Light snow has been falling for days, and the long shadows of mid-January remind us of the short photo-period of winter. In defiance of nature, we--in our wisdom--have devised an academic schedule for winter that provides more--not less-time for afternoon activities in natural light. We still have classes after lunch on Mondays and Fridays.....

 

But a set of accomodations--much too complicated to explain--liberate us from afternoon classes the rest of the week. Once lunchtime arrives, it's time to motor.

 

Lunch is over.


 

The special schedule is inspired by the need for snow sports to get slope time, knowing that some teams need to travel to Ragged or Sunapee. But the additional afternoon hours are a bonus for several arts-related activities that can never get enough time. Proctor's recording studio and program--the finest in all independent education--is packed all afternoon, and the Admission Office reports that the program has become a magnet for aspiring musicians.


 

Bill Wightman is in the house, but so much is going on without his immediate supervision that students are leading one another in projects....creating music, recording music, managing the astounding sound console.


 


The product of their work is professional, reflecting both their passion for this art and the trust they enjoy from Bill.

On a recent afternoon, the unmistakable skirl of skates on an open pond drew folks to the center of campus, where JV hockey players were prepping for a Fenway Park-style game of shinny.


 

True to ancient tradition, teams were selected through the random process of separating sticks from a heap at mid-ice.


 

And the game is on! What a sight, and what a sound!


 

Immediately across North Street from the game, the ceramics afternoon activity is divided into three groups--each tackling a mural project to grace a wall on campus. 


 

This activity has produced more than a dozen extraordinary ceramic wall installations over the years. Each mural is the product of student inspiration, debate and artistry.


 

Proctor Mountaineering is a winter term activity that is open to all students, regardless of outdoor experience. Laura Deblois returned from a recent ice climbing expedition with this outstanding image:


 

If, as Eliza claims, her mom wants to see her on Chuck's Corner, why does she hide from my camera?