View
219
Download
1
Category
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
Annual Arts Magazine showcasing the very best work by students, alumni and faculty at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Citation preview
2011
then & nOWEXTRAVAGANZA EXTRAVAGANZA
Celebrating 25 Years of Extravaganza
D o u g l a s a n D E r s o n s C h o o l o f t h E a r t s
A Note from Jackie Cornelius
Ms. Cornelius Garners National Accolades
2011 has been a memorable year for Principal Cornelius. In July she was invited to Washington DC after being named one of three finalists for National Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
The national honor came after she had been named the 2011 Florida State Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals.
Ms. Cornelius flew to Washington DC to accept her award from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. While on “The Hill,” Ms. Cornelius had the opportunity to serve on a panel of nationally distinguished principals, and address the issues educators have concerning No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the state of public education.
Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-4th District), who had nominated Ms. Cornelius for the national honors, called her “the person who put DA on the map and Jacksonville along with it.”
“Besides leadership in the school,” said Crenshaw, “Jackie provides innovative solutions to her animated staff and students in how to showcase the best they have to offer. She leads by example and teaches all that if you believe it, you can achieve it.”
Dear friends,
At Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (DA), we believe that “success is owned by all.” Maintaining a learning environment in which all students can freely express themselves, take risks, and be involved in their own development is crucial. We also strive to ensure that our learning culture is personalized, intellectually rigorous and student-directed, and that a strong collaborative spirit prevails.
When I think of the kind of people who fill our buildings and meet the unique needs of DA students, author Jack Kerouac’s words come to mind:“…The only people for me are…the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved…the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars…”
There is no doubt that the successful personalization of DA’s culture is founded on the hiring of diverse, passionate teachers and staff who perceive their work as “a calling” and not a job.
Though many dismiss the importance of the arts as a major force in a student’s academic success, we at DA know better. Though arts at DA are a core curriculum in their own right, they also serve as a powerful complement to our academic curriculum. Arts training and rigor go hand-in-hand.
Elliot Eisner, widely considered the leading theorist on arts education and aesthetics in the United States, observed that “educators’ indifference to the refinement of perception, and inattention to the development of imagination, have limited students’ cognitive growth.” Not so at DA. The arts permeate all that happens at Douglas Anderson, and rightly so, considering that students learn best “by doing.” Students integrate and express themselves across the curriculum through the arts, exercising creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It is no surprise that Blooms Revised Taxonomy places artistic creativity at the highest position on the learning pyramid.
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts continues to serve Jacksonville by providing uniquely intensive arts study and training in classical piano, classical guitar, instrumental and vocal music, visual arts, theatre, creative writing, cinematic arts and dance for students possessing a passion and talent for the arts.
We are proud to share with you our eighth DA ARTS issue which chronicles the many successes of our students, faculty and school!
Sincerely,
Jacquelyn Henson CorneliusPrincipal
FeAture StorieS
4 25 Years of extravaganza
6 NY times Columnist Visits DA
7 National ACtSo Awards
8 Alums return for Showtime
DePArtMeNtS
10 Dance
12 Vocal
14 instrumental Music
20 Visual Arts
22 Creative Writing
24 Cinematic Arts
26 theatre
Editor Scott Reneau
Art Director Kelly Young
Editorial Assistant Catherine Silsby
Contributing Writers Penny DickersonTiffany MelansonMaia DelegalJackie Jones
Contributing PhotographerMarianne Pophal
CONTENTS8
7
4D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
1D
ougl
as A
nder
son
Sch
ool
of A
rts
2011
Douglas Anderson students, under the
tutelage of a dedicated faculty, always strive
for excellence in Arts & Academics. their
growing list of achievements and awards
continues to make us proud!
{Su·pe·ri·ors : n defined as the highest honor}
• Named one of the top 1% of high schools in
the country by Newsweek, US News & World
Report and The Washington Post.
• DA recognized as the top National Exemplary Arts High School by the
international Arts Schools Network
• Over 98% of our graduates continue their
education at post-secondary institutions:
77% at four-year universities, colleges,
conservatories and arts institutes; and 21% at
community/vocational colleges
• 35% pursue performance careers and/or
university degrees in the Arts
• our 2011 graduates earned more than ten million dollars in college scholarships.
• DA students named National Merit Finalist, National Achievement Finalist and National Merit Commended Scholar
• three DA students captured national honors at
the ACT-SO Student Olympics sponsored
by the NAACP
• two DA students won NCTE (National
Council of teachers of english) Achievement
Awards in Writing
• two DA students named Most outstanding
Jazz Soloists in the country by Downbeat Magazine
• DA vocalist won the 2011 Grady-Rayam Prize in Sacred Music.
• DA visual artist captured second prize in
the National InSights Art Competition sponsored by the American Printing House for
the Blind.
Stephanie Charles, a junior Visual Arts major who is legally blind, with her award-winning self-portrait, “Fury,” drawn with felt-tipped pens in blacks and grays, the primary way she sees the world.
Vocalist Frank Humphrey III, after winning the 2011 GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE in Sacred Music, was invited to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama to sing the spiritual Let Us Break Bread Together as the invocation at the First Lady’s Luncheon in Washington DC.
3
“SuperiorS” eArNS
National ACT-SO winners celebrate at the NAACP convention in Los Angeles.
Jahaan Sweet (piano)
Joshua Abbot (dance)
Iman Bethel (piano)
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
32
25It was originally billed as A Holiday Gift to Jacksonville.
Now it’s known simply as Extravaganza – the annual Broadway-style production that for the last 25 years has showcased the talents of the finest student-artists at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
Ace Martin, chairman of the Instrumental Music Department since the Arts School opened in 1985, came up with the idea for Extravaganza “to give the students the chance to experience the highest level of a professional show and to raise critically needed arts funding.”
“We held the first Extravaganza at the old Civic Auditorium,” says Martin. “We originally called it A Holiday Gift to Jacksonville because we wanted to thank the local citizens for creating a school dedicated to the Arts.”
Professional AlumniReturn to Our Stage
extravaganza
Extravaganza moved to campus in 1993 when the DA Main Theatre was built. Then five years ago, the performance returned to the Florida Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts to give the show higher visibility.
Last February, Extravaganza celebrated its 25th anniversary, and once again the student performances in dance, musical theatre, cinema, instrumental music, vocal music, the visual arts and creative writing dazzled the sold-out audience.
The “Shining Star” guest artist that night was Vocal Department alumnus “Delisco” (formerly James Beeks, class of ’90), who performed Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Bad,” backed by DA dancers and musicians.
Also appearing via a live satellite connection was former Visual Arts major Ash Brannon (class of ’87), who has gone on to write and direct the movies Toy Story 2, Surf’s Up and A Bug’s Life.
“Because of the passion and creativity of our teachers, students, parents and administration, and our community support,” Martin points out, “I’m confident the artistic celebration of Extravaganza will continue to excite our audiences for many years to come.”
SHiNiNG StArS
Patrick Heusinger(class of ’99) is a triple threat – he’s appeared on Broadway in Next Fall, in the film Black Swan and on TV’s Royal Pains.
1 2 3 4
Celebrates Silver Anniversary
then...1986
Now...2011
Delisco -- “Shining Star 2011” -- with DA Dancers
Photograph courtesy of A.J. Witt, photographer
Photograph courtesy of The Florida TImes Union Bob Self, photographer
Davis Robertson (class of ’89) is the artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City.
Bob Reynolds (class of ’99) jazz saxophonist tours frequently with recording artist John Mayer.
Liz Pearce (class of ’96) was a featured performer in Broadway’s Billy Elliott.
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
54
“When people ‘Google’ you fifty years from now,” NY Times columnist William C. Rhoden asked a group of DA students, “what will the articles say about you?” Rhoden, a best-selling author and a winner of both the Peabody Prize and an Emmy Award for his work on two HBO documentaries, visited Douglas Anderson last spring and challenged DA students to take control of their lives. He encouraged them to passionately pursue their goals as architects, engineers, songwriters, musicians, actors, journalists, entrepreneurs, and good husbands and fathers. “Most important,” said Rhoden, “is what you stand for.” Rhoden visited Douglas Anderson as a guest of 1968 DA alumnus, Garry Merritt (shown left with Rhoden). Merritt and Rhoden became life-long friends at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, where they starred on the football team. Before leaving the DA campus, Rhoden autographed a copy of his best-selling book, Forty Million Dollar Slaves, which now occupies a prestigious spot in our library.
