Inside CHapel #22 English

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CHAPEL Issue 22 - March 2021 / ISSN 2527-2160

AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY Danilo Caymmi at home in both music and fine arts

A UNIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES The educational resources in Chapel’s libraries

IMMERSED IN SOUND Alumnus Rodrigo Frangione tells how Chapel prepared him for artistic and cultural diversity

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE An essay by Martha Medeiros

A LIFE FILLED WITH FIRSTS The new beginnings and upcoming projects for pianist and maestro João Carlos Martins

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ear readers of Inside Chapel magazine, it is with a heart full of hope that I address you as we present yet another issue of our beloved newsletter from the Chapel School family. The challenge of the fight against COVID-19 continues; however, much greater than the virus is our strength to fight and overcome the limitations that it imposes on us: as we sing in the Brazilian National Anthem, “you will see that your son does not run away from the fight.” Driven by this certainty we have a cover story on one of the biggest names in Brazilian music – someone who is an extraordinary example of overcoming adversity – the great maestro João Carlos Martins. Despite undergoing more than twenty surgeries, he never lost the most essential element in any fight we face: HOPE. Culture is the overarching theme of this edition, and being true to this aim, journalist Adriana Calabró tells the life story of the one and only Danilo Caymmi. Just by his last name, he needs no introduction, for he is son of the renowned Dorival Caymmi. Influenced by the bossa nova movement, in which his family were great icons, the life story of this great interpreter and musical poet is told lightly and dexterously, outlining the best that Brazilian music has to offer.

Then, Maurício Oliveira brings us the story of former student Rodrigo Frangioni, who, after leaving Chapel, traveled to the city of Boston, in the United States, where he had the opportunity to study music at Berklee, one of the most prestigious schools. Paula Veneroso gives us an in depth view of what Chapel’s libraries offer our community: their enviable collection, which includes more than fifty thousand books, their support of the subjects taught in classrooms, and the spaces that are a real forming ground for people qualified to aspire to enter any major educational institution in the world. Chapel is one of the few schools with this degree of educational and cultural competence in either the Brazilian or international markets.

In this edition, we will have a thought-provoking essay written by Martha Medeiros, entitled “What Happens in the Middle.” We also showcase, with great pride and joy, an accomplishment that shows why Chapel is so respected in the Brazilian and international community: the gold and silver medals won by our students who participated in the largest global competition in Mathematics. In this edition, we congratulate you and pray to God that you continue to grow in mathematical and scientific knowledge, helping our country to grow as well.

And finally, we bring you the Talents & Passions section, with beautiful and touching stories of life and gifts that fill us with pride, knowing we have among us students with a high degree of sensitivity towards their peers and the capacity for professional growth. This is what Livia Deleuse reveals to us when talking about the history of volunteering, present in the center of everything that her family does; this is what happens in the life of Yeongin (Elren) Chae, a young South Korean who stood out in the international math competition and took the name of her family and Chapel to the highest place on the podium. We bring the story of the 15-year-old student, a 10th grader at Chapel and a competent Amazon, Chloe Tanzilli Teillere, who turned her family’s hobby into a means of attaining the highest honors in almost every competition; we also tell the story of Bruno Stille, a talented rap composer and now a student of ours; we show a true genius of the keyboards, Pedro Malagoni, who, with a clear gift for music, drew the attention of music producers of renowned stars such as Andrea Bocelli; and to close with a flourish, we bring a brief account of the life of Nicholas Blikstad, who is a true tennis master, although his skills are not limited to this sport, as he also does boxing and takes drum lessons – in other words, a young man with many talents, who, with lightness and tranquility, manages to put all this into practice, with a beautiful humility.

And now that I am finishing my introduction for this issue of our beloved Inside Chapel magazine, I hope that everyone will continue to protect themselves during the pandemic, and that reading the news of what is happening in our cherished school community will be one more way to help them stay at home while waiting to be vaccinated, and, eventually, returning to all of our face-to-face activities. Happy reading!

Sending a big hug, and prayers that God may bless each one of you powerfully.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fr. Lindomar Felix da Silva, OMI, Provincial of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Brazil

STAFF INSIDE CHAPEL IS A SEMI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION BY CHAPEL SCHOOL WWW.CHAPELSCHOOL.COM

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Miguel Tavares Ferreira, Marcos Tavares Ferreira, Adriana Rede, and Luciana Brandespim EDITOR: Paula Veneroso MTB 23.596 (paulaveneroso@gmail.com) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Fernanda Caires (publications@chapelschool.com) CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS EDITION: Adriana Calabró, Martha Medeiros, Maurício Oliveira, and Paula Veneroso PHOTOS: Ale Catan, Arquivo Chapel, Carin Mandelli, Fernando Mucci, Karin Kahn, Luis França, Marie Simonova, and William Aguiar GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Vitor de Castro Fernandes (design.vitor@gmail.com) TRANSLATIONS: Chapel School PRINTER: Pifferprint

EDITORIAL

Lucy Nunes, Superintendent, Chapel School

ARTISTRY AND INTELLECT

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hat would our world be without art? It’s hard to imagine, I know. Certainly it would possess less joy and beauty, but much more than that, it would be a place lacking depth, creativity and even intelligence. Art is so intrinsically linked to intellect that humanity could probably not have evolved as it has without the drive for self-expression. Society sometimes mistakenly regards the important work of creating, as more of the icing on the cake instead of what it truly is; the essence of what sets us apart as humans. It is only a creative mind that can give life to true genius which in turn brings great things to fruition.

