, and played varsity soccer, baseball and basketball. Fine Arts is a broad phrase used to describe music, painting, theatre, dance, poetry, film, and photography…
Each year, EMS upperclassmen are offered the opportunity to embark on experiential learning trips in the month of June. On even years, the Touring Choir travels in Europe, singing in cathedrals, learning about European culture from host families, teaching music to school children, and seeing the wondrous sights. On odd…
Reading from handwritten notes or their phones, seniors rose from the auditorium stage one by one in a recent capel service and shared appreciation for faculty and staff members. Some were serious. Some had inside jokes. All were heartfelt. The chapel on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, provided an opportunity to…
As of March 21, 2019, we have funded the move-in goal for our Let the Children Come campaign! Thank you to the dozens of donors who have made gifts and pledges totaling around $3.68 million! The campaign helped us to bring our full K-12 program together on to one campus after being separated since 2005…
Give now! Make a gift to the 2nd Century Annual Fund and support our mission, with home and church, to call students to faith in Jesus Christ, academic excellence, personal integrity and compassionate service. Generous contributions from parents, grandparents, friends, and alumni have an immediate and tangible impact on our…
Join us for a Family Visit Day We’d love to hear from you, complete an inquiry form to start the process. Start the process! Middle and High School Join us for Family Visit Days throughout the year! Tuesday, January 16, 2024. 8:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024.…
Theater Whether it’s the elementary annual dessert theater, a middle school exploratory class, or a full musical theater production with students grades one through 12, involvement in theatrical productions is part of a well-rounded education. Involvement in theater: strengthens literacy skills, builds confidence, fosters community, encourages creativity and problem-solving, provides…
Touring Choir has, for many years, been an auditioned ensemble of approximately 40 students in 11th and 12th grades. The choral worship service the choir leads includes repertoire from classical and contemporary sacred literature, as well as songs from a wide variety of other traditions and styles. Chamber Choir is…
Andry Stutzman ’14, has been named tennis coach for the Easetrn Mennonite School boys team this spring and girls team next fall. A varsity tennis player from grade 8 through 12 at EMS, Stutzman remembers the team as “a time in which I made many lasting friendships with my teammates…
Imagine a high school where… academic rigor is built around each student’s unique gifts and passions rather than a one-size-fits-all model of multiple choice testing. discipline and accountability are met with restorative practices, emphasizing the inherent worth and dignity of each student. each student has a place to belong. teachers…
Imagine a middle school where… students take ownership in their own learning and enjoy opportunities to follow their passions, ask questions and challenge the norm. teachers and classmates discuss what it means to be a member of a respectful community. accountability and restoration are the outcomes of conflicts and students are…
Imagine an elementary school where… seeking excellence means building on the gifts of each individual. students are encouraged to explore the outdoors – every day. managing relationships with care and compassion is as important as multiplying fractions. younger and older students work together regularly. faith is a part of everyday…
Our goal at EMS is to launch graduates into the world who are equipped mentally, emotionally, academically, and spiritually to navigate their future. We encourage and support all of our students’ plans for the future, whether they pursue higher education, a wage-earning job, training in the trades, voluntary service, or…
Music education was a primary goal when EMS was founded more than 100 years ago. Today, the creative spark in every student in all divisions is nurtured through music, other performing arts, and the visual arts. We believe artistic expression is part of how we experience God and develop fully…
In more traditional school settings, students often hear and read about others’ experiences. At EMS, teachers consider individual learning styles and facilitate opportunities for students to make discoveries and experiment with knowledge firsthand. Then, students have time to reflect on what they have experienced, completed, even made mistakes with. That’s…
Vision: Eastern Mennonite School aspires to embody the love of Jesus as a learning community where every student belongs, thrives, and joins God’s work in the world. Mission: Eastern Mennonite School, with home and church, invites students to faith in Jesus Christ, academic excellence, personal integrity, and compassionate service. Core…
Dressing up in wacky outfits on silly themes to raise money for a good cause is a decades’ old tradition at Eastern Mennonite School. This year, the stakes and rewards grew exponentially as K-5 students joined in the “big kids’” fun, raising over $2,000 across grades K-12. The SCO (Student…
Students kindergarten through grade 12 will spend a full day together in small groups exploring ancient Rome on Nov. 7, 2018, at Eastern Mennonite School. Area homeschool students and families, and other interested community members, are welcome to join the activities. The day will focus on the Roman Empire —…
Eastern Mennonite School K-12 has adopted an updated logo after nearly a year of conversation and processing around the school’s overall “brand.” “A ‘brand’ is really an evolving story,” says Paul Leaman, head of school. And this review “confirmed that our brand is strong.” The review came at a pivotal…
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” asked — and sang — the 2018 Eastern Mennonite School Touring Choir in spring of 2018. It was the last recording made at the 37-year old Alive Studios. With the renovation of the the former MennoMedia building for Eastern Mennonite Elementary School (EMES), the musical…
By Jim Bishop with Andrea Schrock Wenger Pushing himself to study, serve, learn and work outside his comfort zone – something Eastern Mennonite School (EMS) encourages of students – is a key reason that Nathan J. Hershberger ’08 has been named EMS Young Alumnus of the Year 2018. “Nathan embodies…
Note: At the beginning of each school year, and periodically during the year, Jared Stuzman, music teacher and choral director, shares his philosophy of why we sing at Eastern Mennonite School. Addressing one of the first chapel gatherings of the year, Jared Stutzman, he shares: Under your seat, there is…
Trisha Maust Blosser has been named Development Officer for Eastern Mennonite School, K-12 effective Sept. 10, 2018. A 1995 graduate of the school, Blosser most recently worked as Development Officer for Harrisonburg’s Explore More Discovery Museum. “Trisha brings a wealth of connections and experience to our advancement team at a…
Violin or cello lessons — taught in English, Spanish and Italian — will be part of every first grade student’s studies twice a week at Eastern Mennonite School beginning this fall. The new strings program is the result of a $3,000 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Lessons…
Justin King of Harrisonburg has been named high school principal at Eastern Mennonite School. In the role, he will give leadership to grades 9 to 12. “He’s young and we like that,” said head of school Paul Leaman about the 2012 graduate of Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) who has taught…