Arts

ARTS

Timothee Chalamet on Ballet and Opera

BY MENG '29 AND RAI '29

ARTS

GrOscars

BY MAO '26

ARTS

Behind the Scenes: Third Form Climate Change Plays

BY ZARRINKOUB '29

ARTS

Lip STINK

BY PHILOSOPHIST '405 BCE

ARTS

IT’S FAIRY TIMEEEE!!!!!

BY ZARRINKOUB '29

ARTS

Formed by Impression: The Living Art of Printmaking

On September 27, the de Menil Gallery opened its doors to the tactile world of printmaking. Formed by Impression: A History of Printmaking gathers the work of six artists from the Rolling River Printmakers of New England (RRPNE)—Cara Gonier, Diane Francis, Noriko Fox, William Hays, William Mitchell, and Elise Morissette—whose shared practice celebrates both the...

BY EVELYN CAI '27'

ARTS

Diversifying and Enhancing Groton Art: The Profound Influence of Female Artists After Coed

Fifty years ago, in early 1971, Groton decided to welcome girls to the Circle, initiating a thriving of music, visual art, and theater programs, which still continues to this day. Initially aiming to raise the boy-girl ratio to 2:1, the school, seeing the girls’ contributions to not only the arts, but to every aspect of...

BY THE CIRCLE VOICE

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: CoEd 50 Edition

What compelled you to pursue visual arts/music?    Ms. Donovan:  I began studying under an artist in my town when I was 7 years old. As a kid, I would sit in the backseat on long car rides and look out the window and imagine how I would mix paint colors to match the world...

BY THE CIRCLE VOICE

ARTS

Beginning music at Groton

In the symphony of music that envelops the Circle, emerging talents are welcomed and uplifted. At Groton, students often expand their horizons: They enroll in niche English electives, cook up chemistry in the kitchen, and, of course, venture into music. The Artist of the Issue highlights the experiences of advanced musicians who demonstrate the highest...

BY ROSE LEE '27'

ARTS

Laufey is overrated

I first discovered Laufey—an Icelandic-Chinese classical cellist singer-songwriter—in 2022 through her Frank Sinatra covers. I never would have anticipated her rapid rise to fame, nor the heroic role of “jazz icon” bestowed upon her by critics. As a Gen Z-er myself, I’m not bewitched by Laufey, nor her role in music today.   Laufey is...

BY LIV DING '26'

ARTS

Tainted, Live from Groton

“If you like it, you like it; if you don’t, you don’t. Simple as that. I’ve got nothing but love for everyone.” That’s the vibe that Tionbre “Tea” Austin ’26—stage name “Tainted”—has been bringing to his music since his earliest releases in 2024, producing some of the Circle’s hottest hits. Since arriving at Groton School...

BY SAMHITA BANDARU '28', LILY EATON '28'

ARTS

From Performing to Teaching: How a Renowned Opera Singer Navigates Adversity and Opportunity

A deep baritone voice echoes from the Music Classroom as it demonstrates proper operatic technique to a young student listening with eager ears. The voice belongs to Junhan Choi, the new voice teacher on campus from South Korea, who recently arrived at Groton after hearing about the prestigious school and its equally excellent students from...

BY ALICIA LENG '28'

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Sara Agrawal ’25

As both a Music Prefect and an Open Mic Head, Sara Agrawal ’25 has contributed immensely to Groton’s music scene, whether that be playing bass in the Jazz Combo or Ensemble or organizing other musical exhibitions on the Circle. Her passion for the double bass, electric bass, and piano is evident in her performances, and...

BY YOUJU LEE

ARTS

Honey, Honey, How You Thrill Me! - Behind the Curtains of Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia, here I go again! As the snow piled up on the Circle this winter, the musical cast and crew returned with a marvelous performance of Mamma Mia!, transporting our community to a sun-soaked Greek island paradise. With dazzling performance numbers, infectious energy, and timeless ABBA hits, the show brought much-needed warmth and vibrancy...