Genius may be expressed in many forms such as through the sciences, mathematics, literature and of course the arts. At its core, genius is the ability to think and feel deeply, evaluate critically and create authentically. In modern education we see learning as the ability to adapt and uniquely apply acquired knowledge to new situations and contexts. In other words, the old notion of learning as memorization has been replaced by learning as a process which leads to understanding, synthesis and transformation of information to new applications and creative solutions. Chapel School’s own definition of learning, stated below, is seeped in the artistry inherent to the process: Chapel School defines Learning as a unique and lifelong process sparked by the interests, curiosities, interactions, and experiences of the individual. It builds on previous knowledge and leads to making meaningful connections. It is the process of understanding and acquiring knowledge, skills and dispositions as well as being able to apply them to different settings and contexts. It involves learner development as a whole addressing social, emotional, cognitive and physical dimensions. Learning has the higher purpose to positively impact society.

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It is this transformational essence of the mind’s creative power that fuels musicians, painters, sculptors and poets towards unforgettable works. It is also this ability to engage in higher order thinking which gives wings to the innovative creations of scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, linguists and entrepreneurs of all sorts. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we consistently encountered our day to day challenges with a mindset of understanding, appreciation, transformation and creativity? This edition of Inside Chapel showcases some incredibly talented people who have done just that, and in the process have gifted us with outstanding artistry crafted through remarkable intellect. It was a joy to read about their incredible journeys filled with joys, difficulties, resilience and accomplishments.

CONTRIBUTORS

ADRIANA CALABRÓ [Expression of Talent, p. 09] Is a journalist, writer, and screenwriter. She has received awards in the areas of communication (Best of Bates International, NY Festival, and Creation Club) and literature (Puc/UNESCO Best Books of 2017, ProAc Literature Scholarship, Off-Flip Award Finalist, winner of the João de Barro Award, Free Opinion Award finalist, and Paulo Leminski Award finalist). Adriana has been working as a facilitator at a Creative Writing Workshop called Palavra Criada (palavracriada.com.br) since 2005.

PAULA VENEROSO [Striking a Chord: Living and Playing Beautifully, p. 19, and A Renovation in Form and Function, p. 14] Is the editor of Inside Chapel. She is a journalist with a Master’s degree in Portuguese rom PUC-SP. She has worked as a copyeditor, writer and reporter at Veja and Veja São Paulo magazines and at Folha de S. Paulo Newspaper. She currently works as a book designer and editor, in addition to producing and editing news articles for print and digital media.

MAURÍCIO OLIVEIRA [A Dream with a Soundtrack, p. 30] Is a journalist from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), and has a master’s in Cultural History and a PhD in journalism from the same institution. He worked as a reporter at Gazeta Mercantil newspaper and Veja magazine. He has been a freelance journalist for 15 years, writing regularly to media such as Valor Econômico and O Estado de S. Paulo. He is the author of 15 books such as Patápio Silva, o Sopro da Arte, Garibaldi, Herói dos Dois Mundos and Pelé 1283.

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MARTHA MEDEIROS [What Happens in the Middle, p. 35] Has published 26 books of poems, essays, and fiction. She is also a columnist for the newspapers O Globo and Zero Hora. Her most recent book is Quem diria que viver ia dar nisso (Who Said That Living Was Gonna Be This Way) and she also has her own Youtube channel: M de Martha.

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SOUND AND COLOR

TIME FOR RENOVATION

The inspiring creativity of Danilo Caymmi, professional musician and fine artist.

Updating and organizing the archives, resources, and environment of Chapel’s libraries.

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Exclusive interview with pianist and maestro João Carlos Martins, the greatest living interpreter of the work of Johann Sebastian Bach.

A recent graduate of the prestigious Berklee school of music, Chapel alumnus Rodrigo Frangione recalls fond memories from the fifteen years spent at Chapel.

A CONVERSATION IN VERY GOOD HANDS

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SOUND DESIGNER

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BETWEEN BIRTH AND DEATH

SPOTLIGHT

With keen sensitivity, writer Martha Medeiros lists some discoveries that come later in life.

Students bring home awards from the Canguru Math Competition, Student Council innovates to organize events, Model UN goes digital, and the implementation of an antibullying campaign – all the latest news from Chapel.

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Meet six students that stand out for their dedication to community service, hobbies, sports, and music – all on top of their studies.

A record of key events in the school community during the first semester: After School Activities, Children’s Day, Halloween, Spirit Week, Thanksgiving, and the Class of 2020 Graduation.

TALENTS & PASSIONS

GALLERY

In February 2021, Santo Eugênio Ensino Integral completed 2 years of work in the neighborhood of Americanópolis, in the south region of the city of São Paulo.

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The school is serving its 100 students daily, following all covid-19 prevention protocols.

PROFILE – DANILO CAYMMI

By Adriana Calabró Photos: William Aguiar

EXPRESSION OF TALENT

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leafy tree, with strong roots, that has grown over the span of decades yet continues to surprise with the quality of its fruits. This is the Caymmi family, whose active voices continue to add to the country’s musical archives. Danilo Caymmi, 72, a native of Rio de Janeiro, is an architect by trade, but a professional musician by vocation. He is one of the most formidable members of a uniquely talented family that has left its mark on several generations. He granted Inside Chapel an interview filled with memories – many of his father, Dorival Caymmi – and filled with plans for the future, as his creative impulse continues to grow. For Danilo, honoring his family’s artistic tradition is natural, but he believes that it is innovation that keeps this story, full of icons, alive for so long. The new projects currently underway – his own, those of his siblings, and even those of his daughter, Alice Caymmi, who is also a singer and songwriter – are proof of this continuity. At his home in Curitiba, Danilo is immersed in new compositions, all in the maturation phase, as well as in a project with the Orquestra Sinfônica do Paraná. But that’s not all. He is also surrounded by the canvases he painted during this period of social isolation. Yes, just like his father, who painted ocean themes, the son took up painting to bring even more artistic expression to the world. In the case of a Caymmi, the more possibilities, the better.

