IMADA, the Ipswich Music, Art & Drama Association, is a 501(c)3 volunteer charitable organization that partners with the Ipswich, Massachusetts public middle & high schools to support and promote fine arts education and appreciation. Our mission is to advocate for the fine arts as an integral part of secondary education, enhance performing and visual arts education experiences, and help ensure that all students have access to the highest quality arts education.

Dear Friends of the Arts in Ipswich,

I hope you had a chance to see The Little Mermaid at Ipswich Middle School in November. If you did, you were part of this annual magical experience that puts the talents of our fine arts students and faculty in Ipswich on full display, from the cast to the crew to the pit orchestra to the sets and costumes. The middle school musical is always the perfect kick-off event to IMADA’s annual fundraising appeal, since nothing is a more powerful argument for the need to support arts education than seeing the joy and pride on our students’ faces over what they accomplished together.

The Ipswich Music Art and Drama Association was founded decades ago by forward-thinking parents of band students, who knew that family and community support is critical to ensuring that arts education remains a priority in the Ipswich schools. Fast-forward to 2023, and IMADA volunteers are still continually evolving our approach to providing support for our beloved arts program, ensuring that our faculty have what they need to provide the best education possible for our students.

I hope you’ll consider donating to IMADA this year, in any amount. Your gift to IMADA supports:

• Masterclasses, guest conductors, and adjudicators so our students get the perspective of a wider arts community outside of Ipswich;
• Participation in state competitions;
• Professional-quality pit orchestras for our musicals;
• Scholarships for graduating seniors; and
• Summer study grants for arts education for students in grades 6-12.

This year, we would like to significantly increase the dollar amount of the summer study grants, so that the awards are more helpful to defray the cost of summer study. Our fundraising goal of $30,000 will provide critical funds so that our faculty can continue to do what they do best: elevating Ipswich students’ opportunities in the arts.

Thank you for your support!

Meg Travis

President

Ipswich Music Art and Drama Association

IMADA is excited to add two student ambassadors to our board this fall! These talented and passionate individuals will serve the arts community by sharing feedback with the committee on student concerns and perspectives relating to the arts at the middle and high schools; offering suggestions for fundraising ideas; and communicating with the student body regarding fundraising activities. We are delighted to welcome seniors Angelica De La Cruz and Joey Powers to the IMADA team as student ambassadors!

December 19, 7:00 p.m. Middle School Winter Choral Concert

January 9, 9:00 a.m. High School Senior Portfolio Art Show

January 16, 6:00 p.m. Middle School Winter Art Show

January 26-27 High School One Act Plays

March 6, 7:00 p.m. All District Choralfest

March 20, 7:00 p.m. All District Stringfest

March 25, High School All State Festival Rehearsal and Concert

March 26, 5:30 p.m. High School MICA Preview Concert

March 27, 7:30 p.m. All Town Band

April 26 - 28 High School Musical

Hello, I'm Rebecca Pagano, and I'm thrilled to be the new Director of Bands 6-12 here in Ipswich. I come with a diverse teaching and performance background. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the Indiana University School of Music in 2000, where I had the privilege of studying saxophone with the great master, Dr. Eugene Rousseau. I also spent 3 years playing trumpet in one of the best Big Ten marching bands, the IU Marching Hundred! After teaching band, general music, and jazz band for 8 years, I returned to graduate school to further my education full-time. I earned both an MM in Music Education from The Boston Conservatory in 2010, and a MM in saxophone performance in 2011, studying with Mr. Kenneth Radnofsky. From there, I became Professor of Saxophone at Bridgewater State University, teaching saxophone and music history, performed in the Boston area, and maintained a large private studio. I returned to the public schools for another 12 years at Wayland Middle School, and also continued my personal musical development by playing in ensembles in the New England Conservatory Continuing Education Jazz Program and gigging with a jazz quintet called District 5. Now as the dust is settling, I'm digging in and getting to work on creating high-level musical experiences and opportunities for the students of Ipswich! I'm looking forward to developing a band program with strong relationships, trust, high musical expectations, and a culture of cooperation and excellence.