BY JUWON LEE '27', EVELYN CAI '27'

ARTS

Raw Emotions Within Energetic Brushstrokes—‘It’s Personal’ at the de Menil Gallery

Different shades of blue, yellow, red, and gold. Circles piled on top of and inside each other. Unpredictable patterns and people in every color and every shape. Some are melancholy, some are grotesque, and some are joyful. These massive oil paintings are the treasures of the “It’s Personal” exhibition held in the de Menil Gallery. ...

BY KAYLYNN CHO '29

ARTS

Learning the Ropes of Bellringing

Starting this year, chapel service on Friday begins with bells chiming. High up in the bell tower of St. John’s Chapel, a group of Groton students stand in a circle and pull up and down on ropes extending to the ceiling, maneuvering the large bells situated two stories above. Led by Greg Russell PhD ’77,...

BY HARRIET MULLINS '27

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Alexander Newman ’25

Since joining the Circle as a Fourth Former, Alexander Newman ’25 has contributed tremendously to the Groton Music Department by stepping into roles such as Head Music Prefect, Principal Clarinet in Groton Chamber Orchestra, Maqupellas Head, and many others. Seeking to share his passion with the community, his enthusiasm has inspired many others to get...

BY YOUJU LEE '29

ARTS

CLUED IN

Is everything all right in the CPAC? Yep, just six corpses lying on the main stage. Get ready for a night of mystery, mayhem, and nonstop laughter on November 9 and 10!  Clue: On Stage is a hilarious murder-mystery based on the 1985 cult-classic film and famous board game. Everyone is dying to figure out...

BY EVELYN CAI '27

ARTS

Raymond Hildreth’s Summer of Art

The start of the school year also means the end of summer and an end to the ways that students have been filling their days for the past few months. Raymond Hildreth ’25 decided to take a position at Hollis Artspace, a center located in Raymond’s hometown of Hollis, New Hampshire, aimed at educating the...

BY ANNA DUGGAN '25

ARTS

Embracing Sloppiness and Hedonism: Charli XCX’s Brat

If you’ve scrolled through social media in the past few months, you would immediately recognize the plethora of Brat themed videos that have taken over the internet by storm, whether it be the iconic “Apple” dance or short clips of users pouring matcha into a clear cup to reveal the word Brat. Since the release...

BY NATALIE SUN '25

ARTS

A Deeper Meaning Behind Crossing the Circle

Usually, an image of “Crossing the Circle” is associated with school-wide shame and a disappointed glare from Headmaster Temba Maqubela. However, one step into the de Menil Gallery and the forbidden term transforms into sprawling auroras, solitary icebergs, and an unbroken sea. The photographs gracing the walls of our gallery  not only offer a glimpse...

BY ROSE LEE ’27

ARTS

Leaving Their Mark: The 2024 Library Bookplate Contest Winners

Every year, seniors are given one final opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the school by entering the Groton School Library bookplate contest. Members of the graduating class enter by submitting an original design for a bookplate, serving as a tribute to their time at Groton and as a way to express their love...

BY SOPHIA LENG '26

ARTS

Jammin’ Out

Had you entered the CPAC theatre on the evening of May 4, you might have noticed a certain electricity in the air—a vibrant synergy generated from the animated murmurs in the audience, the shuffling of musicians onstage, and anticipation for vibrant performances. This was the energy that marked the beginning of the annual Spring Instrumental...

BY AMANDA CHANG '26

ARTS

A Preview of One Acts

The Short Works festival is an annual showcase of several short plays written, directed, and performed entirely by students with additional guidance from Director of Theater Laurie Sales. This year’s performance features eight One Acts written by students who took the playwriting elective this winter. With a record-breaking number of seniors showing up at auditions,...

BY SARAH KU '26

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Eric Ge ’24

As the concertmaster of the Groton Chamber Orchestra, Head Music Prefect, and a crucial performer in Select Chamber Music, Eric Ge ’24 has demonstrated a remarkable talent for music. Since arriving on the Circle in Third Form, he has contributed significantly to the Groton music programs through his dependable leadership and unwavering dedication to the...