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THE COMPOSER, FLAUTIST, AND INTERPRETER DANILO CAYMMI DIGS DEEP TO TRANSFORM THE POSSIBILITIES OF MUSIC WITH PURE CREATIVE POWER

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THE YOUNGEST SON OF THE CAYMMI FAMILY USES VISUAL ARTS AS ANOTHER FORM OF EXPRESSION BEYOND MUSIC, FINDING SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE TWO UNIVERSES

Coming Full Circle with Tom The first album that Danilo Caymmi appeared on was a family compilation dedicated to the greatest hits of Tom Jobim. “When I was 15, I was called on to play for an album called Caymmi visita Tom... e leva seus filhos (1964), which was my first recording. I played with my father and siblings, who gave me ample opportunity to participate on this iconic album, produced by Aloysio

de Oliveira,” he comments. A few years later, he released his first solo album, Cheiro Verde (1977), which featured many other artists and was highly experimental, even with the vocals.

“It was a very cool generation, with many young composers willing to take risks, do research, and seek beauty,” he says. His Mineiro roots, which have revealed themselves throughout his career, are present in this first album, including the title of one of the tracks (“Mineiro”). The famous Minas Gerais festivals left a particularly strong impression, as the artistic exchange was very meaningful for him. “In the late 60s, I had met Milton Nascimento.

He was making his first album, with wonderful arrangements by Luis Eça, and he had a flute solo of mine, in the song ‘Catavento.’ Then I met Toninho Horta, Nelson Angelo, Beto Guedes, Lô Borges. It was an exchange, a beautiful competition, each trying to do something cooler than the other. When this group came over to my house, my mother, who was from Minas Gerais, fondly recalled her origins in the Zona da Mata,” he comments. Caymmi’s story is filled with even more rare, inspiring musical experiences. For instance, in 1983, Danilo was called on to perform in Banda Nova, a skilled group of musicians and vocalists who went on tour with Tom Jobim, both nationally and internationally. In addition to being an instrumentalist and singer, Danilo assumed a sort of managerial role, organizing logistics of rehearsals and shows. This experience had a profound emotional impact on the young man, who would eventually produce his own tribute album to Tom in 2017. “With time, I started to create an intimacy with Tom, who was very reserved – he rarely opened up, even about his illness. He was making the song ‘Querida’ (1994), and I accompanied his writing of the lyrics while we were abroad on some tour. When I went to record, I realized that he was talking about the finality of life, but this heavy theme was disguised in the fox trot.

So, on my album, I chose to strip that rhythm away,” Danilo reveals.

More than a Singer; An Interpreter This sensibility and deep interpretation of lyrics is something that sets Danilo apart.

“Actually, it’s a family trait, this call to dig deep into the meaning of music.

My sister, Nana, also does this, and I’ve always encouraged my daughter, Alice, who is also an interpreter, to follow the same path,” he says. It’s worth noting that time is also an important factor. One of the reasons he waited so long after Tom’s death to release his tribute album was to allow the time to reflect and create something meaningful. “I thought to myself: I have to make an album singing in the style that he admired, capturing everything he liked about me.

I immersed myself in the songs, and from there I started to adorn them with the flute, cello, and guitar,” he explains.

Special attention was paid to tracks like “Felicidade” and “Samba do Avião,” as they featured solos that Danilo played during the Banda Nova period. “On tour, Tom would say to me: ‘sing these, because my voice is muffled with garlic.’

I still don’t understand that expression very well,” he jokes. Another peculiarity about the album Danilo Caymmi canta Tom – one that captures his bold artistry – is that Danilo did not include any piano, Jobim’s most famed instrument.

As a result, the album feels less like a tribute and more like a dialogue between two great talents.

Artistic Expressions During this period of social isolation, Danilo has been very productive.

Among his ongoing projects is a series of compositions collaborating with the poet Geraldo Carneiro and the Orquestra Sinfônica do Paraná, in the city of Curitiba where he lives with his current partner Patricia, “in the pleasant cold of the city.” But that’s not all. He also developed an affinity for painting, and has devoted himself to fine arts. He considers his painting a natural extension of his other artistry: “The harmony

PROFILE – DANILO CAYMMI

Deep Roots The son of two great artists, Danilo and his siblings, Dori and Nana, grew up in an intensely creative and culturally rich environment. Renowned artists, writers, and musicians would frequently visit their childhood home. According to Danilo, his mother, Stella Maris, a singer from Minas Gerais, is the source of the family’s artistic hallmark, singing with subtlety and depth. “I have a bit of her tone in the upper register,” reveals the composer. His father, Dorival Caymmi, is considered a pillar of Brazilian music, a singer, songwriter, and artist famous for letting his Bahian roots shine through in his authentic style and intimate connection to the sea. “When I was little, my father was hired by a record company, Odeon, and had access to an incredible discography, especially jazz and the great artists of that time.

So, that was what I listened to, too. I remember when he took me to the Louis Armstrong concert at Teatro Municipal when I was 12, and to an exhibition

by Ligia Clark, with those mobiles in motion. We also went to the movies a lot, and on the wall of my room there were works by artists like Di Cavalcanti and Pancetti; in other words, I was surrounded by artistic exemplars,” affirmed the musician. Another impactful moment from his childhood changed his life forever: his father gave him a wooden flute when he was very young. He was instantly enamored, and he practiced continuously, until he became the expert flautist he is today.