WHat WiLL Be Your LegaCY?
N.Y. times Columnist Challenges D.A. Students:
Photograph courtesy of The Florida TImes Union - Jon M. Fletcher, photographer
“Mr. rhoden really made me put my life
in perspective on how i want to be remembered and how people are going to view me in the future.”
De’AnTe JorDAn Cinematic Arts
Each summer, the NAACP sponsors a national competition for high school students to honor excellence in the Arts and Sciences.
The ACT-SO competition (an acronym for Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) awards medals in 26 categories, including humanities, performing arts, visual arts and business.
performerS SHine in L.a.
DA artists capture national honors at
ACt-So competition in Los Angeles
Other DA regional winners who competed at ACT-SO 2011 in Los Angeles:
Marquale Ashley
Imari Bratcher
Courtnee Carter
Morgan Danford
Mariah Downer
For the 2011 competition in Los Angeles, seventeen Douglas Anderson students were selected to represent Jacksonville, and three came home with national honors: Joshua Abbott, Iman Bethel and Jahaan Sweet. (upper left, shown l to r)
Joshua and Jahaan, who both graduated in June, captured second-place medals in Dance and Musical Instrumental/Contemporary respectively. Iman, a senior piano major, earned a bronze medal in the category of Music Instrumental/Classical.
For Iman, it was her first trip to Los Angeles and an experience she will never forget:
Iman Bethel
“At ACT-SO, I played Toccata by Aram Khachuturian. I felt it was the best I’d ever performed the piece, and I felt very blessed and excited about the award. I was so proud to represent Jacksonville and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts!”
Frank Humphrey
Adrian Johnson
Erika Murray
Nemia Noble
Tyrone Porter
Deja Seigler
Lauren Smith
Markis Williams
Shacara Young
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
76
Alums return to Showcase their Art
Here was a chance for students to celebrate and enjoy the talents of other DA performing artists. It was the equivalent of a high school pep rally, Arts School-style.
Twenty-five years later, these same students decided to pay homage to those early years by again performing with their peers – this time on the DA theatre mainstage.
Last August, more than 50 DA alums -- from the first graduating class of 1986 to recent graduates -- joined together to produce and perform SHOWTIME 25, a night of art and entertainment.
SHoWtime 25
Highlights included a performance of the new release of recording artist Delisco James (class of ‘90); a band featuring father and son guitarists Jerry Allen (class of ‘89) and DA freshman Jarrod Allen (class of ’15); a slideshow and lobby exhibit of the work of 16 visual artists; and a reunion of 30 former members of the school’s original jazz choir, Rhythm Junction. The production was deftly directed by Lee Hamby (class of ’93).
Other activities included a demonstration by confectionery sculptor Geoff Blount (class of ’89), tours of the campus for those who were students prior to the school’s two major construction projects, and an after-party at Square One San Marco, featuring entertainment by an alumni-fronted band and an alumni DJ.
SHOWTIME 25 raised more than $5000 for the DA Scholarship Fund sponsored by the Alumni Association.
Shortly after Douglas Anderson became an Arts School in 1985, physical ed teacher Ned DeLoach, hoping to heighten school spirit, came up with the idea of organizing a monthly student showcase in the gymnasium.
He called it “Showtime.”
Jane Condon with Alumni Association Board President
Patti Cowgill ‘89
Confectionery sculptor Geoff Blount (class of ’89) created a sculpture out of chocolate
Tiffany Sullivan Fish ‘99
Rythm Junction
Catherine BrazaPhilip BretonHannah BrockSamantha BucklerKatrinarae BueserCourtney ChrestensenKandise ChrestensenJames CoppedgeLetty Dileo
Olivia GiacchettoSavannah GoodmanElle GoughLydia HayesSofia IaquintoEmily JacksonNamhee KwakAdeline MarkhamAna McIntosh
Kaitlyn MorrellCalista PappasAlexis ParrisBrianna PritchettJubel PuthusserilRenee ReneauSarah RobinsonSamuel Stark
the following students earned Straight A’s all four quarters during the 2010-2011 academic year...
A SALute to BrigHteSt‘s
CONGRATulATiONS TO THESE AwESOME SCHOlARS...
...a wonderful accomplishment!
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
98
Jacksonville audiences will have the opportunity to see Bad Boy CARLOS GARLAND dance at Extravaganza this February as the “Shining Star” guest artist.
Flashback to 2002. That spring, a young dancer and choreographer, Rasta Thomas, came to Douglas Anderson to set a piece with our senior dancers.
Though only 21 years old, Rasta had already danced with the Le Jeune Ballet de France, the American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, the Victor Ullate Ballet of Spain, and the National Ballet of China.
Yet he dreamed of one day beginning his own company.
Rasta was so impressed with the DA dancers in 2002 that he told
himself when he started his own company he must look to Douglas Anderson for the talent he needed.
Flash forward to 2011. Today Rasta is artistic director of his own world-renowned dance troupe, The Bad Boys of Dance. His company recently returned from a sold-out tour of Australia and Europe.
True to his instincts, three of his BBD dancers –
• JamesBoyd (class of ’05),
• CarlosGarland (class of ’08)
• RyanCarlson (class of ’11)
– are Douglas Anderson alums.
“I chose them because they are the dancers of tomorrow,” says Rasta. “Hybrids who can do it all... from ballet to hip hop, it makes no difference.”
A few short years ago these young men bounded onto the stage at DA. Today they are traveling the performance halls of Berlin, Sydney and Athens as The Bad Boys of Dance.
James Boyd
Ryan Carlson
Former Dancers thrill Audiences Worldwide
James Boyd (class of ’05)
Carlos Garland(class of ’08)
Ryan Carlson (class of ’11)
Rasta Thomas
In October, DA choreographers and Dance Theatre students were given a unique opportunity to collaborate in performances with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
As part of the JSO Fusion Series, “Music and Dance,” conductor Michael Butterman led the symphony in works by Carl Nielson (Helios Overture), Astor Piazolla (Tangazo) and other composers, while guest dancers from DA and Jacksonville University performed original choreography.
The DA dancers gave movement to the pieces, each presenting a unique interpretation of the music.
Commercial Dance OrganizationKailey Greene
Eckerd CollegeAnna Vecchio
Florida Atlantic UniversityJasmin FieldsKristen HoweZoe McDaniel
Florida State College of JacksonvilleTarian GreenMegan LesterSaran KennedyKatherine ParishCaitlin Williams
Florida State UniversityKylie ElliottAnna KeelTanisha MooreShellie Zeigler
Hagerstown CollegeKeyseanya Williams
Howard UniversityNicole Hamm
Jacksonville UniversityJoshua AbbottRachel CliffJulian RachalSarah Sifton
Loyola UniversityKeisha Kinyon
Monmouth UniversityGianna Anastasio
New World School of the ArtsHannah Drozd Arielle Kantor
San Diego State UniversityAlexis Kirkland
Santa Fe Community CollegeErika Murray
Southern Methodist UniversityKatelyn Gough
SUNY at PurchaseHillary Bodin
University of FloridaChanning MalzFallon Sullivan
University of GeorgiaPauline Villanueva
University of South FloridaRachel Jimenez
DANCE Graduates 2011
Dr. Phyllis Penney, DA Dance chair, choreographed the Helios Overture, while Tangazo was choreographed by DA senior Marciana Rafada.
“This was a unique opportunity for our dancers and choreographers to work with the live accompaniment of a full professional symphonic orchestra,” says Dr. Penney.
“I was particularly proud of Marciana, who set a piece to Piazolla’s Argentinean composition.
“The music had a tango flavor, but instead of going for the obvious choices, she created a piece about patients in a mental institution and their ability to cope with the world around them.”
“Marciana demonstrated in-depth analysis and higher-level thinking,” adds Dr. Penney, “using her innate instincts as an artist while applying the principles she learned in the classroom.”
Dance theatre Students interpret Music of Jacksonville Symphony orchestra
SteLLar CoLLaBoration DANCe
“tHe BaD BoYS”
DA
NC
E
Selena Rhodes, Ashley Williams, Marisa Hilton, Mary Speed, Stacie DeSale
Selena Rhodes & Ryan Coppedge
Josh Yarborough & Libby Riddick
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
1110
tHeir KiND oF toWNDA Vocalists Receive Two Standing Ovations at National ACDA Conference
It was just hours before his Women’s Chorale were to perform at the nation’s most prestigious vocal conference—the 2011 American Choral Directors Association National Convention in Chicago.