BY AMANDA CHANG '26

ARTS

Undercurrents: Rodriguez’s Depiction of Popular Culture

Tucked in the corner of the Dillon Art Center is the magnificent de Menil Gallery, which currently houses the Undercurrents exhibition: a collection that illustrates snapshots based on the life and observations of its artist, Edel Rodriguez. Upon entering the gallery, a large drawing depicting a white, wooden ship filled with people rocking through restless...

BY ETHAN YAN ’27

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Grace Janusz

As a devoted jazz band member, Grace Janusz ’24 has established a familiar presence within the Groton community. Since her arrival on the Circle, Grace has been involved in both playing and writing music. Her dedication has not only taught her how to play jazz, but also how to collaborate, lead, and appreciate the beauty...

BY ONYEKA NWULIA ’26

ARTS

Like Father, Like Son: Mudge Fellow Mitchell Rembert

“I feel like it’s my time to influence, so . . . I can inspire someone.” Under the bustling Dining Hall, a display of legacy stands. Mitchell Rembert, the 2024 Mudge Fellow, aims to complete the career of his late father Winfred Rembert—an artist and civil rights activist himself. The elder Rembert, a witness of...

BY ERIC LIANG ’26

ARTS

Does Taylor Swift Deserve to be Named TIME's Person of the Year?

One thing that everyone can agree on is that Taylor Swift is an icon. From her versatility that flows from country to pop, her distinctly raspy voice, or her masterful songs, no one can deny the power Swift holds over music. However, after her recent crowning as “Time’s Person of the Year,” controversy has stirred...

BY ROSE LEE '27

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Ebun Lawore '24

Since she joined the Circle as a Third Former, Ebun Lawore ’24 has demonstrated her talent and passion in music, both by performing music and writing her own pieces. From singing in chapel music offerings to performing at Open Mics, Ebun has contributed significantly to Groton’s music community. How did you first discover your passion...

BY DAVID YU '28

ARTS

The Scales of Justice: Groton’s 12 Angry Jurors

12 Angry Jurors was written seventy years ago, yet it remains substantially relevant in today’s day and age. At face value, the plot seems relatively straightforward: one juror has doubts that the boy on trial is guilty and convinces the other jurors by exposing holes in the prosecution’s case. However, the play communicates a deeper...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, DANIEL MAO

ARTS

Grotonstock is Back and Better Than Ever!

On Saturday, May 21st Grotonstock made a comeback to the circle. A majority of students and faculty sat on the circle in front of the chapel to enjoy the performances. For some, this was their last performance, and for others, the first of many to come. To kick off the night of arts, the Jazz...

BY AVA MEYER '26

ARTS

The Purpose of a One Act

The Groton theater department is uncharted territory for most of the student body. Because many students are dedicated to their sports, theater is never seen as an option for the afternoons. Unless they take a theater course at Groton, they never have a reason to step foot inside the CPAC. However, One Acts opens doors...

BY EBUN LAWORE '24

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: John Rogers III

BY JACK SPERLING

ARTS

A Better Batman

On March 9th, I sat down in a small movie theater in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to watch The Batman for the first time. By the time the Batmobile leapt through a blazing fire, I already knew: this was the adaptation of Batman I’d been waiting for since picking up my first comic book. For years,...

BY AVA BRIDGES '24

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Griffin Elliott

Well-known within the Groton community as an actor and singer-songwriter, Griffin Elliott ’22 has left his mark on the Circle. If you’re looking for Griffin, you’ll find him on stage in the CPAC or performing at Chapel. Being an Open Mic head, a lead music prefect, choir prefect, and theater prefect, Griffin holds a major...

BY CHLOE HAN '25

ARTS

Ten Ten-Minute Plays in Ten Words

Every spring, the Groton theatre department opens the stage to a collection of student-written and student-directed plays during the One Acts Festival. This year’s program consists of eight student-written plays crafted during the winter Playwriting elective, along with a Wayne and Shuster sketch and a student-led interpretation of a classic Chinese novel.  To echo the...

