First, let's examine the numerical participation data. Tonight there were more than 700 student artists participation in exhibition and performance. The Spring Art show features the 2D and 3D work of just over 500 students; the Choir Show "Best of Broadway" featured the stage performance of just over 200 choral musicians. While exact patron attendance would be rough to quantify precisely, between the Choir Show and the Art Show I believe it is safe to say that just over 1,000 patrons came to South High School tonight to support the arts through event attendance. In total, over 1,700 combined students and patrons celebrated the arts in sight and sound at South High School this evening.
During the Choir Show, which ran 105 minutes in length, there were 49 student soloists. Forty-nine. The breadth and depth of the talent in the choral program at South High School is remarkable, and it was showcased elegantly this evening. The Choir Show tonight exceeded the expectations in three of the National Standards for Music Education, specifically: Standard #1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music; Standard #5. Reading and notating music; Standard #8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts;
Standard #9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture. Standards #1 and #5 are self-evident - the kids sang alone and with others, and, had to read the notation effectively to perform the show. Standard #8 was clearly exceeded through the choreography performed - the students had to demonstrate comprehension of connections between music and dance to execute the choreography. Standard #9 was exceeded in the student narration, all memorized, which drew the connections between the broadway shows and American history and culture. If that is not enough, standards #6 and #7, relating to listening and analyzing, will be exceeded in the coming days as students examine footage of the show, reflecting on ways to continue to improve as student musicians. So, even though this is musical revue of broadway show tunes, it has extreme musical and educational merit for the student performers and for the patrons in attendance. I also have to notice that the student performers on the stage tonight reflected the entire student population at South High School. In the soloists, narrators and total performers, the production provided a reflection of the composite make-up of the students in attendance at South High School. Finally, as a listener and as a musician, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the multiple "goose-bump" moments I experienced this evening. The high level of craftsmanship and passion in the performers left me awestruck at times - it was that good.
During the Spring Art Show opening, I was dumbfounded by the profound nature of the student artist statements, a requirement for students to exhibit in the Senior Show in the Black Box. To paraphrase a common theme in numerous statements, it goes something like this: "I thought I was just taking an elective. I didn't expect to find my voice of expression as an artist. These teachers have dedicated so much to helping me find myself as an artist." So, students walk into the room without expectation. Students walk out of the room as artists. It would be SO MUCH EASIER for the team of art teachers to exhibit a show of only "the best" student work. 100 pieces could be put up and taken down far more easily, would take up less space, and would take a lot less time and energy. But, the team of teachers chooses to display the work of every student artist. More than 500 pieces of 2D and 3D work are currently on display. Much of the work is gallery ready. I also personally believe that one of the prime examples of great school spirit at South High School is this: The Spring Art show will remain up unsupervised over the weekend and during Monday. No work will be damaged or stolen. The students take pride in the work of their fellow student artists. The school spirit is manifested by the Respectful and Responsible manner with which the art is treated over the course of the exhibition. It is truly remarkable. Finally, numerous National Standards in Art Education are exceeded during this show, including Standard #1: Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; Standard #2: Using knowledge of structures and functions; Standard #3: Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas. Standard #5: Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others will be met in the coming days as the art classes all participate in "gallery walks," reflecting upon and writing about the student work within the show. This show works, in part, because it is so well grounded in the National Standards for Art Education, and, because it is inclusive of all student artists. The team of art teachers believes every human being is inherently artistic, and meets them where they are and move them down the path towards artistic greatness. The visual results of this show are truly amazing.
For the normal viewers of this blog, I apologize for the length of this post. This evening resonated with me deeply as being exceptionally special in the arts at South High School, and, I felt compelled to share my reflections in this space. So, congratulations to the over 1,700 participants, both performers and patrons, in the Celebration of the Arts at South High School this evening. In both sight and sound, you all exceeded expectations. Bravo.