He knew this was the most important performance his DA vocal students had ever faced.
Choral director Jeffrey Clayton looked outside from his downtown Chicago hotel room—40 degrees and breezy, much colder than his Florida girls were used to. With their first concert set for 8:30 the next morning, how was he going to make sure his vocalists were awake, warmed up and ready to go?
“We’re walking,” he decided.
He informed the girls that instead of the bus, they were walking the ½-mile to the famed Chicago Orchestra Hall. So at 7 a.m., the 64 girls donned their winter overcoats and scarves,
WoMeN’S CHorALe MAKe
CHiCago“Going to Chicago was a life-changing experience. Nothing can compare to a journey in which you work harder than you have before, and devote so much of yourself to one thing, and then finally get to perform your art.”
STephAnie SmiThSenior
and made the brisk walk to the Hall—with Clayton leading the way.
Backstage, Clayton delivered his pep talk: “You’re ready,” he said. “I’ll never be more proud of you than I am at this moment. Nothing you do on that stage will change that.” There was a sense of peace in the room.
The girls took the stage and thrilled the audience with a 25-minute presentation, culminating with an original composition — “A New Psalm 98” -- written for the DA chorale by renowned composer and personal friend of the department, Ken Berg.
After a resounding finale, the usually staid audience burst to its feet in a sustained standing ovation. It was the warmest
KeN BerGRenowned composer and Vocal Dept. Guest Artist shares his thoughts about DA’s success at ACDA:
applause Clayton and the girls had ever experienced.
“I felt as if we had made it to the Super Bowl,” said Clayton whose path to the ACDA convention was a three-year process involving audition recordings, hours of practice and a performance at the regional convention in 2010.
A woman stopped Clayton as he left the Orchestra Hall and whispered, “Yours was the best performance of the convention.”
Air ForceKrishaun Lavalais
Belmont UniversityKelsie Saison
Bethune Cookman CollegeFrank Humphrey
Florida Atlantic UniversityMarley Curtis
Florida International UniversityCarmen Hilburn
Florida State College JacksonvilleLina AbadiaDestany HotardAmber Kingsley
Florida State UniversityJessica BarkerAlexis BrandenburgerKatherine GarnerKatie McIverTanisha MooreAmelia NeumannKaley PorterSamantha Vallejo
Purdue UniversityKaitlin Baltz
Stetson UniversityTaylor HarrisDemi Nicks
Triton CollegeMercita Chernyshev
University of AlabamaSamantha Lennon
University of Central FloridaStephen BrennanAmbber Cole
University of FloridaKathryn DuttonAlexandria Peugnet
University of North FloridaThomas DelegalHarrison NewtonDanielle SchmidtNatalie Smith
VOCAL Graduates 2011
“Great kids, superlative instruction, strong administrative and parental support! Combinations like these cannot help but produce outstanding results, both musically and personally. This kind of high-level accomplishment does not happen accidentally. It is solely the result of hard work and discipline on the part of all involved.”
VOCALV
OC
AL
Chicago Orchestra Hall
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
1312
It’s the ultimate challenge.
Band Director Shawn Barat knows that his DA Wind Symphony, with 24 new students this school year, will sound sensational after six months of instruction.
The challenge is that his band has been invited to perform at the world’s most prestigious band and orchestra conference -– the 65th annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago – this December.
“We have to sound like May in December,” says Barat. “When opportunity knocks, we need to answer.”
So Barat works his band like an NFL team preparing for the Super Bowl. In addition to daily 90-minute in-school sessions, the Wind Symphony stays late and practices until 8 p.m. one day each week. They have 12 different pieces they need to perfect for the 45-minute program they’ll play in Chicago.
“The students know that to become the best musicians possible,” says Barat, “they need to perform at pressure-filled concerts in magnificent halls. Like the ones in Chicago.”
The Midwest Clinic is the largest music education conference in the world, attracting nearly 16,000 music professionals. And DA is one of only five high school bands worldwide selected to perform.
“In Chicago there will be university band and orchestra teachers, instrumental music administrators, professional musicians, composers and arrangers,” says Barat, “so we’re highly motivated, and we will be prepared.”
“The students know that to become the best musicians possible, they need to perform at pressure-filled concerts in magnificent halls. Like the ones in Chicago.”
ShAwn BArATBand Director
Wind Symphony selected for prestigious MiDWeSt CLiNiC
MASter CLASS with Northwestern university Conductor
Wind Symphony BenefitConcertTo raise funds for the Chicago trip, a Benefit Concert was held at the DA Theatre in October.
In late October, Dr. Mallory Thompson, director of bands, professor of music and coordinator of the conducting program at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, conducted a Master Class at Douglas Anderson to help our Wind Symphony prepare for the Midwest Clinic. She rehearsed the students in several numbers the band will play at the Clinic.
Converse CollegeCarlisia Mukes
Chattahoochee Technical CollegeKyle Johnson
Florida State College of JacksonvilleKayla BogganNicholas DepresCoulter FordhamAnna GhelerterSamantha O’Neal
Florida State UniversityElizabeth BunchAshley CrawfordMatthew LemineKelsi MayrRebekah MorganMeryl RigdonSamantha Watts
Full Sail UniversityCandace Covert
Ithaca CollegeOlivia Donalson
Jacksonville UniversityJonathan Lindsay
Loyola UniversityMaxwell Blumenfeld
continued...
INSTRuMENTAL MuSIC Graduates 2011
tuning up for CHiCago
“Dr. Thompson is an internationally respected conductor, and rightly so. She is an incredible interpreter of music, and has a marvelous ability to communicate with students to help them perform the music she envisions in her head.”
ShAwn BArATBand Director
Duval County School Board Chairman W.C. Gentry and his wife, Susan, joined Principal Cornelius in supporting the students’ trip to the Midwest Clinic.
“We’re highly motivated, and we will be prepared.”
ShAwn BArATBand Director
A Special Invitation...
INSTRUMENTAL
INS
TR
UM
EN
TAL
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
1514
The DA Chamber Orchestra was the only string orchestra in the state invited to perform on the main stage during the four-day conference.
ArtiStS HoNorS
Two members of Ace Martin’s nationally-renowned DA Jazz Ensemble were named the best performers in the country on their particular instruments in 2011.
Daniel Dickinson on alto saxophone and Jahaan Sweet on piano captured top honors in DownBeat Magazine’s 34th annual Student Music Awards. The SMA is an esteemed national competition for middle school, high school and college students to showcase their talent and be recognized for their musical skills.
Jahaan is now studying in the Jazz Studies Program at The Juilliard School in New York City, and Daniel is studying jazz as a part of the American Music Program at the University of North Florida.
DOWNBEAT magazine
Jazz
“DownBeat is known as the ‘Jazz Bible’ in the jazz idiom, and these awards are very prestigious. Our students were submitted against the top programs from coast to coast. I am extremely proud of these students and the faculty who have helped mentor them.”
ACe mArTinInstrumental Music Chair
INS
TR
UM
EN
TALIN
ST
RU
ME
NTA
L
Daniel Dickinson
Jahaan Sweet
In January, the DA Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Brian Griffin, performed for the Opening Concert at the 2011 Florida Music Education Association Clinic-Conference in Tampa.
This was the first time in school history that an orchestra from DA was invited to perform at a music education conference.
orCHeStra maKeS HiStorY
Stetson UniversityNathalie MaldonadoBrandon MosleyRichardo RodriguezAshley Whaley
Tallahassee Community CollegePhillip Parsons
Trinity Baptist CollegeLanden Howell
University of AlabamaChandler Cobb
University of GeorgiaIan LaBreck
University of Central FloridaJoshua Giesman
University of North FloridaKeion AndersonDaniel DickinsonJoseph Henderson
University of South FloridaKayleigh Lutman
Vanderbilt UniversityStephen Guthrie
INSTRuMENTAL MuSICGraduates 2011 continued from page 15
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
1716
Joining the bill with York is innovative guitarist Adam Rafferty whose “funky fingerstyle” allows him to play two simultaneous melodies. His solo versions of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” have made him a YouTube phenomenon.