IMADA scholarships are awarded annually to graduating seniors who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to one or more of the fine arts throughout their careers at Ipswich High School, and who plan to continue their study of fine arts in some capacity after graduation. The recipients this year were announced at the Baccalaureate ceremony on June 1 2023. This year they totaled $6,000 in prize money, and an additional $1,000 named scholarship funded by the Silverman Family of Ipswich.

IMADA awarded the 2023 Silverman Scholarship to graduating senior Thomas O’Connell. An accomplished artist, Thomas has won several awards including the Regional Gold Key and a National Gold Medal from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the 2022 Ipswich High School Ceramics Award. His artwork has been displayed in Carnegie Hall, NYC as well as the Student Art Show at Crane Castle. This past winter he had a solo gallery exhibit at the Beach Coma on Plum Island. Thomas is also a talented bassist and has participated in both band and orchestra throughout high school, including being a member of both the Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra. Thomas is attending the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where he plans to major in Art Education and minor in Art History.

Two additional top scholarship awards went to graduating seniors Ezekiel Allman and Casey Williams. Zeke has left his mark on many areas of the Ipswich High School Fine Arts Department. He has played cello in the orchestra and Chamber Orchestra throughout high school, he has participated in chorus and art classes, and he has been involved in seven high school theatrical productions - most recently by playing Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” In addition to acting in plays and musicals, Zeke has also been the student director of two one act plays. Zeke has won the High School Fine Arts award for “Outstanding Achievement in Theater” for the last three years and this year he held the position of President of The Company at Ipswich High School. Zeke is attending Wesleyan University where he plans to double major in Theater Arts and an undecided second major.

A talented actress, Casey Williams is no stranger to the Ipswich High School stage, having held leading roles in theater productions throughout her high school career - most recently as Maria in “The Sound of Music.” Casey has also participated in chorus and Bel Canto and played viola in the orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, Casey has volunteered as an intern, co-choreographer and assistant director for Ipswich Middle School productions during the past four years. Casey has won several High School Fine Arts awards for her efforts including Achievement in Theater Arts, Outstanding Progress in Orchestra, Outstanding Initiative in Music, and Outstanding Initiative in Theater. Casey is attending UMass Amherst where she plans to major in Theater Arts.

In addition to these top 3 prizes, IMADA also awarded scholarships to graduating seniors Ashton Flather, Victoria Harper, Nathaniel Pillis, Josiah Scarano, and Ethan Uzdarin.

IMADA wishes to thank the Ipswich fine arts community for its financial support of these programs every year. We’re looking forward to expanding our fundraising efforts for 2023-24 to make our financial support for our students and fine arts enrichment opportunities even more meaningful.

The IMADA Summer Study Grants program is one of the most important and well-established benefits that the organization provides to Ipswich arts students. The grants are funded through donations by family, friends and community members and awarded through an application process to students in 6th through 11th grades to defray the cost of pursuing arts study over the summer months. This year IMADA awarded grants totaling $10,200 to 60 individual students - 45 middle school and 15 high school - to support their continued arts study this summer.

Renaissance Award — Casey Williams

Theresa Z. Natti Award — Nathaniel Pillis

Music Achievement Award

Grade 9: Jacoby Scarano

Grade 10: Maxwell Jones

Grade 11: Joey Powers

Music Initiative Award
Grade 9: Olivia Driscoll

Grade 10: Reilly Miner

Grade 11: Dustin Lombardo

Louis Armstrong Award: Elijah Bergner

John Phillip Sousa Award: Ashton Flather

Band Director's Award: Mark Norris

Mary Lou Williams Award: Nadine Kelly

Band Spirit Award: Ethan Uzdarwin, Pia Stewart, Shane O'Reilly

Band Book Award: Ethan Uzdarwin

Semper Fidelis Award: Chase Hansen, Abi Dixon

Outstanding Musician in Band:

Grade 9: Jacoby Scarano

Grade 10: Reilly Miner

Grade 11: Lucas Witt, Natalie Whitten

Grade 12: Lucy Harmon, Kayden Flather

Outstanding Progress in Band:

