BDCHS Music and Arts Programs have stayed busy lately; namely, for their annual Black History Month Celebration and MPA performance last month and Art Show next month.
Hosted in the gym, the Black History Month celebration featured exhibitions from the Drawing, Painting, and AP Art classes in honor of black culture and history, with descriptive captions from the artists detailing their meaning or process behind their work. Ceramics classes focused on expressing an aspect of Senofu culture through plaques, pots, and drawings. Traditional Senufo art style utilizes Egyptian or African symbols and geometric shapes to emphasize rhythm and natural life. Students researched designs for African pots and crafted them out of red clay, and using black glaze, eloquent symbols were carved and painted on top. The celebration started off on a strong note with a chorus performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “The Storm Is Passing Over”, which are regarded as black anthems. In classes leading up to the performance, students in Chorus 1 and 5 Honors learned about the historical and cultural context and significance of the pieces. The event included dance routines, trivia, and speeches from artist Pat Mitchell and poet Jamie Dawson. Additionally, L.E.A.D Youth Art Exhibition showcased some of the winning pieces announced at the celebration at the Tampa International Airport terminal.
In other artistry news, the National Art Honor Society organized a Black History door decorating contest, wherein students would adorn teacher’s doors with quotes, pictures, or all other designs and decorations in commemoration of Black History Month. While gazing at the art, guests were invited to chow down on some soul food classics and vote on their favorite door, with Mr. Cram’s and Ms. Brower’s door winning first and second place. Drawings and descriptions of famous black figures ornamented Ms. Brower’s door. Mr. Cram’s door featured a recreation from the film “Night of the Living Dead” alongside an explanation of its historical significance:
“The film ‘Night of the Living Dead’ was a groundbreaking work in the horror genre, not only for its portrayal of the undead, but also for its portrayal of its protagonist, Ben, as a black man. This was a significant departure from the typical Hollywood portrayal of black characters at the time and had a major impact on the representation of black people in film…”
On the Thursday before Spring Break, BDCHS Chorus classes performed at District 7 MPA, which is a music festival wherein choirs perform in front of judges to receive a rating. For months, the choir had been practicing two pieces, “Nine Hundred Miles” arranged by Philip Silvey and “I Will Be Worthy” by Paul David Thomas. The students also engaged in a sight-reading exercise where they are asked to perform an unpublished, unseen sheet of music live. The choir earned 2 “Excellent”s, which is the equivalent of a “B” in both their rehearsed performance and sight reading activity. Choir director Mr. Crenshaw writes that he was extremely proud of the “hard work and commitment to excellence” put in by the students.
Next month, students and families are invited to attend the annual Art & Fashion Show, which exhibits portfolios of AP art students as well as art available for purchase, in addition to student spotlight donning handcrafted outfits
If you have any photos or information regarding BDCHS life to include in our next feature, please email smarcus@bdchs.org