The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, comprised of four uniquely accomplished musicians who perform programs ranging from Bluegrass to Bach, visited Douglas Anderson last spring to conduct a Master Class with DA guitarists.
York has shown extraordinary range as a performer in many styles, including classical guitar with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet with whom he recorded the GRAMMY-winning “Guitar Heroes” (2005), and as a jazz guitarist where he has performed and studied with legends Joe Diorio and Lenny Breau.
In addition, York recorded and performed with the Atlanta Symphony for the opera Ainadamar by Osvaldo Golijov. The recording of Ainadamar won two GRAMMY awards.
The quartet is celebrating its 30th year of performing together.
gueSt guitariStS from L.a.
Andrew York
piano StuDentS
In March, Piano Chair Vera Watson guided 17 DA piano students on an exhilarating eight-day concert tour through Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to see the birthplace of classical music,” said Ms. Watson.
“The students performed in Mozarthaus in Vienna, attended a Strauss performance at the Schoenbrunn Palace, toured the Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg where the Sound of Music was filmed, and experienced the beauty of the Alpine region.”
Florida State College of JacksonvilleBrianna BernalWilliam Pier
Florida State UniversityJessica BarkerBenjamin ClarkSamuel CrawfordJake TuttleSamantha Vallejo
JulliardJahaan Sweet
NASCAR Technical InstituteJustin Brown
Rollins CollegeEric HeumannSarah Joseph
University of FloridaCiara De Leon
University of North FloridaErica EllenburgMarina Gnida
PIANO Graduates 2011
“One of the most inspiring, profound experiences of this trip was being able to transcend cultural and lingual barriers through music. Music truly is a universal language.”
AnDrew CALLAhAnJunior
“It was incredible to perform in the house where Mozart lived while he composed so many of his pieces.”
CAmeron miChAeL Senior
The Abbey of Melk
Hellbrunn Palace Grounds
DA students enact a scene from The Sound of music
Visit Birthplaces of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Hayden
INS
TR
UM
EN
TAL
On February 24, York and Rafferty will conduct a workshop with DA Guitar students in the afternoon, prior to their performance at the Florida Theater.
Don’t Miss the GreAt GuitAr GAtHeriNG
at Florida TheaterINS
TR
UM
EN
TAL
2.24.12Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Andrew York, one of the world’s most versatile musicians, headlines the Great Guitar Gathering at the Florida Theatre on February 24, 2012.
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
1918
DA Artists create a welcoming environment for the Nurturing Center
SCuLPtiNG StuDeNt PLANS
We have special neighbors across from DA.
Housed in the Lillian Sanders Community Center off White Avenue is the Family Nurturing Center of Florida. It’s a wonderful place where children who are separated from a parent for whatever reason – divorce, abuse, distance – can come and spend quality time with that estranged parent.
“This is a safe place where children can rebuild their relationship with a separated parent,” explains Center Director Stella Johnson.
While the Center has a valuable purpose and caring personnel, the Center’s offices didn’t
Last Fall, DA Visual Artists visited Jacksonville University to learn from the JU professors what universities are looking for in student art portfolios.
After the presentation, the students participated in workshops featuring new techniques, materials and art processes offered at JU, including the intricate process of glass-blowing.
LeNDiNG A HeLPiNG HanD
convey the welcoming environment to complement its Mission.
In stepped Ms. Hillary Hogue and her DA Visual Artists who offered to rejuvenate the Center with art. Ms. Hogue asked her students to take the Center’s logo – Holding Hands – and interpret that theme as creatively as possible.
What resulted were a wealth of paintings with colorful hands -- drawing hands, gardening hands, working hands, loving hands.
“Suddenly the place popped with color. Now the children and the parents all love looking at the artworks that grace our walls.”
STeLLA JohnSonCenter Director
NAtioNAL HoNorS For ArtiStS
Each spring, the U.S. Congress sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district.
Alfred UniversityReine Hogue
American UniversityFrances Grant
Cooper –Union School of ArtsEnrique CabreraEmma Shoots
Fashion Institute of TechnologyAriel Exposito
Flagler CollegeAndrea McNeilAlexandria Miller
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityNatasha Maine
Florida International UniversityBahja Dennard
Florida State UniversityJames HogsheadOlivia Marrese
Florida State College of JacksonvilleRachael CollinsJohn CorneliusCassandra DagneseKelsey EldridgeBruce FitchSarah IshiiNaomi McDonaldAdam NadolskiTara RosarioSarah Wilder
Jacksonville UniversityPortia Smith
Kaiser UniversityShacara Young
New CollegeMegan Robinson
Trinity Baptist CollegeLyubov Sakara
University of Central FloridaDanielle BadgerJared Bittner
University of FloridaCrystal BuiMicaela Yates
University of North FloridaAudrey BartholomewEliza CarrollShannon DunhamAdam EasonSusannah HriczStephanie MoralesLizabeth MorillaTaylor NainLinda NguyenClinton Sanders
University of South FloridaJa’Ron HammondKyuri Park
Valencia Community CollegeJasmine Stanford
Warren Wilson CollegeEmma Petersen
VISuAL ARTS Graduates 2011
Blaze Hodge in Florida’s 4th District (Rep. Ander Crenshaw-R)
The students’ artworks will be displayed in the National Gallery in Washington DC for the next year.
2011 winners representing northeast Florida were both from Douglas Anderson:
Jermaine Shavers, Jr. in Florida’s District 3 (Rep. Corrine Brown-D)
VIS
UA
L AR
TS VISUAL ARTS
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
2120
Margaret Atwood, the Booker Prize-winning author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Blind Assassin, is the rare writer whose work is adored by the public, acclaimed by critics, and studied on campuses around the world.
Next March, Ms. Atwood will come to Jacksonville as the keynote speaker at the 12th annual Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival, which will be held for the first time on the campus of the University of North Florida.
The Festival is a three-day celebration of the printed word with 14 invited authors who will do readings, book signings and workshops. The Festival offers hands-on sessions in all genres of writing, and is aimed to assist experienced and emerging writers in the advancement of their craft.
In addition to Atwood, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with such writers as Peter Meinke, Poet Laureate of St. Petersburg; award-winning poet Lola Haskins; T-U journalist Jeff Brumley; and former Douglas Anderson graduate Billy Merrell, author of Talking in the Dark, a poetry memoir.
On Thursday, March 1, the Festival will sponsor a rehearsed play-reading with an esteemed playwright in the DA Recital Hall. And on Friday, March 2, students from other high schools and La Villa Middle School will come to Douglas Anderson for an exciting presentation on the impact of the spoken word.
LiterArY LeGeND MArGAret AtWooD Headlines Writers’ Festival
“Our mission with the Festival has always been to open a writing dialogue in a supportive environment that is stimulating and enlightening for our students and for all attendees.”
eLizABeTh FLAiSigCreative Writing Chair
Further information and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Festival website: www.douglasandersonwritersfest.com
Lola Haskins
Margaret Atwood
Peter Meinke
NAtioNAL recognition
Creative Writers earn
The works of DA Creative Writers continue to win plaudits from international publications and national writing contests. Whether it be through short stories, poetry, stage plays or oratory, the creativity of DA writers has consistently been recognized as superior by prestigious student competitions. Kudos to these award-winners!
Winners of the National 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards based in New York City
Florida Christian CollegeJulia Coppock
Florida Southern College TampaAllison Myers
Florida State College at JacksonvilleAna RosarioTimothy Carpenter
Florida State UniversityJacob BellingerSummer CallahanHaley JorayKelsey SchurerFurtuna Tewolde
New College of FloridaKevin McCombs
New York UniversityMelanie Payne
Princeton UniversityEmily Burr
Temple UniversityCyre Washington
University of Central FloridaMarina ReasonerRyan Wagahoff
University of FloridaIsabella DescendiAlison Schaefer
University of North CarolinaJames Bethmann
University of North FloridaTaylor HiteAlyssa Marie IchbanMorgan IrvinEli MoorehouseAisha Nieves
Wittenberg UniversityCali Clayton
CREATIVE WRITINGGraduates 2011
Aerie International is an international literary journal based in Montana that features writing from high school students as far away as Finland and Turkmenistan. The following DA students were honored to have their poems published in the 2011 Aerie International Journal.