Undoubtedly, his growth was nurtured by the fertile soil of his artistic family.

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A CULTURALLY-RICH ENVIRONMENT BROUGHT CREATIVITY TO DANILO CAYMMI’S CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE. HISTORY REPEATED ITSELF WITH HIS DAUGHTER ALICE, ALSO A MUSICIAN

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part that comes before the melody in a song – that happens in painting too.

The harmonization of colors is similar to the blending of musical notes,” he explains. He pointed out some other subtle similarities, as well: “I don’t like people to anticipate where the music is going. In art it is the same. I discover it on the canvas, because sometimes the ink runs out and I have to use what I have, creating, discovering the possibilities.” Although lines and shapes are nothing new to him, due to his background in architecture, it is safe to say that Dorival is also an influence.

“In addition to painting, my father had great artist friends like José Pancetti, Carybé, Rebolo, and Di Cavalcanti. As a matter of fact, I visited the Portinari studio in Leme, in Rio de Janeiro when I was quite young. My father also liked

the impressionists, and there were many books at home. Of the children, I was the one most interested in this path, and, now in the pandemic, it has surfaced even more,” explains the multifaceted artist.

The Value of Authenticity Danilo Caymmi is a father of four: Juliana and Gabriel from his marriage to poet and composer Ana Terra; Alice, his daughter with Simone Caymmi, who also sang with Tom Jobim’s band; and Martin, age 4, from his relationship with Tarsila Alves. “Alice was the one who lived with me the most, and was raised with music. One of the main values I instilled in her was that in art, one should not obey standards, because when you fall into patterns things become complicated.” And that

is a family trait. He says that one of the phrases that Dorival Caymmi hated most was “those were the good old days,” and Danilo says he shares the same opinion. “The world is always changing, and it is this freedom that I want my children to have. For example, I learn a lot from Alice too, about current trends in music. The record labels are very bad, and I tell her to stay away from them, so that she has a fluent artistic expression, without having any person or group’s impositions.” Caymmi is emphatic with the importance of independence.

“You have to let the talent flow. If you push, teach this, teach that, the child loses interest. Even recognizing Alice’s ability, I avoided treating her like some prodigy, who is always working, which is something I’m totally against. Art has to come naturally. You discover things

PROFILE – DANILO CAYMMI Fame as a Consequence This well-rounded artist has become accustomed to the spotlight, both for his own accomplishments and for those of his family. However, he has maintained balance despite this fame.

“Now, more than ever, there is almost a prophecy, that fame only lasts for a moment. Then, the person disappears, burning out and vanishing from the

public eye. But, if you think about it, music has a permanent place -- it has an anchor.” For Danilo, it takes quality over time to stand out among the endless supply of new releases.

“The important thing is to keep on producing with the intention of causing emotions in people.” He tells yet another funny story of the family, when Dorival Caymmi composed one of his greatest hits, “Maracangalha.”

Danilo says that his father was painting a picture and began to hum the music and lyrics. A neighbor heard and asked to include her name, Cinira, in the lyrics, in the place of the name Anália (“Se Anália não quiser ir, eu vou só...”).

In the end, this neighbor’s desire to be included proved that his song was already a success. The composer also says that becoming famous is the most dangerous moment in the life of an artist, because people will start always telling you yes, even when you should hear no. “Success, when it comes all at once, can be dangerous, but when it is built over time, it is more controllable.

Success is not forever, it is a sinuous wave of ups and downs, and the secret is to stay in that balance. You cannot climb a ladder made of steam,” concludes the musician, with metaphors that suit a man who sees both the architecture and poetry of life.

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– an instrument, for example. My first experiences with the flute were very strong, it’s hard to even explain. But with time I saw that my art evolved.” Who could dispute this, after hearing hits like “Andança” and “Casaco Marron”?

By Paula Veneroso Photos: Arquivo Chapel

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A RENOVATION IN FORM BEYOND MERELY OFFERING AND FUNCTION CLASSROOM RESOURCES, CHAPEL’S LIBRARIES PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN EDUCATING STUDENTS AND EVEN PRESERVING THE SCHOOL’S INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY: THEIR RESOURCES OPEN A UNIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES FOR THE FULL ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR USERS

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he year 2020 was atypical in every way, but at Chapel it also provided an opportunity for investments and updates. In the high school library, last year provided the opportunity to clean up shop – literally – with massive reorganization and renovation of both its collections and physical spaces. “At the start of the year, students returned to a library filled with brand new titles,” librarian Fernanda Caires commented. This went above and beyond the normal annual replacement of books, as the library acquired many new releases, several of which have yet to be published in Brazil. Many novels that have been recently adapted for popular TV series – like The Queen’s Gambit, Anne with an E, The 100, Zoo, and The Worst Witch – are now available in the high school library. “We always aim to make the library an environment that inspires readers, a point of reference where students can find the best recommendations for both timeless classics and new releases,” explained Ms. Caires.

The task of renovating the collection began with a detailed inventory of all three libraries – those for High School, Elementary, and teachers. Many books were replaced with newer versions or even completely different titles: “With time, some materials become obsolete or no longer speak to the younger generation,” the librarian explained. Then, there is also the issue of natural wear and tear. Books with damaged pages, yellowed with time, were replaced with new editions. More

In 2020, in order to streamline the distribution process and facilitate remote learning, the school’s libraries implemented a new system for book checkout that continued even after returning on campus. Instead of students going to the library for the books requested by each teacher separately, library employees assembled an individual kit for students, with all the books and materials needed for each subject. As the school

Visibility of Resources and Support Materials In addition to books, the library maintains subscriptions to top notch online databases for academic research suitable to all grade levels, from Pre I to High School. The principal database is EBSCO, which offers elementary content for the youngest students and university-level academic journals that are utilized for the IB Extended Essay and other high school research projects. Chapel has subscriptions to EBSCO Explora Primary (for the early grades, starting in Pre I), EBSCO Explora Secondary (for 6th to 9th graders) and EBSCO Academic Search Premiere (for high school). Among the younger students, TumbleBooks is also a hit.

