Seen here performing “Burn the Witch,” a scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is, from left, Will Bevan, Zack Vallego, Asia Clark, Owen Stewart and Carmen Moreno. Photo by Cindy Scott

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Dungeon Master Hudson Price was heavily occupied at this year’s Gridley High School Renaissance Festival, held Nov. 19 and 20. Those in attendance were happy to report to Queen Heather Yost the evil designs of close friends and family. Some even reported good deeds–whatever it took to get them sent to the dungeon. A few gold coins secured their release–a fun way for the Gridley High School music program to raise needed funds.

Music students and community volunteers transformed the Gridley Community Center (Guardian Building) into a royal hall and welcomed guests to an evening of delicious food and clever entertainment. 

The Maiden’s Dance is a tradition at the annual Gridley High School Renaissance Festival, a fundraiser for Gridley High School music programs. Photo by Cindy Scott

The program began with the song “Camelot,” which the Gridley High School Choir sang as they walked among the tables. This year’s show also included the traditional couples and maiden dances and several comedic skits. As always, the Gridley High School Band performed Renaissance music, and the Gridley High School Choir ended the evening with “Homeward Bound,” inviting choir alumni to join them.

Ethan Jacobsen, Gridley High School Band director, believes students should be engaged in the process as much as possible. The students suggest skits, choose costumes, contribute and make props, run the lights and sound, contribute baked goods to the market and decorate the hall. Band members who are not in the skits, as well as the Sycamore Middle School bands, serve the tables.

Cash White and Treyson and Lincoln Wakefield enjoyed their sentencing to the Dungeon. The Dungeon is one way the Gridley High School music program raises funds at the Renaissance Festival. Photo by Cindy Scott

Jacobsen sees value in students gaining experience with aspects of performance, like set up, lighting and sound. He also said, “When the students do some of the foot work, they learn to appreciate the adults who are helping and all that they do.”

Jacobsen also noted that, in band class, the students are playing their instruments most of the hour. Renaissance gives them a chance to interact outside of class, get off their phones, learn to be a team and get to know each other.

The band participates in two marching competitions in the fall and one band festival in the spring. The funds raised in the Renaissance event pay for competition and festival entry fees, sheet music and their spring trip.

Hudson Price served as Dungeon Master at this year’s Gridley High School Renaissance Festival. Attendees persuaded the King and Queen to send loved ones to the dungeon, where they waited for someone to pay for their release. Photo by Cindy Scott

Jacobsen noted that the Gridley High School Drama Club, which performed the skits, will be performing the musical “Guys and Dolls” Feb. 27-28. These student performances fund the Drama Club’s trip to a musical in Sacramento each spring.

Gridley High School students thrive in the performing arts–developing talents, friendships and community connections.