Louise Burton: “Continental Drift”
Renee Reneau: “Sundays”
Brittany Soder: “Learning to Skip Rocks”
Rory Harper: (Short Story) “Deadwood”
Tyra McNeil: (Short Story) “Perfectly French”
Mario Alonzo: (Poetry) “Black Lake” & “F”
ACT-SO Regional Competition sponsored by the NAACP
Brandon King: First place in Playwriting: “Dinner” / Second Place in Poetry: “Faith”
Morgan Danford: First Place in Oratory
Role Models Today 2011 Writing Contest Zoe DeWitt: First Place Essay: “Wasted Youth”
12th Annual Festival at uNF March 1-3, 2012
CR
EA
TIV
E W
RIT
ING
CREATIVEWRITING
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
2322
Documentary Tackles
“I wanted to dedicate my senior year to crafting a film that would take on an issue bigger than myself.”
CoLTon CLemenTS DA Filmmaker
Teenage girls flock to see Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga in concert, and teens want the clothes, the makeup, the rail-thin figures.
When the young women’s looks don’t measure up, their self-images take a beating.
Senior Colton Clements -- now a freshman in the College of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University -- decided to explore self-image and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in his documentary, Ugly, as a way to reach out to struggling teens.
“I came up with the idea of Ugly because I had a friend who had experienced an
Young Women’S SeLf-image
eating disorder, says Colton. I wanted to explore the emotional and psychological effects the media and advertising have over young women.”
On his cinematic journey, Colton meets and interviews a modeling consultant, an anorexia survivor, a therapist, and the winner of America’s Next Top Model-- the plus-sized fashion model Whitney Thompson.
“I’m hoping that my voice can help change these young women’s self-esteem issues,” says Colton. “If I can help one person, if I can save one person, then my toils as a filmmaker are all worthwhile.”
Student Director Colton Clements discusses a scene with model and talent manager Kezia Rolle.
FILM FESTIVAL
Heirloom NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth), Seattle, WA Ft. Lauderdale Int. Film Festival
Inundation Peace River Film Festival, Punta Gorda
Stationery NFFTY, Seattle, WA Tulsa International Film Festival
ugly Peace River Film Festival, Punta Gorda
FiLMMAKerS CAPture NAtioNALHoNorS
A number of DA student films were honored at Film Festivals across the country in 2011.
Emerson CollegeNoah Wilson
Florida State College of JacksonvilleTyler RedshawFaith Bennett
Florida State UniversityAsdrubal QuinteroBrandon Felber
Florida State University Film SchoolColton Clements
Hilliard Community CollegeDeante Jordan
Marymount Manhattan College, NYCNick Lulli
Parsons The New School for Design, NYCMarquale Ashley
School of Visual Arts, NYCBobby Allen
Slippery Rock UniversityJake Puttick
Tallahassee Community CollegeConnor Grady
University of North FloridaJolisa BrinsonJames Gearhart
CINEMATIC ARTSGraduates 2011 Sometimes,
something positive emerges from tragedy.
In 2004, Tracy Porter’s 16-year-old son suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car crash in Jacksonville.
SenD out meSSage
on SafetYfiLmmaKerS
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to use their art to benefit the community and further their art education.”Dr. Corey ThAyer Cinematic Arts Co-Chair
Tracy Porter of Mothers Against Brain Injury presents the winning checks to (l to r) Connor Grady, instructor Dr. Corey Thayer, and Brandon Felber.
Tracy, not wanting other moms to go through what she has, started Mothers Against Brain Injury (MABI), a non-profit organization that supports teenage victims of traumatic brain injury.
Each year, MABI offers high school students in 75 North Florida schools the opportunity to win collegiate scholarship awards for producing 30-second Public Service Announcements entreating teenage drivers to utilize safe driving habits.
For the past two years, DA Cinematic Arts students have produced the winning PSAs.
Last May, senior Connor Grady was the clear winner with more than 5000 votes from across the nation, capturing the scholarship award for first place. Fellow senior Brandon Felber was awarded 4th place.
With the help of Allstate Insurance and First Coast News Jacksonville, MABI offers a $4000 scholarship for the winning student PSA and a $4000 award for the winning school.
CIN
EM
AT
IC A
RT
SCINEMATIC ARTS
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
2524
“The State Thespian Festival introduces a whole new world -- a fresh, mystical perspective -- that enlightens us as to what being a part of our craft is all about.”
pABLo J. miLLASenior
theatre and tech Students take Broadway Play to tampa Bay for State thespian Festival
Then 150 students comprising the cast and crew, teachers and chaperones boarded buses for the seven-hour trip to Tampa.
(Cont.)
To the 3,000 people in the audience at Morsani Hall at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, it all looked so easy.
The cast and crew of Douglas Anderson’s Theatre Troupe were delivering a grandioso performance at the Florida State Thespian Festival of the Broadway musical, Aida. Each musical number brought the crowd to its feet in applause. Nine standing ovations in all.
What the audience hadn’t seen took place two days earlier when two huge semi-trailors were being loaded back in Jacksonville with two tons of sets, massive columns for Egyptian temples, costumes, make-up, props, lights, soundboards, tools for constructing the set, and much, much more.
Seniors Halley McClure (l) and Tori Richmond-Davies participate in Jess Pillmore’s Stage Combat Class.
Cincinnati Conservatory of MusicTrenton Vorwerk
Community College of ChicagoKellie Wyatt
Converse CollegeTyler Lawrence
Duke UniversityTreEllis Scott
Jacksonville UniversityChristopher Robertson
Florida State College of JacksonvilleEmily Waldhauer
Florida State UniversityPhilip HarvilleEmily LawrenceMichael MayoAndrea White
Savannah College of Art and Design Taylor AlleyRebecca RunyonZack Mease
University of Central FloridaDazjanae DaileyJasmine Mitchell
University of FloridaAdrienne Feinglass
Mary Washington University Kacie Couch
University of Minnesota – Twin CitiesJucoby Johnson
North Carolina School of the ArtsSarah Gray
University of North FloridaLily Garmendia
University of West FloridaShanaya DixonJessica Bain
Wake Forest UniversityShelby Reed
THEATREGraduates 2011
CoMiNG HoMe to SHAre Her WiSDoM
Jess Pillmore graduated from DA in 1993 as a Dance Major, and embarked on an extensive journey -- building a versatile career in theater, dance and music, working as a performer, director and choreographer with such artists as Ann Reinking, Gregory Hines and Susan Schulman.
Last spring, Jess returned to DA with her actor-director husband, Chris Beaulieu, to share the accrued wisdom from her journey.
At the behest of Dr. Lee Beger, DA Theatre Chair, Jess and Chris conducted Master Classes for all four grade levels of Theatre students.
Alum returns to Campus to Conduct Master Class
The first two days, the students attended workshops in improvisation, dance, comedy, dialect and other theatre skills.
Then at 3 p.m. on Thursday, the ticking clock began. The DA semis pulled up to the unloading docks at Morsani Hall, the line of students formed, and two tons of sets and gear were unloaded. The students had exactly four hours to re-construct the sets, warm-up the orchestra, test the soundboards, set the lights, get in costume and makeup, and launch Aida.
“On this stage, where they had never rehearsed before,” said director Dr. Lee Beger, “the performers must remember their blocking, lines, and dances, and how to make it all seem fresh and inspired.
“Plus, there’s that amazing factor in live theatre that at any minute anything can go wrong. Having the knowledge and improvisational skill to overcome that is what makes live theatre work.”
The nine standing ovations told the DA troupe that their Aida had indeed worked.
THEATREAiDA roCKS tHe HouSe
TH
EA
TR
EState thespian Festival continued...
“It was wonderful to come back to campus, and I was excited to explore different physical theatre skills with each grade.”
JeSS piLLmore
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
2726
CaMeRon MiCHael, PianoORFEO MuSiC FESTiVAlVipiteno, Italy
Students Pursue Their Passion for the Arts in Summer Workshops
Each summer, thanks to generous donations from DA benefactors, our students are given the opportunity to study with the experts in their Arts field by attending workshops and seminars around the country and around the world.
In Italy, Cameron performed Debussy’s prelude from Suite pour le piano and Liszt’s Liebestraum no. 3.
Summer ScholarshipsSend Students All over the World
Blaze HoDge, Visual ArtsSCHOOl OF THE MuSEuM OF FiNE ARTSBoston, MA
MARiE wAlSH SHARPE SuMMER SEMiNARColorado Springs, CO
“In Boston, I remembered why I started doing art.