Grade 9: Liv Driscoll

Grade 10: Matias Zapata-Cardona

Grade 11: Amelia Mooradd, Brooke Bodwell

Grade 12: Madison Baker, Dana Falardeau

Band Officers:

Co-Presidents: Mark Norris, Elijah Bergner

Librarians: Dana Falardeau, Gabrielle Hanson

Northeastern Senior Districts Band

Ashton Flather, oboe

Northeastern Junior Districts Band

Persephone Altieri, oboe

Matteo Colitti, tenor saxophone

Colton Flather, clarinet

Emma LaRochelle, tenor saxophone

Isaiah McKenzie, trombone

Northeastern Junior Districts Band

Jacoby Scarano, drums

National Orchestra Award: Josiah Scarano, Lexi Wright

Outstanding Musician in Orchestra:
Grade 9: Jacoby Scarano

Grade 10: Jonathan Rishi

Grade 11: Joey Powers

Grade 12: Thomas O'Connell, Shannon MacDonald

Outstanding Progress in Orchestra:
Grade 9: Connor Wright

Grade 10: Perry Moskowitz

Grade 11: Sarah Eliot

Grade 12: Ezekiel Allman, Casey Williams

Orchestra Director's Award: Victoria Harper

Chamber Orchestra Director's Award: Stella Schultz

Symphony Orchestra Director's Award: Mark Norris

Orchestra Book Award: Nathaniel Pillis

Orchestra Officers:
President: Nathaniel Pillis

Vice President: Victoria Harper

Treasurer: Stella Schultz

Secretary: Lexi Wright

Librarian: Thomas O'Connell

Assistant Librarians: Maddie Dodge, Amelia Stacy

Northeastern Senior Districts Orchestra:

Sarah Eliot, cello

Annie Johnson, cello

Max Jones, cello

Joey Powers, viola

All State Orchestra:

Joey Powers, viola

Northeastern Junior Districts Orchestra:

Maggie Carlburg, viola

Maddison Dodge, viola

Leila Harb, bass

Ben Roge, French horn

Delaney Whitmore, violin

National School Choral Award: Anna Maher, Jacob Liani

Concert Choir Director's Award: Darnell Padgett, Gianna Lang

Bel Canto Director's Award: Casey Williams

Chamber Singer Director's Award: Dustin Lombardo

Choir Book Award: Anna Maher

Outstanding Choral Musician:
Grade 9: Morgan MacRae

Grade 10: Lizzy Mosco

Grade 11: Kaley Fantasia

Grade 12: Abi Dixon

Outstanding Progress in Choral Music:
Grade 9: Liv Driscoll

Grade 10: Cory Binette

Grade 11: Tim Kercher

Grade 12: Zeke Allman

Choir Officers:
Co-Presidents: Anna Maher, Jacob Liani

Vice President: Will Butler

Secretaries: Maddie Gray, Annabel Morris

Librarians: Charlie Quimby, Lucy Winthrop

Assistant Librarian: Sean Mahoney

Northeastern Senior Districts Choir:

Liv Driscoll, alto

Bobby Haltmeier, bass

Tim Kercher, tenor

Evan Kilgour, bass

Morgan MacRae, alto

Anna Maher, alto

Lizzy Mosco, soprano

Casey Williams, soprano

Northeastern Junior Districts Choir:

Amani Agzenay, soprano

Hadley Binette, soprano

Emma Eliot, soprano

Luna Harvey, soprano

Mairead Healey, soprano

Anna Kalinowski, alto

Melina Leal, alto

Janelle Rosario, soprano

Stella Whitten, alto

All State Choir

Tim Kercher, tenor

Anna Maher, alto

Drama Achievement Award

Grade 9: Hannah McGonigle

Grade 10: Elizabeth Mosco

Grade 11: Anika Babb

Drama Initiative Award

Grade 9: Maddie Dodge

Grade 10: Emerson Labrecque

Grade 11: Seamus Kelley

Achievement in Theatre Arts

Anika Babb

Cory Binette

Will Butler

Zenia English

Charlie Fortin

Kayleigh Fantasia

Tim Kercher

Nadine Kelly

Connor Neill

Anna Pitner

Special Recognition Honor Certificates

Angelica DelaCruz

Bella Formica

Student Director Awards

Zeke Allman

Sophia Dalton

Anna Maher

Dance Captain Awards

Clara dosSantos

Casey Williams

Thespians of the Year/Director’s Awards

Zeke Allman

Anna Maher

Casey Williams

Tech Director’s Award

Dana Falardeau

Thespian Scholar (3.0-3.5 GPA)