Accessed by students from Pre I to the third grade, it offers children’s books in an e-book format, complete with animations, activities and games.

“It is very interesting for children, especially the youngest ones, who enjoy rediscovering their favorite stories in a

different format, with interaction and activities related to the narrative,” Ms. Caires commented.

The reference materials the libraries have in print are also available online. The subscription to the children’s newspaper Joca, for example, is purchased for 5th and 6th grade students individually, which currently represents 110 subscriptions per year. Still in Portuguese, the Árvore de Livros database was recently added as a resource for 3rd and 4th grade students. These include everything from the Portuguese version of Encyclopedia Britannica to local and international periodicals like Time, The Economist, Le Monde, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Estadão, Exame, Veja, Carta Capital, Aventuras na História, Galileu, Cult, Piauí, Você S/A and others. The librarian explained that some materials are only available online, since they are not published in Brazil; nonetheless, access can be granted in a matter of minutes by sending an email to the library. In 2019, a committee was formed with the goal of making library resources more visible and accessible to the school community. “During the self-evaluation and reflection stage of our NEASC accreditation process, we identified that, despite the great investments made into our libraries for books and digital resources, there was not enough visibility for students and teachers to take advantage of them, incorporating them into their classes

INSTITUTIONAL – CHAPEL’S LIBRARIES

Growing and Monitoring the Collection Currently, Chapel’s library collection contains more than 52 thousand books – an increase of 16 thousand in less than three years. The High School library has 15,884 books, while the Elementary library contains 10,500. The largest part of the collection, though, is part of the teacher’s library, which contains 27 thousand books. Most of these are educational materials, like textbooks, which are used by students across all disciplines and divisions.

Among these are the textbooks for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which, besides costing hundreds of dollars each, are often replaced due to wear and tear. After all, many of the books are in the student’s possession the entire school year.

year progresses and new content is introduced, new kits are assembled.

“The library also exists to support teachers, and we noticed that this system saves them a lot of time,” explained Ms. Caires. When assembling the kits, librarians scan the barcode on all the books and assign them to that particular student, ensuring that the library maintains control over its inventory.

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notably, tons of new titles were added to the collection: in December alone, the school acquired more than 1200 books.

PRESERVING AND SHARING CHAPEL’S MEMORY

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n partnership with all areas of the school, including the teachers, principals, and supervisors of the three divisions, the library has the privilege of gathering information about everything that happens in the school: it is a hub for academic projects, events, trips, courses, workshops, and lectures, among other activities. Naturally, this meant observing these events and ensuring that they were properly recorded became part of librarian Fernanda Caires’ routine: “After all, as with many organizations, the library is the ideal place to record institutional memory,” observed Ms. Caires. Thus, Chapel’s librarian proudly serves a second role: that of editorial assistant, working on school publications such as the yearbook, Digital Chapel and Inside Chapel. The yearbook, for instance, tells the story of the school, year by year. For Chapel’s 70th birthday celebration, it was the library, through the yearbooks and other cataloged materials, that provided much of the research for the special edition of Inside Chapel magazine.

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and assignments,” explained Ms. Caires.

One of the first steps toward this goal was making most of the subscriptions to websites, databases, and periodicals visible and accessible on the library main page, which can be accessed both at school and at home.

Another resource used extensively by teachers is Turnitin, a piece of online software that checks for plagiarism.

Each student has an account, and much of their work is submitted to teachers using this program. “It works as a filter, which detects any words or information that were copied from other sources, providing the address from which the content was taken, and even showing the percentage of non-

original content in each assignment,” commented the librarian.

A Renovated Environment and an Up-to-date Team The collection was not the only thing to be improved: the physical spaces of the libraries also received a makeover. The biggest changes happened in the high school, whose project was designed by award-winning architect Fernando Brandão. All the wood furniture was sanded and varnished, and the space previously used for computers and backpack storage was transformed into a multipurpose space, with a capacity of up to fifty people. “The new configuration allows the library to host events and conferences in a much more

versatile space,” analyzed Ms. Caires. The computers are still available, just relocated to the walls along the perimeter. In addition to these, the library offers 26 laptops, 112 Chromebooks, and 30 iPads for students to check out.

Because the librarian and her three assistants have worked at Chapel for many years – the youngest is in her 8th year, and the oldest is a 25-year veteran – they all know the community and the processes inside out, which facilitates daily tasks and relationships with students and teachers. The continuous recycling of knowledge and the adoption of the best and most modern practices in the area of library science contribute to the excellent work done by the team.