Before I was so serious about every piece – some people
thought I was unpleasant because I was so earnest.
But, for the first time, I lightened up and started working
with new materials and realized that art can be whimsical.
And people loved it!
“One of my great memories in Colorado was staying
up really late at night with fellow artists, and discussing
different art theories and approaches.
“The teachers in both programs were very inspirational
and helped me think conceptually and expand my ideas.”
JessiCa JaCoBson, TheatreBROAdwAy THEATRE PROjECTNew York City, NY
Jessica performs a musical number at her summer intensive.
Jessica greets DA alum Patrick Heusinger, who was appearing on Broadway in next Fall
These summer workshops allow the students to interact with other passionate students, and raise their craft to the next level.
Here, in their own words, is what the students brought back from their summer studies . . .
“The two-week Orfeo Music
Festival took place in the
small town of Vipiteno in the
northern Alps of Italy. The
festival included 103 students
from colleges and high
schools throughout the world.
“Each day, I took part in two
concerts, a master class,
chamber music ensembles,
accompanying roles, private
lessons and hours of
practice time.
“The festival introduced me to new
ideas about music and showed
me that music is an international
language. Though I couldn’t speak
the languages of the students
from Chile, Hong Kong, Germany
or Japan, all of us were able to
communicate to each other through
our musical abilities.”
“When I was
accepted into
this three-week
musical theatre
intensive, my
world was
completely different. I was unsure of
myself and my potential, and I had no
idea what I wanted to do with my life.
“Now, at the end of this amazing program,
I know that this is all I want. I want to
perform. Whether it is on Broadway, or in
Los Angeles, or in a quaint local dinner
theatre, I want to make a living off of what I
love the most -- musical theatre!
“At the Broadway Theatre Project, we had
many amazing guest artists. From Ben
Vereen’s discussions on digging deeper
into the soul, to Donna McKechnie’s talk
about originating a role in A Chorus Line.“
Blaze became part of his art installation in Boston.
Figure drawing in Colorado Springs.
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
2928
Danae MaCleoD, Creative WritingBrown universityProvidence, RI
gaBBy RoulHaC, DanceBates College young dancers workshopLewiston, ME
BRooks Monk, Vocal MusicGRAMMy CampLos Angeles, CA
The Grammy Showcase Concert took place at the famous El Rey Theater in Hollywood
Brooks collaborated with Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers
eMily anDeRBeRg, DoMinique BaRlow, BRenDan Feeney, Cayla Bass, Ben CaMpBell, BRian golDsBeRRy, anna THoMpson & DRew sewell, OrchestraCannon Music CampBoone, NC
asHley k illougH, ReBekaH pape & kaiTl in sMeDley, Orchestra FSu Summer Music CampTallahassee, FL
ivey CuFFe, OrchestraSewanee Music FestivalSewanee, TN
eDwaRD laTiMeR, Maia Delegal & T iM sTepHen, OrchestraBrevard Music CenterBrevard, NC
JaClyn Bl iCkley, OrchestraNyu Summer String Quartet intensiveNew York City, NY
SuMMer ScholarshipsThese students also had the opportunity to progress in their Arts studies at summer workshops around the country.
“I participated in the
Electronic Music
Production career
track. Throughout
the week I wrote,
arranged, produced,
recorded and mixed an original song. I played
guitar and piano and sang on my track, and also
worked with two other guitarists and a bassist to
complete the piece.
“It’s great to see all of the collaboration that
occurs between the different career tracks.
Songwriters bring their guitars to lunch and get
vocalists to sing their work. Combos are talking
outside of rehearsal about how to make their
songs better. Producers are collaborating with
instrumentalists to record their tracks. Concert
promoters are putting together a showcase
concert and taking care of all the details.
“At DA, I see the same potential for
collaboration and interaction on a personal
level and even between the arts areas. DA is
a breeding ground for talent and I hope to be
able to take advantage of that.”
Danae attended a
workshop called
“Laughing Matters” to
help her incorporate
humor into her writing.
“At Bates, I had the
opportunity to work with
Camille Brown, a well-
known choreographer
who mixes modern
“I learned that every single word counts when
you’re trying to be funny. Unfortunately, I also
found that many ideas are funny in concept,
but the execution doesn’t always lead to the
desired level of humor!”
dance techniques with West African dance
elements. There’s a real spiritual feel to her
choreography. Her classes were always hard;
she expected the best from you each day.”
l iBBy R iDDiCk, DanceAlvin Ailey Summer dance intensiveNew York City, NY
asHley TuRneR & J ’RoyCe walTon, Theatreithaca College Musical Theater ProgramIthaca, NY
niCk saCks, TheatreCarnegie Mellon university Pre-College drama ProgramPittsburgh, PA
kRysTin CoTe, OrchestraMiTCHell kuHn, Symphonic BandBoston university Tanglewood instituteLenox, MA
MaDeline CenTRon, ella MonToya & HannaH sopeR, Visual ArtsChester College Of New EnglandChester, NH
A special thanks to the DA patrons who made this possible!
Krystin Cote with Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell
Nick Sacks
Edward Latimer, Tim Stephen, Maia Delegal, Sam Casseday
Mitchell KuhnBlaze Hodge hiking in Colorado
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
3130
Honorary Chairs
SHiNiNG StArCARlOS GARlANd Class of 2008
Elenor Ashby Mayor and Mrs. Alvin Brown
Internationally renowned Jacksonville’s Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, known for excellence in the Arts and Academics, seeks partnerships with community-minded corporations with resources to help support communications and development needs of the school. No experience needed.
Requires an understanding and appreciation of the importance of the Arts and quality public education to our community. Corporate financial support addresses Arts publications, literary magazines, website, public relations, development, student summer scholarships and professional artists’ master classes.
For further details, please call Jackie Cornelius at 208-0962.
WANteD: Corporate Partners
Lydia Haug ’91, Dance major, appeared in the movie, Our Idiot Brother, playing a Russian ballerina opposite comedic actors Paul Rudd and Steve Coogan. “There was a lot of improvisation,” says Lydia. “Lines were changing. You were constantly reacting to what they’re doing. It was a fun process.” In addition to her acting, Lydia is a member of the Terra Firma Dance Theater, a contemporary dance troupe in New York City.
Matt Richelson ’93, Guitar major, is the creator of DreamEnglish.com, a website with songs and materials to help children learn English through songs. In 2006 Matt moved to Japan and began teaching English to children. There he developed a very successful learning process using children’s songs that he had written. Matt’s method is now being utilized in more than 50 countries around the world. His work teaching children can be seen on YouTube.
Yvonne C. Lonzano ’95, Visual Arts major, had her work featured at the Biennial Exhibit sponsored by Progressive Insurance, as well as in corporate art collections at Baptist South and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Yvonne also painted the exterior mural at Reddi-Arts in Jacksonville. This year, she has been honored as the featured artist on such online sources as Fine Art America and Blick Arts Materials. Examples of her work can be viewed at yclart.com
Maria Baumann ‘98 , Dance Major, was named Director of Education & Community Engagement with Urban Bush Women, a Brooklyn-based dance company whose performances are dedicated to exploring the cultural influences of the African Diaspora and are very strong works based on women’s experiences.
Mary Clymene Baugher ’98, Dance major, is performing with the Elisa Monte Dance Company in New York City. She will be a guest artist and featured performer in the DA Spring Concert in May along with her dance partner Prentice Whitlow.
Cassie Freeman ’98, Theatre major, starred in the feature film Kinyarwanda, set against the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. The film captured the 2011 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for World Cinema
Drama. For her portrayal of Lt. Rose in the film, Cassie was named Best Actress by the Jacksonville Film Festival, and was also the
recipient of the 2011 Rising Star Award. Cassie first major film role was as Denzel Washington’s love interest in Spike Lee’s Inside Man.
aLumniDon’t miSS
extravaganza
2012Moran Theatre, Times-union CenterArt Exhibit, 6:30 pm; Performance, 7:30 pm
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com
February 18, 2012
What are they doing now?
NeWSDou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
3332
aLumniNicole Cromartie ‘99, Dance major, is the Coordinator of Museum Interpretation at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. She assists with the development of all materials used by visitors to learn about the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.