BY ALLISON JIANG '22

ARTS

Choir’s Connections through the Golden Gate City

On March 5th, 2022, Groton’s choir departed campus for a GEO in San Francisco. Those who went have a lot to say about it. Different choir members have described the trip as bonding, joyful, and rejuvenating. That trip is exactly what we needed after a long winter term. It allowed us to find joy through...

BY EBUN LAWORE '24

ARTS

Lyrics of a Story: The Convergence of Performance Art with Jazimina MacNeil

Although Groton’s updated Covid-19 policy resulted in the cancellation of the Gammons concert Myth, Mourning, and Madness: An Afternoon of Songs and Stories featuring a fusion of folk songs and tales from western culture, the unconventional art form of blending song and story into an immersive experience continues to endure on the Circle through a...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, MICHELLE KIM ’23

ARTS

No Way Home: How Spiderman Saved Marvel

The last two years were tough for Marvel Studios. With projects pushed back due to Covid, fans were antsy to watch the highly-anticipated new films. Although Marvel released semi-successful miniseries such as Wandavision and Loki during the hiatus, TV shows don’t satisfy fans like big-screen movies do. Marvel needed a save, and that save came...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, EBUN LAWORE ’24

ARTS

First Student Written Musical and Six-Person Production this Winter

The theatre department has been working on two unprecedented productions that will be performed at the beginning of spring term. This winter term’s production is extremely special because in addition to the musical comedy “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” Groton Theatre is producing its first ever student-written theatrical revue.    The musical comedy is...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, AGATHE ROBERT ’24 AND BRENDA LI ’25

ARTS

AOTI: Wren Fortunoff

For Wren Fortunoff ’22, art has no boundaries. At Groton, the Sixth Former has immersed herself in the visual arts, building an impressive portfolio of works that have earned accolades such as Scholastic keys. Wren’s art stems from aspects of her life and persona, often elevated by a twist of reality, and always accompanied with...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, BRIANNA ZHANG

ARTS

Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse at Groton Artists’ Worst Pieces

Groton is filled with incredibly talented visual artists, ranging over a variety of styles and preferences. However, like any artist, everybody has their bad days, or the times when their vision doesn’t exactly pan out.    Noemi Iwasaki ’22 “Last year I started working with watercolors a lot, and I ended up really liking it....

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, ELEANOR TAGGART ’24

ARTS

Musical Christmas Cheer Returns to the Circle

While the blow-up snowmen appeared in the dining hall and the Schoolhouse hallways were filled with holiday wreaths, Christmas cheer swept up the Circle in full force with the official return of the beloved Lessons and Carols and Groton Pops. This year, students, faculty, parents and alumni were able to experience the full extent of...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, CHRISTINA CHEN ’23

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Wally Capen

From portraying the humble leading-man Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde the Musical, to the stick-wielding, intrepid stowaway Pascal in the fall production of Naomi Iizuka’s Anon(ymous), Wally Capen ’22 has managed to capture the hearts of the Groton community with his charm and versatility in the arts. Wally has established himself as an extraordinary performer...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, MICHELLE KIM ’23

ARTS

Certified Lover Boy or Donda?

Rap artists always seem pitted against each other. This started as early as Tupac vs. Biggie, and has gone to Cardi vs. Nicki. The most recent rivalry has been between Drake and Kanye, with the release of their albums in the fall of 2021. With Drake dropping “Certified Lover Boy (CLB)” five days after the...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, EBUN LAWORE ’24

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Allison Jiang

Performing everything from extraordinary vocals to flowing orchestral melodies, Allison Jiang ’22 is truly a musical master. Allison serves as concertmaster of Chamber Orchestra, theatre prefect, and Maqupella head, while also participating in musical theatre and Select Chamber Music groups. Throughout her career at Groton, her extensive dedication and passion for music has certainly shone. ...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, BRIANNA ZHANG ’23

ARTS

The Return of Ensembles and Music Lessons

Music has finally returned to the Circle after a long wait. Following new Covid-19 protocols this year, the Groton music ensembles have started meeting again while braving many difficulties, putting pieces together to perform this Parents Weekend in the CPAC.   Chamber Orchestra meetings have been “very challenging,” according to conductor Mr. Timothy Terranella. Since...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, SAGATA DAS ’25, BRENDA LI ’25, AND SOPHIE ZHU ’25