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INSTITUTIONAL – CHAPEL’S LIBRARIES

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By Paula Veneroso Photos: Ale Catan, Fernando Mucci, Karin Kahn, and Luis França

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oão Carlos Gandra da Silva Martins started playing piano at the age of eight. At 13, he had begun his professional career in Brazil. By the age of 18, he made his international debut, and at 21, he performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall to a sold out crowd, with former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt among the spectators. The first symptoms of focal dystonia – a disease that affects the muscles and causes involuntary movements – appeared around this time. At 26, a soccer injury impacted his ulnar nerve, responsible for the sensitivity and movement of three fingers of the left hand. Even amid surgeries and physiotherapy, the pianist continued his career, performing on stages around the world. He recorded complete works of Bach on the piano, spanning 21 compact discs. He was 55 when, during a robbery in the city of Sofia, Bulgary, a blow to the head caused neurological problems, this time compromising the movements of his right hand. He persisted in his treatment – in total, there were 24 surgeries. At the age of 63, having received news from doctors that his two hands were irrevocably compromised and that he could never play the piano again professionally, he reinvented himself and went on to become a conductor. A maestro at 64, he founded the Orquestra Bachiana to train professional musicians and disseminate classical music throughout Brazil. In 2019, at the age of 79, bionic gloves developed by a designer from São Paulo gave him back the pleasure of playing the piano with all ten fingers. Last June, he turned 80. These days, João Carlos wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to practice. After all, on October 17, 2021, he will celebrate sixty years since his debut at Carnegie Hall with a special concert. He will conduct to start the show, and he will play the piano to conclude the event. From his home in São Paulo, in an exclusive interview for Inside Chapel, the pianist and conductor remembered notable moments of his life and career and revealed his projects for the next twenty years.

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THE GREATEST LIVING INTERPRETER OF JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH’S WORK, PIANIST AND MAESTRO JOÃO CARLOS MARTINS DEFINES HIS LIFE’S MISSION IN ONE SENTENCE: “I STRIVE,

BY THE END OF A CONCERT, TO LEAVE THE CROWD WITH SMILES ON THEIR FACES AND TEARS IN THE CORNER OF THEIR EYES”

COVER INTERVIEW – JOÃO CARLOS MARTINS

STRIKING A CHORD. LIVING AND PLAYING BEAUTIFULLY

Could you tell us how music – and especially the piano – became part of your life?

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IT’S A SECRET, BUT IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS I WILL MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE. I’VE NEVER BEEN CONNECTED TO A SOCIAL NETWORK, BUT IT’S THERE IN THE PROFILE @MAESTROJOAOCARLOSMARTINS. I’M DOING, THROUGH INSTAGRAM, THE BEST BIOGRAPHY OF MY LIFE. I’M POSTING TOUR VIDEOS THAT I MADE OVER THE YEARS – ONES THAT I DIDN’T EVEN REMEMBER ANYMORE

João Carlos Martins: Music became a part of my life in 1898, when my father was born. My father, at the age of 10, wanted to be a pianist, but lost a finger in an accident. Then, he nurtured the dream of perhaps having a pianist son. And I, in 1948, started to fulfill his dream. That’s how music started to be part of my life and will continue to do so for the next twenty years.

You are an example of determination and willpower. To what do you attribute your ability to overcome setbacks?

JCM: I believe that a lot has been said about overcoming adversity, so I would say that the right word for me is stubbornness, not overcoming. What I really believe is that if a person has a purpose in life, he has a mission to accomplish. He has to be like an arrow that will reach its

JCM: What is an artist? An artist, when he goes on stage, seeks perfection and conveys emotion. As for emotion, what is an artist’s mission? It is making the audience leave with a smile on their face and, at the same time, with a tear in their eye. At that moment, the audience realizes that the artist’s heart has touched their own. That is why I compare artists to missionaries, seeking to bring three main things to the public: solidarity, peace, and love. That is my mission. And, at the same time, trying to captivate the audience, creating a reaction that they may not have at home, but which has been built up by the end of a concert, providing an experience they might not have had anywhere else. And then you have given them enthusiasm, too. Enthusiasm is very important at the end of a concert – the reaction and the relationship between the audience and the performer.

Despite having performed in thousands of concerts all over the world, is there a certain performance that has left a special mark on your heart?

JCM: It’s funny, the four shows that most touched my heart were all at Carnegie Hall, in New York. My debut, in the 1961 season; then, my return after seven years – five away from the piano and two practicing after the first accident with my arm – was an exciting time. Then, my new return, after doing brain reprogramming at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami due to a brain injury

You are renowned for your intense relationship with Johann Sebastian Bach.

How did this “friendship” begin, and why Bach?

JCM: I can say that there are two ways to relate to Johann Sebastian Bach: either take a trip to the 18th century or invite him to visit the 21st century. I tried to combine both, a trip to the 18th century and an invitation for him to get to know the 21st century. I read all the letters he wrote, and I imagined what he would be like in the 21st century. Therefore, my interpretation of Bach’s work is an interpretation that is a search somewhere in the past and, at the same time, a trip to the future. It is a combination of “Somewhere in Time” and “Back to the Future.” This is my relationship with him, always respecting the text, but trying to mix my individuality with his personality. Acknowledging, first and foremost, that I am nobody compared to the greatest genius in music history. But while respecting the text, you have to be willing to tackle the interpretation of any musician, whoever they may be, showing what you came for.

When you thought that your career as a pianist was definitely over, the idea of ​​ studying conducting came to you in a dream. Tell us about that.

JCM: I had a dream with conductor Eleazar de Carvalho the day after the doctors said that I could no longer play the piano professionally. I flew to Brazil the day of my prognosis, and the next day, I had the dream: I had been walking

all day in the city, and I had lost my bearings. In the dream, he said, “Go study conducting, Jão” – he called me that. Then I started a new life. Before, my life was focused entirely on the piano; after I started conducting, life opened my arms to seventy musicians.

What motivated you to create the Orquestra Bachiana?