Tiffany Sullivan Fish ‘99, Dance major, is a performer and choreographer who has worked for the Genesis Foundation for the Arts and performed with the Metropolitan Opera with such artists as Sean Curren, Doug Varone and Julie Taymore. Tiffany is currently pursuing her MFA at Jacksonville University.
Holly Ann Butler ’01, Theatre major, performed in the touring production of Shrek which played in 28 cities nationwide, including Jacksonville last May. Holly played several roles in Shrek, including Princess Fiona’s mother and the Wicked Witch. Holly has appeared on Broadway in Grease and spent nearly a year touring with Jersey Boys.
Jennifer Braddock ’01, Film/Theatre major, has been working as a camera assistant in Hollywood the past five years, mostly in episodic TV. You may have seen her work in shows such as Pushing Daisies, Big Love, The Defenders, Sons of Anarchy and The Cape. She just wrapped on a new ABC Family show called Jane By Design that will air in January. Jennifer has also been elected to the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600.
Alyssa Rodgers ’05, Vocal major, completed her Master’s Degree in Sacred Music at the University of Florida. While finishing her
degree, Alyssa assisted her professor with teaching sight-reading courses.
Julie Williams ’05, Dance major, is currently performing at Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan in the Universal Monsters Live Rock & Roll Show. Julie also dances and choreographs with the CooperMorgan Dance Theatre in Jacksonville.
Eric Bell ’06, Cinematic Arts major, is completing his MBA at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and working as the Social Media Manager for a Los Angeles manufacturing company.
David Price ’06, Cinematic Arts major, currently works as a video producer at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. A graduate of New College of Florida, David’s work varies daily: One day he might be interviewing a preeminent anthropologist, the next day he is editing video footage from a paleontological dig site.
Grace Fulmer,08, a senior at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, is working part-time with The Royalty Network, a music publishing company and independent record label in New York City. This past spring, Grace worked as an intern for The Jimmy Fallon Show.
Alexa Schmidt ’08, Dance major, was recently crowned Miss University of Central Florida 2012, and will go on to compete in the Miss Florida Pageant in July in St. Petersburg. In the talent portion of the competition, Schmidt danced to the song “Someone Like You” by singer-songwriter Adele. She also promoted the SMART Moves program she is involved in which is designed to teach children to say no to drugs, alcohol abuse and premarital sexual activity.
Jeremy Smith ’08, Instrumental Music major, is now a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in New Orleans, LA, where he is establishing his career as a jazz drummer with the Marine Corps band. Jeremy graduated earlier this year from the military music school in Norfolk, VA. He was a member of the 2006 Essentially Ellington-winning DA Jazz Ensemble that was featured in the movie, Chops.
Julianne McCarthy ’09, Vocal major, was recently cast in the lead of The Crucible in Peabody Opera Theater’s spring production at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. Since graduation from DA, she has also performed in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at the Teplice Opera House in the Czech Republic, studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and was personally selected by soprano Barbara Bonney to perform in a series of master classes.
Augustus Bennett ’09, Theatre major, was recently selected to serve on State Farm’s Youth Advisory Board. The board is charged with managing and distributing $5 million per year in service-learning grants to help communities nationwide.
Chase Finn ’09, Cinematic Arts major, is currently a junior attending Emerson College in Boston, majoring in Film Production. Last summer he interned in New York City for The Colbert Report. He has worked on a number of student films, and plans to develop his own production company after graduation.
Leah Stevens ’03, Vocal major, is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Music Education at Northwestern University in Chicago. Prior to enrolling at Northwestern, she was a middle school music teacher/chorus director in Polk County, and traveled and taught in Europe.
Colleen Jackson ’04, Vocal major, is a second-year graduate student in voice performance at the University of Northern Colorado, and is serving as the interim opera coordinator for the UNC Opera Theatre. In November, Jackson performed “Caro Nome” from Verdi’s Rigoletto.
Christina May ’04, Dance major, has joined the DV8 Physical Theatre Company in London, where she is appearing in Lloyd Newson’s Can We Talk About This? The production, which has toured in Hong Kong and Australia, deals with freedom of speech, censorship and Islam. DV8 (for Dance and Video 8) merges dance and documentary forms to confront the “taboos” of democratic societies.
Shawn Warner-Garcia ‘04, Vocal major, is pursuing his Ph.D. in Linguistics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He had previously earned his Master’s at the University of Texas at Austin.
Amy McClendon ’05, Dance major, has been cast as the resplendent “Peacock Goddess” in Cirque Du Soleil’s new international tour in 2012. She is contracted for a two-year run. Amy previously starred in Royal Caribbean’s production of Broadway’s Hairspray.
Tiffany Sullivan Fish
Jennifer Braddock
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
3534
Andy Leverett ’09, Cinematic Arts major, and
Henna Bakshi ’10, Creative Writing major,
Produce a cooking show on the University of North Florida’s Osprey TV Network called The Skillet. Hannah created the show as part of her food column that she started at DA. Andy has directed and edited six 24-minute episodes, and more are in the oven!
Tiffany Gray ’10, Musical Theatre major, starred in the Los Angeles production of Rent. In the role of Joanne, Tiffany was honored by Stage Scene LA in the category Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. A reviewer wrote: “Gray gives a consummate and impassioned rendition of Joanne that is full of profound emotive detail and obvious empathy. She is an uninhibited performer with a beautifully full and exhilarating voice that blankets the entire audience with sonorant warmth.”
Aetna Giving Campaign
American Medical Partnership, Inc.
Eleanor & Garnett Ashby / Roberts Charitable Trust
Elizabeth & Joe Augustus
Linda Alexander
American Medical Partnership, Inc.
Jon Arnold & Andrea Conover
Ann & Ted Baker
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Baker
F.H. & Daryl S. Barker
Reed Barrett
Ms. Lu Ann Bear
Patricia Paul Bent
Carol Boyd
Debbie & Bruce Broder
Carolyn & Christiana Broughton
Robert C. Broward & Myrtice Craig
Mr. & Mrs. J.F. Bryan, IV
Maryann & Shepard Bryan, Jr.
Barbara & Danny Burns
Virginia G. Buttles
Marilyn & Pete Carpenter
Ronni Chandler
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Cheiken
Merle & Ron Cherry
Susan Cherry
Betty & Joe Chornyei
Linda Cliff & Joel Mott Charities
Jane Condon & Dan Selhorst
Ruth P. Conley
Jackie & Carey Cornelius
The Honorable John Crescimbeni
Isabelle & Robert Davis
Suzanne & Stephan Day
Jack C. Demetree
Dr. & Mrs. George Dorion
Barbara Drake
Jennifer & Joe Duke
Jeff Dunn
Iris Eisenberg, MD
Randy & Lynn Evans
Linda & Nathan Franzblau
General John & Mrs. Carol Fryer
Flavel & John Godfrey
Dr. Christine & Mr. Gary Granfield
Constance S. Green
Sonya & Mickey Greenfield
Barbara Gubbin
Sallie Larkin Hall
The Larkin Hall Family Fund
Ms. Judy K. Hammer - Knisely
Preston & Joan Haskell
Holly & Ken Hess
Shanda Hess
Ann & David Hicks
Connie Hodges
McGlade & John Holloway
Donna & Mark Hulsey
The Honorable Kevin Hyde
ISP Enterprises, Inc./ Mr. and Mrs. Dana Moran
Monica & Bob Jacoby
Amy & Andy John
The Honorable Stephan C. Joost
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Joseph
KBJ Architects, Inc. / Tom Rinsing
Linda B. King
Jan & Don Knab
Mrs. Donna Barnett Knauer, Jr
Joy & Howard Korman
Joy & Bronson Lamb, Jr.
Helen M. Lane
In Memory of James Lehosit
Catherine & George Leverett
Amy Lingren
Dr. Lawrence & Emily Lisska
Doris Locke
Betsey Lovett
Dianne & Gary McCalla
Sally (Sara) McCue
McCue Living Trust
Philip & Wendy McDaniel
In Honor & Memory of Nancy M. McDonald
Teresa & Arthur Milam
The Estate of Ken Moore
Leigh & Ed Moorhouse
Joannie & Russell Newton
Mr. & Mrs. Nightingale
Susan & Duane Ottenberg
Thomas T. Phillips, Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Publix Supermarket Charities
Regions Bank / Marty Lanahan
Diane & Donald Raines
Lee Ann & Peter Rummell
Sheena & Henry Rupert
Roslyn Russell
Konika & Eric Schallen
Sissy & Robert Schmidt
Marty & Joy Schultz
Gert & Becky Schumann
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sherin
Marie, Marisa & Mike Shipley
Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Sick, Jr.