ARTS

A Buried Reality Behind Squid Game

  Squid Game has taken the Groton community by storm with a compelling plot. An enclosed circle of billionaires organizes the Squid Game as 456 indebted criminals play rounds of challenges in order to win 45.6 billion won. Yet there is only one winner, with the others promptly eliminated and killed. If you were in...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, JESSICA LEE ’24

ARTS

Summer Student Arts Projects

Groton artists continue to flourish despite the various disruptions Covid-19 has caused, fine-tuning their crafts during a productive summer holiday. (for the print version) To experience the full scope of these projects, visit thecirclevoice.org for a multimedia experience.   Visual Arts   Finding inspiration in nature and society, Groton’s visual artists spent time this summer...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, CHRISTINA CHEN '23

ARTS

What’s the Best Sour Track?

  Olivia Rodrigo, an American singer-songwriter, debuted with her first smash-hit album, Sour, setting the record for the biggest opening week for a female artist’s album on Spotify with 385 million streams. In an anonymous poll surveying the Groton student body, students ranked their top three Sour songs, and answered why they liked each track....

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, ELEANOR TAGGART '24

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Creed Bellamy

You can find her honey-like voice serenading Groton students, from cozy Open Mics to Spotify. A Music Prefect and Open Mic Head, Creed Bellamy ’22 is a passionate singer-songwriter. She has released two singles on official major streaming platforms under her stage name Creed Elan, amassing nearly 1.5k streams.   How did you produce your...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, MICHELLE KIM '23

ARTS

Theater Preseason: The Unexpected Experience

In a crowded CPAC, the lights suddenly dim, a hush quickly falls, and the anticipation begins. All the audience can hear is soft rustling as the curtains ripple apart to showcase another stunning Groton Theater production.    The theater department is a staple for the Circle, nurturing talent and showmanship while celebrating creative collaboration and...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, BRIANNA ZHANG '23

ARTS

Advanced Studio Art Exhibition: Final Reflections from Seniors

As spring term neared its end, the Advanced Open Studio Art class concluded their year of deep artistic exploration and creation with a display behind the Schoolhouse. The students attached their artwork to stands and windows to form their final exhibition: Identity, composed of various pieces made throughout the year. The five seniors of the...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, BRIANNA ZHANG '23

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Nathan Zhang '21

Whenever a group of string players is performing for any event in any setting, chances are Nathan Zhang will be there. Playing the cello in the orchestra and in several other small string groups, Nathan is instrumental as a music prefect by helping to organize events and bring music to the Circle. He is an...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, ELEANOR TAGGART '24

ARTS

A Night to Remember: Grotonstock on the Circle

On Saturday, May 22nd, all came to a quiet settle on the Circle, where a socially distanced Grotonstock, complete with outdoor speakers and a pitched tent as a stage, was organized. Students promptly gathered in front of the tent, bringing along blankets and inflatables to snuggle up on during performances. As the sun set, Groton...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, MICHELLE KIM '23

ARTS

National Medalists for the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition

This year, many Groton School students won national and regional key prizes for their art and writing submitted to the annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. Specifically, five students earned national medal awards, an even higher accolade, for their pieces. Four students earned a combined four silver and one gold medal for the arts,...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, JULIE XIE '23

ARTS

The Scammys 2021

Since the first Grammys Awards ceremony took place on May 4, 1959, the public has criticized the Recording Academy’s selection of nominees and winners. Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, Queen, Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, and Katy Perry are all artists who at some point in their career were deemed “snubbed” at the Grammys by their fans....

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, EBUN LAWORE '24

ARTS

Artist of the Issue: Yuen Ning Chang

Yuen Ning Chang ’21 is an artistic mastermind with the capacity to bring to life any medium she engages with. She has drawn much inspiration from her mother, who used to work in the Chinese Arts department in Sotheby’s and now curates the Jin Ze Art Centre, which is located in Jinze canal town of...

BY DIGITAL EDITOR, JIACHENG KANG ’22