JCM: Two months after the doctors gave me the news that I could no longer play professionally, I was at the door of a college to start studying conducting. I only took about four or five classes. Instead, I gathered 18 musicians here at home and decided to learn from the musicians themselves. Six months later, I was already conducting in London and in Paris. It was as fast a process as my learning the piano. I came up with the idea for the Fundação Bachiana, but today I’m just an employee. The foundation takes care of social projects and the organization of concerts by the Bachiana Filarmônica, which, in turn, was adopted by SESI-SP, which is why it changed its name to Bachiana Filarmônica SESI-SP. Today I am the artistic director of Bachiana Filarmônica, but I have already performed 1700 concerts with them.

COVER INTERVIEW – JOÃO CARLOS MARTINS

You always say that being a musician requires sacrifices, and that you feel like a missionary. Tell us a little about your mission in life.

suffered during a robbery in Bulgaria.

And finally, my debut as a conductor, also at Carnegie Hall. I always say that the most important number for Johann Sebastian Bach in all his songs is the number four. If you analyze his songs, you will notice that there is an incredible analogy with the number four.

So, these are the four most important dates in my relationship with the stage and the audience.

Do you feel the same enthusiasm both playing the piano and conducting, or is there a difference?

JCM: No difference. When I go on stage, I am there, as I said, fulfilling a mission. Whether conducting or playing, the emotion and concentration are the same. As a pianist, during a very important concert, I would lose more than a kilo during the performance. As a conductor, in an important concert, I lose two kilos. This is the kind of intensity I have.

How did it feel, on November 1, 2020, to play the piano again with ten fingers with the help of the bionic glove?

JCM: I had not touched all ten fingers on a keyboard for 22 years, and it really

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destination. The path of my arrow has deviated at times, but I have always tried to set it straight. Like every human being, I have my defects and strengths. The defects I tried to correct, the strengths, to improve. Now I can say that my arrow is flying straighter than ever towards my destination and my mission.

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was an incredible feeling. I posted a photo of that moment on Instagram and it was viewed by millions of people worldwide. I saw that I was trying to express all my feelings through my hands and gloves. They were developed by designer Ubiratan Bizarro, from the city of Sumaré (SP). The gloves not only help me to play, but also to conduct, because with the gloves I can turn the pages of the score. So, I’m going to be a little bit lazier. Before the gloves, I memorized more than two hundred massive scores, conducting the nine symphonies of Beethoven, conducting Brahms, Tchaicovsky, all by memorization. Since the glove is not a definitive solution, I am going to launch a campaign this year about focal dystonia, which affects 33 million people worldwide. In 2020 alone, the international press wrote more than six thousand pieces about my hands, so I am going to start an international campaign on dystonia that should culminate on October 17th with a press conference, after the concert, with me and some neurologists.

Do you believe that dystonia is even more veiled among professional musicians, who depend on the movements of hands, arms, vocal cords, and mouth to guarantee their livelihood?

JCM: I have had dystonia since I was 18 years old. I first noticed it at the end of a concert that had gone perfectly – it was fantastic. When finished, and I returned to the stage to thank the audience, I realized that my hand had small involuntary movements. So I said to my teacher, “No, I will not do the encore, because everything was perfect and I do not want to take any chances.” Then, I began to realize that I had difficulty handling a deck of cards while playing with my parents on the weekend. Then I realized... In the 1950s, dystonia was considered a psychological problem, and that’s not it. I hid my dystonia from the age of 18 to 26. What did I do? Before a concert, I would sleep up to five hours; that way, I would go in completely relaxed, as if it were 7 a.m. This worked because the symptoms start showing over the course of the day, as you carry out your activities. Only in the 1960s did dystonia begin to be treated. There is a big difference between dystonia

and RSI (repetitive strain injury): dystonia is a central nervous problem, related to the brain. RSI is a peripheral problem resulting from excessive exercise, which affects people who type on the computer, for example. RSI causes pain, while dystonia causes involuntary movements.

In your opinion, will the campaign on dystonia help to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and, among musicians, stop signaling an end to their artistic careers?

JCM: Dystonia led me to hide for a while, but it also led me to become incredibly courageous, using my Frankenstein hand – a hand that previously had incredible dexterity and that could play 21 notes per second – to try to play the piano, showing no fear as I tried to play a piece with my defective hand. The moment you take on that courage, you will attract the attention of scientists and doctors. Today, I get letters and emails from musicians from around the world saying they have dystonia and never had the courage to speak... it’s crazy...even people who almost made tragic decisions.

Today, I’m happy to answer their emails and show them my gloves, which made the news worldwide. It is another step; it is not the solution to the disease, but a step towards comfort.

COVER INTERVIEW – JOÃO CARLOS MARTINS When you turned 80 last June, you said you had plans for at least another twenty years. What are your upcoming projects?

I can play on the piano I will play. Those are four or five goals ahead for the next twenty years.

For many years you have dedicated yourself to social projects to promote the popularization of classical music in Brazil. Tell us a little about your latest project.

JCM: Today I have Orquestrando o Brasil and Orquestrando São Paulo, two programs with hundreds of partner orchestras. Each one will post videos of rehearsals and concerts in places you could never imagine, for example, in Piauí, Amapá, Rondônia, Roraima... I maintain direct contact with musicians through the site Orquestrando Brasil. They work with partner orchestras and, at the same time, towards the creation of new orchestras. This is one of the most important things that I do. I watch videos of the rehearsals, talk to the musicians remotely, and feel enormous pleasure when an orchestra shows growth. I recently followed the fantastic evolution of orchestras in Pernambuco, Paraíba, and other states. In the interior of São Paulo, for example, the city of Laranjal Paulista created a space for its orchestra, and

this has been happening in other small cities. I was surprised to learn that there are two state schools called Maestro João Carlos Martins, one in Guarulhos and another in the Santo Amaro neighborhood, in the southern part of the capital. There are already auditoriums with my name and they are creating a theater as well. It is that kind of recognition that makes me sure that music has already won.