Judy & Earl Silas
Catherine & James P. Smith, Jr.
Dr. Nancy & Judge Howard Snyder
Francis & Bob Soper
Nancy & Joseph Spadaro
Terri Stahlman
Brooke & Hap Stein
Jay & Deanie Stein
Linda & David Stein
Stellar Foundation
Drs. Barry & Rori Stevens
Rose & Roy Stone
Richard Suddath
Mr. & Mrs. J. Frank Surface, Jr.
Dorcas Tanner
Mrs. C. Herman Terry
Dorothy & Lee Thomas
Mary Jane & John D. Uible
Janelle Wagoner
Martin Wander
Michael Ward
Delores & Wayne Weaver
David & Susan Wilkinson
The Wingood Foundation
James H. Winston
Winston Family Foundation
Julie Young & The Aetna Foundation
Zimmerman Family Foundation
CoNtINUEDPAtroNS PAtroNS
Kimberly Paige ’10, Piano major, is a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee, where she attends Belmont University. She is thrilled to report that she just signed a publishing deal with Ramblin’ Music, so “I now write songs for a living.” Says Kimberly, “I am a huge fan of Douglas Anderson. I find myself, everyday, bragging about DA. The school changed my life and I can’t wait until the day I can give back.”
Kailey Greene ’11, Dance major, received an apprenticeship with nationally-renowned Co. Dance to work with their training faculty. She recently signed with Clear Talent Agency in Los Angeles to pursue her professional dance career.
Thanks for all you do!The following patrons have contributed to the education of our Arts students during the past year. We thank you for your generosity.
aLumni
Kailey Greene
Tiffany Gray
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
3736
Alyce Walcavich, Visual Arts instructor, attended a Summer Workshop at Wildacres Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The classes included Journaling and Photo-Journalism.
Bonnie Harrison, Theatre Department instructor, published an article (Spring 2011) in the national publication, Our Canada. In the “Canadians Abroad” section, Ms. Harrison wrote about the traditional “Canada Day” lesson she teachers annually to her DA students. Ms. Harrison explains: “Inspired to share my love of my ‘home and native land’ Canada, I hold a ‘Canada Day’ in one of my classes each year. I ask questions about our neighbors to the north and provide Canadian-themed prizes for those who have the correct answer, or at least get it in the ball park (or hockey rink as it were).”
Dr. Phyllis Penney, Dance Department chair, studied with Ballet Folkloric in Lima, Peru. Established in 1991, Ballet Folkloric Peru is one of the few presenters of “authentic” Peruvian dance that is rich in tradition and culture throughout the Amazon, Andes, and coastal regions of South America.
Linda Jenkins, Dance instructor, attended the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s Summer Intensive on classical ballet technique.
Debra Webb Rogers, Dance instructor, has begun her second book in Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. After completing San Marco, a photographic history of that area, Webb Rogers is accumulating photos for a similar book about Jacksonville’s Southside.
faCuLtY BravoS
Ms. Swartz and her seminar group visit an abolitionist church in Brooklyn that was called the “Grand Central Depot” of the Underground Railroad.
Lumpkin in Japan
Alison Swartz, a Social Studies teacher, was awarded a fellowship to the prestigious Gilder Lehrman Summer Seminars at NYU. The week-long workshop, which focused on Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation movement, was facilitated by two leading Lincoln scholars, James Oakes and Matthew Pinsker.
John Lumpkin, Jazz Band II and Electronic Music instructor, went on tour with Japanese artist Hornobu Saito and his jazz quartet. “We played in jazz clubs such as the Blue Note, Jazz Inn, Mister Kelly’s and even some Buddhist temples,” says Mr. Lumpkin. “I try to pass these experiences onto my DA students: No matter where you are or what language you speak, people will always pick up on your heart and character. They can sense passion, desire, will, and peace.”
oF tHe
YearteaCHer
Elizabeth Flaisig, Creative Writing chair, traveled to Great Britain last summer for “a writer’s pleasure and exploration.” Says Ms. Flaisig, “My journey began on the southern coast of England in Portsmouth, known for its naval role in World War II’s D-Day. I toured Glastonbury to experience sites still mired
in King Arthur’s legend, and onto Bath to visit Jane Austin’s home and the Roman Baths. I then took a memorable side trip to the hauntingly beautiful Stonehenge.”
Theresa Gage, currently an adjunct teacher in the Math Department, was named the 2010-11 DA Volunteer of the Year prior to being hired on staff this school year. Donating her time, Ms. Gage would come into the school every day to help with copying, transporting of books and equipment, handling orientation tasks, and tutoring students in math and science.
Nolan O’Dell, an instructor and set designer in the Theatre Department, spent his 14th season as the resident designer for the Porthouse Theatre outside of Cleveland in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This past summer, he designed the scenery for Hello, Dolly!
Barry Wilson has been a winning teacher for twenty-one years. And now he is being rewarded.
He is the recipient of the Gladys Prior Award for career teaching excellence and is the Douglas Anderson Teacher of the Year for 2011-12. Representing the school, he will next compete for Duval County distinction.
Most days Barry is busy teaching printmaking, drawing and painting, and he involves his students in lots of innovative collaborative community art projects. For years his art students have collaborated in the New View partnership with the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. One collaboration resulted in a 30-foot mural of the Harlem Renaissance, on permanent display at the Clara White Mission.
Almost every afternoon Barry can be found working on what is perhaps his most visible contribution to Douglas Anderson. The breathtaking gardens that he and his students have installed in the areas surrounding the school serve as a beautiful reminder of the muse of the natural arts.
“I want the exterior of our campus to reflect the creativity, imagination and artistic spirit that goes on inside our classrooms, performance halls and galleries.
“I hope the garden can become an outdoor visual arts, creative writing and science classroom, and a place of tranquility for the neighborhood to enjoy.”
BArry wiLSon Teacher of the Year 2011-12
hello Dolly! set designed by O’Dell
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
3938
2012performanCe SCHeDuLe
JANUARY5 Student Choreography Dance Concert Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
16 Vocal Performance Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Times-Union Center 6 p.m.
26-27 Children’s Dance Concert DA Theater, 7:30 p.m.
29 Piano Recital Friday Musicale, TBA
FebRUARY1-4 Theater Production –7-8 Almost Maine DA Black Box, 7:30 p.m.
18 Extravaganza 2012 (Reserved Seating) Moran Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
24 Great Guitar Gathering Florida Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
28 Senior Orchestra Recital Friday Musicale Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
For more information, check the
school website: da-arts.org
or call 346-5620, ext. 109Admission, dates and times are subject to change. Call to confirm a performance or to obtain ticket information.
MARCH1 Band Concert with LaVilla DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
3 12th annual DA Writers Festival UNF Student Center, 8:30 a.m.
6 Piano Recital Jacksonville Public Library Main Branch, 6:30 p.m.
15 Visual Arts Gallery Opening Rising Stars DA Art Gallery, 5:30 p.m.
17 Swingin’ with the Band Dinner-Dance Duval County Firemen’s Hall, 7:00 p.m.
ApRil16-17 Creative Writing Senior Recital DA Recital Hall, 7:00 p.m.
19 Visual Arts Gallery Opening Senior Show DA Art Gallery, 5:30 p.m.
21 Vocal Department Cabaret Nite 2012 DA Theatre, 6:00 p.m.
26 Spring Band Concert DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
27 Spring Orchestra Concert DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
MAY2-3 Children’s Theater Production The Monkey King DA Black Box, 7:30 p.m.
4 Spring Dance Concert DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
11 Spring Vocal Concert St. John’s Cathedral, 7:30 p.m.
18 Spring Film Festival DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
29 Songwriters’ CD Release DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11D
ouglas Anderson S
chool of Arts 2011
4140
Douglas Anderson School of the Artspresents:
A Night of Artistry & entertainment
Moran Theatre, Times-union CenterArt Exhibit, 6:30 pm; Performance, 7:30 pm
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com
February 18, 2012
Dou
glas
And
erso
n S
choo
l of
Art
s 20
11
Recommended