BPS Visual and Performing Arts

Lights, camera, action! Thanks to a grant from the Polar Beverage Company, BPS arts teachers can now borrow lights from the district resource center for their own musical theater productions. Teachers at the Donald McKay School recently used the new lights to light up their stage for a student production of Aladdin . “ This was definitely the most professional production we've ever put on,” said Natalie Bruno, the elementary theater arts teacher at McKay. “We were able to get more technology and get nicer costumes and things that make the show look engaging. And people were definitely impressed with the production quality.” Around 40 students in the third through fifth grade were able to participate in the show. Rehearsals began back in October after school and just ended in March, with two special performances for friends and family members to come see. This was the school’s third Disney production. “There were definitely some wow moments,” Bruno said. “In A Whole New ...

www.composerdiversity.com Diversity is taking on a whole new form in the music department at Boston Latin School. The band program recently started using the Institute for Composer Diversity to find and perform music by composers from underrepresented groups. "I started building the database and ultimately created the Institute for Composer Diversity for one simple fact,” said Robert Deemer, creator of the Institute for Composer Diversity. “Conductors and educators wanted to perform more works by women composers and composers from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and cultural heritages, but they didn't know where to find them. We're hoping to show folks how easy it is to program diversely and demonstrate why it's so important for students to explore and perform music written by composers who are like them." Margaret McKenna, a band director at Boston Latin School, instantly became interested in using the database after receiving a tip from Anthony Beatrice...

Courtesy of a special invitation from the Providence Bruins, a group of students from Joyce Kilmer Upper School were able to perform the National Anthem at the Bruins game on March 10. “I think it was a great moment for them to experience performance and the power of art,” said Aytul Farquharson, the music teacher at Kilmer Upper School, “and being on the ice, in connection with a sport that they admire so much. It was very powerful because West Roxbury is a very hockey-oriented, hockey-supportive community.” The performing ensemble included a mix of choir students and singers as well as a small string quartet. All interested students were welcomed to perform, even those with limited musical backgrounds. Twins Sophia and Teddy Sortuin get ready to perform the National Anthem at the Providence Bruins game on March 10. “They knew how to blend,” said Farquharson, “They knew how to justify their presence there in a meaningful way. It was a very proud moment for ev...