Liberty Hall at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, may seem an unusual setting for an “Evening at the Oscars” concert, but in March the hall was filled with the sounds and video clips of musical selections from popular motion pictures, performed by Glendale Adventist Academy’s concert and jazz bands and the chorale. The groups united to present an evening of Academy Award-winning songs and soundtracks.
Produced and directed by Craig and Brenda Mohr, GAA’s husband-and-wife music teachers, the program showcased each music group’s talents. The concert band featured numbers including Maurice Jarre’s “Lawrence of Arabia,” John Williams’ “Theme from Schindler’s List,” and Elmer Bernstein’s “The Great Escape.”
The jazz band delighted the audience with Neil Diamond’s “I’m a Believer” from the movie “Shrek,” and others. A medley from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” opened the chorale segment, with songs from “The Prince of Egypt” and other selections.
A standing ovation concluded the evening’s performance. Concert proceeds will help fund the GAA music department’s annual concert tours.
Mohr Receives AAF Award
Brenda Mohr, choral music teacher at Glendale Adventist Academy for the past 19 years, was a recipient of the 2004 Excellence in Teaching Award, sponsored by the Alumni Awards Foundation (AAF) of Greeneville, Tenn. At AAF’s recent annual convention in Arizona, Mohr was one of 15 award recipients who were formally recognized for their demonstrated passion for excellence. Maintaining high-quality spiritual and academic standards, these educators represent exemplary teachers in Adventist academies.
“Because of the exceptional quality of Brenda’s teaching and the level of performance of her choral groups, it was an exceptional pleasure to nominate Mrs. Mohr for consideration,” said Glen Baker, GAA principal.
Mohr herself is a product of the Adventist educational system, a graduate of Lodi Adventist Academy. She received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Pacific Union College and earned her Master of Music degree in choral conducting at California State University, Northridge.