Will Butler

Keaira Cox

Tim Kercher

Connor Neill

Vice President’s List (3.5-4.0 GPA)

Miles Barrett

Cory Binette

Felix Creamer

Sophia Dalton

Chloe DeFrank

Clara dosSantos

Talia Duff

Maddie Dodge

Kaley Fantasia

Charlotte Fortin

Michael Houran

Anna Maher

Sophia Marshall

Joey Powers

Piper Reily

Casey Williams

Maya Williams

President’s List (4.0 and higher GPA)

Zeke Allman

Anika Babb

Angelica DelaCruz

Abi Dixon

Nadine Kelly

Seamus Kelley

Lizzy Mosco

Anna Pitner

Senior Honor Cords (600 hours for theater programs)

Zeke Allman

Nadine Kelly

Anna Maher

Casey Williams

Senior Pins

Zeke Allman

Abi Dixon

Dana Falardeau

Nadine Kelly

Jacob Liani

Cole Rakoff

Elias Wiggins

Casey Williams

Maya Williams

Visual Arts Achievement Award

Grade 9: Lindsey Dolaher

Grade 10: Maggie Barrett

Grade 11: Annabel Morris

Visual Arts Initiative Award

Grade 9: Darcy Welch

Grade 10: Amelia Hartford

Grade 11: Isabella Gallegos

Rookie Artist: Maddie Baker

Emerging Digital Artist: Charlotte Brown

Painting: Corinne Anderson

Printmaking: Landry Garland

Drawing: Theo Norton

Ceramics: Elijah Bergner

Designer of the Year: Noah Thomas

Photographer of the Year: Bradan Graney

Digital Interdisciplinary Award: Nickerson Hawes

MVP Portfolio: Emma Campbell

Art Club: Abby Cooper

Motion Artist of the Year: Luca Harlow-Rivas

Permanent Collection Visual Art: Thomas O'Connell

Permanent Collection Digital Media: Maya Williams

Digital Media Book Award: Daniel Kirby

Visual Art Book Award: Thomas O'Connell

Scholastic Art Awards:
Silver Key: Sienna Cullen

Honorable Mention: Vivien Vincze

Outstanding Musician

6 th Grade — Jonas Casella

7 th Grade — Leila Harb

8 th Grade — Delaney Whitmore

Chorus Award

6 th Grade — Aubrey Kelleher

7 th Grade — Eva Poblenz

8 th Grade — Evan Morris

Orchestra Award

6 th Grade — Chloe Hanchett

7 th Grade — Zao Scarano

8 th Grade — Maya Powers

Band Award

6 th Grade — Jacob Carubia

7 th Grade — Julia Soares

8 th Grade — Emma LaRochelle

Jazz Award

6 th Grade — Liam Desmond

7 th Grade — Zain Harb

8 th Grade — Benjamin Roge

Achievement in Art

6 th Grade — Gabriel Karch

7 th Grade — Isla Hughes

8 th Grade — Eve Melzack

2023 Scholastic Art Award — Eve Melzack, Gold Key Recipient

Drama Award

6 th Grade — Adelaide Pitner

7 th Grade — Matteo Colitti

8 th Grade — Evan Morris

Donate

IMADA always appreciates your tax deductible contributions.

Donate Now

Volunteer

IMADA is always looking for volunteers to help us reach our goals to support our student and faculty artists!

I'd like to volunteer

Become a Sponsor

We invite you to join our

generous group of sponsors.

Learn More