LOADING...

Virtual

FAB 2021

The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, Inc. welcomes you to our 18th annual display of artwork and musical talents of our students.

About

It is incredible to think that nearly a generation of students have passed through the Butler Area School District since the Fine Arts and Beyond (FAB) Showcase originated. Members of The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, Inc. in close cooperation with the Art Department, developed the original concept in 2004.  Along the way instrumental and choral music was added providing another venue for students to perform beyond district competition and spring concerts. Like many great notions, the event gained momentum each year and is now the signature event we recognize simply as The FAB.

The FAB has hosted nearly 2,000 participants and visitors annually.  Unfortunately, in March 2020, the Covid-19 Pandemic changed the world. Restrictions on gatherings forced The FAB to go virtual for the first time. The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation Board of Directors remained hopeful, in January of this year, that restrictions may be lifted. Although restrictions have been relaxed slowly, the Foundation realized that to remain safe, the 2021 FAB Showcase should, for a second year, be held virtually.

With the irregular school schedule, switching almost weekly from in-person to virtual classes throughout the past seven months, the attendance in Art and Music was sporadic at best. We should feel a sense of pride and be encouraged at the resilience and perseverance of our teachers and students. Although the overall volume of art pieces, photography, and musical performances was reduced, the quality and creativity has not been compromised.

That quality and creativity can be seen on full display with our feature instrumental performance of Dueling Comedians by Kabalevsky, arranged by Stephen Primatic, conducted by Mr. Todd Karenbauer and performed by the Percussion Ensemble. Incorporating technology, combined with safe social distancing and focused dedicated practice, the instrumental piece is an example of what we have all come to expect from our students, but - in no way take for granted.

Covid-19 has forced many changes that few could have anticipated. Adversity challenges us all but can also inspire new ways of thinking. The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation would have preferred to host a traditional FAB Showcase, gathering as a community, and celebrating our student’s creative talent in the visual and performing arts. We will continue that tradition next year; please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 2, 2022.

In the meantime, please join with The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation Board of Directors, Teachers, Administrators, Support Staff, Business Sponsors, Individual Sponsors, and School Board Members in celebration of our student’s rich creativity and abundant talent via the 2021  Virtual FAB Showcase

Let the Show begin .. . it is only a click away . . .

Basket and 50/50 Raffles

As part of the FAB, members of our community as well as the schools throughout the district donated baskets to help raise funds for The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, Inc. You can view this year’s Gift Basket and 50-50 Raffle winners here.

Our Generous Sponsors

The Businesses and Individuals in the Butler Community are generous and giving. Despite the pandemic, the 2021 FAB Showcase sponsorships surpassed 2020. Please see the full list of sponsors below, including our Spotlight Sponsors:

  • Highmark
  • Troy and Meghan Nunes

How does the fab Support the community?

Kids' weekend Backpack Program

The GTSF supports the Kids' Weekend Backpack Program, which  distributes weekend food to those students in need in K-4th grade.

creative teacher grants

Each year the GTSF awards Creative Teacher Grants, helping teachers and students throughout the District to learn with the latest and most creative teaching tools.

Scholarships

In 2020 the GTSF awarded eighteen $2,000 scholarships, as well as facilitating over 40 scholarships backed by private donors.

Best of Show

Photography

'Name of Piece'
by Jimmy Smits
Grade 9

Photography

'Name of Piece'
by Jimmy Smits
Grade 9

Photography

'Name of Piece'
by Jimmy Smits
Grade 9

Photography

'Name of Piece'
by Jimmy Smits
Grade 9

FAB Over The Years

A small group of community members including Dick and Jane Rittelmann, Lisa Konesni, and art teacher Erich Campbell started The Fine Arts & Beyond Showcase as a small art show at the Butler Intermediate High School in 2004. It grew over the years, with increasing support from the entire BASD’s art department, as well as The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, Inc. The FAB also began incorporating students’ musical talents, as musical groups of all kinds, including not only orchestras and choruses, but jazz and drum ensembles began to lend their musical talents to the evening.  Older students were given the option to put their artwork up for sale the night of the FAB, with all proceeds going to the GTSF, which was put back into programs throughout the district. The pandemic prevented a traditional FAB in 2020, but the art department and GTSF worked together to create the first Virtual, online FAB which still included over 200 pieces of artwork.

A small group of community members including Dick and Jane Rittelmann, Lisa Konesni, and art teacher Erich Campbell started The Fine Arts & Beyond Showcase as a small art show at the Butler Intermediate High School in 2004.

It grew over the years, with increasing support from the entire BASD’s art department, as well as The Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, Inc. The FAB also began incorporating students’ musical talents, as musical groups of all kinds, including not only orchestras and choruses, but jazz and drum ensembles began to lend their musical talents to the evening.  Older students were given the option to put their artwork up for sale the night of the FAB, with all proceeds going to the GTSF, which was put back into programs throughout the district.

The pandemic prevented a traditional FAB, but the art department and GTSF continued to work together to create the first Virtual, online FAB which still included over 200 pieces of artwork.

Sponsors

Program