As the seasons of GVP pass from spring to summer, we’d like to share an upcoming transition with our GVP community. After 15 years of dedicated service to the mission of GVP, our beloved Ms. Elise Witt will be leaving her position as Artist-in-Residence and Director of Music Programs at the end of the school year. 

Elise came to GVP drawn by the mission of the school and how personally it spoke to her. Drawing from her own story of coming to America as a 4-year old immigrant, and using music to learn English, Elise created what the child in her needed in order to benefit the students of GVP. 

“I really believe in the power of the arts in education and how powerful it is to use music, and especially singing and songwriting, to learn language.” This belief is evident in how central music is to GVP’s story and the learning experiences of our students. Every week in Music class, and at every GVP event, the voices of our students, led by Elise, have echoed throughout the halls of our school and into the greater community. The joy Elise has infused into our lives with every interaction is something we will never forget.

Mark your calendars to join us on Sat. Sept. 28th at 5:00 p.m. at the Oakhurst Center for Community in Decatur, for a concert celebrating GVP’s 15th Anniversary and the release of Imagine a Circle: The Global Village Songbook. 

The Songbook contains 55 songs written by, with, and for GVP students, over GVP’s 15-year history, and many of the songs will be featured at the concert. The music will be directed by Elise and Akua Taylor, GVP’s new Artist-in-Residence, and will feature current GVP students as well as alums and some special surprise guests. The concert will be followed by a book signing and community potluck. 

It is a chance for our entire community to come together to celebrate 15 years of impact and to say goodbye and thank you to the person who has provided the soundtrack of our GVP lives.