Speaking of school, what is your opinion on including music as an integral part of the school curriculum? To what extent does music contribute to education and human development?

JCM: I answer with an example. We have an orchestra with students in the city of Suzano (SP), in a public school near the one that was the target of a massacre in 2019. These orchestra students are the ones who get the best grades in Mathematics, Geography, Portuguese, and other subjects. Music certainly has a great influence on the human brain. And on the heart.

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JCM: I will of course continue conducting. I will also play the piano – within my means, of course; I will not be the pianist of old, but I will play the piano. After a year and a half of practicing, I managed to play a three minute song by Bach like in the old times, like when I was in the best shape of my life. But, it took a year or so for me to be able to play this way; so, in 20 years I would only master 20 songs. Therefore, I prefer to play slower pieces – more appropriate to my current situation – to dedicate myself, more and more, to the democratization of classical music in Brazil and start this international campaign on dystonia and focal dystonia, which is a taboo subject because those who suffer from dystonia are ashamed to admit it. If today there are 33 million people in the world, when the campaign starts for real, many more people will appear, reaching at least about 40 million people. I am embracing this cause. I will also dedicate myself more to the social responsibility part, for which I have already brought thousands of children to this fantastic universe of classical music, to the dystonia campaign, to try to transmit emotion through conducting and what

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COVER INTERVIEW – JOÃO CARLOS MARTINS

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he Bachiana Filarmônica, founded by João Carlos Martins, debuted in 2004 at the Sala São Paulo, presenting symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaicovsky, among others. Two years later, the conductor founded the Jovem Orquestra Bachiana, aimed at developing the talent of young musicians and widening access to classical music in Brazil, with concerts in public schools, poor communities, and city squares, both large and small. At the same time, he created the Fundação Bachiana, whose mission is art and sustainability. In 2009, the two orchestras merged, forming the Bachiana Filarmônica SESI - São Paulo, after it was adopted by SESI (Serviço Social da Indústria) of São Paulo and became the largest private orchestra in Brazil. The orchestra has reached more than 16 million people live since 2004, performing in theaters, schools, gymnasiums, football fields, squares, and avenues, maintaining its purpose of spreading classical music throughout the country.

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FUNDAÇÃO BACHIANA: ART AND SUSTAINABILITY

What advice would you give to young people who intend to pursue a career in music?

JCM: I won’t give advice, but tell a story instead. A 16-year-old girl arrived in New York, and as soon as she left the airport, took a taxi to the street where she was staying. Her biggest wish was to see Carnegie Hall. She went down the street and asked an elderly woman for directions: “How do I get to Carnegie Hall?” The old lady replied: “Practice, practice, practice.” This is my advice: practice, practice and practice some more.

Do you have any dreams that have not yet come true?

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JCM: Ah... it’s a secret, but in the next

two years I will make that dream come true. I’ve never been connected to a social network, but it’s there in the profile @maestrojoaocarlosmartins. I’m doing, through Instagram, the best biography of my life. I’m posting tour videos that I made over the years – ones that I didn’t even remember anymore. A few days ago, I posted a video of me playing rock as a challenge for a charity competition... My dream is also closely linked to the postpandemic, and I think I will be very successful. It is a strong dream and closely linked to the word prejudice.

God willing, I’ll make that dream come true, then I’ll tell you how. Well, I can already tell you that on April 14, an exhibition about my life begins at the FIESP cultural center, which

runs until August 31. The curator of the exhibition is nationallyrecognized director and producer Jorge Takla, and the research being done is impressive. The respect that the international press has kept over the past 60 years for my interpretation of the work of Johann Sebastian Bach is amazing. I did not know that there was so much coverage, even after I stopped playing the piano, and this was amazing for my ego. But I always say that life has deep valleys and high mountains. In the deep valley you have to be determined. And if you arrive on a high mountain, you must have humility. And that is how I live my life, always respecting that everything is done with the discipline of an athlete and the soul of a poet.

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ystonia is a movement disorder and is characterized by repetitive or long-lasting involuntary muscle contractions that can produce twists in limbs such as the neck, hands, and torso, or even the entire body. The muscles of the affected part of the body contract, causing distortions in the position of that part of the body.

COVER INTERVIEW – JOÃO CARLOS MARTINS

WHAT IS FOCAL DYSTONIA

When the disease affects only one part of the body, it is called focal dystonia. In the first phase of the disease, the spasms or contractions can happen periodically or only when under stress or fatigue, but, with the passage of time, the spasms tend to become more frequent, until reaching a point where the affected part of the body remains distorted, sometimes even at an abnormal and quite painful position. Dystonia, which can manifest at any age, affects about 65,000 Brazilians today. Worldwide, there are over 33 million people with the disease.

Although there is sparse medical literature on the incidence of dystonia among performers, some studies estimate that there may be at least 1% of musicians with the disease, but it is still a taboo in the field of arts because it often prevents the interpreter from exercising their craft. Therefore, it is believed that many hide the problem or do not even know they have the disease. However, more and more, it is being revealed that many guitarists and pianists have their fingers affected, while trumpeters can develop the disease in the mouth, and singers in their vocal cords.

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Despite being incurable, dystonia is treatable in order to minimize the functional limitations and discomfort caused to the patient, improving the quality of life.

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BOOKS

FILMS AND DOCUMENTARIES Die Martins – Passion (directed by Irene Langemann).

France-Germany, 2004.

Rêverie (directed by Johan Kenivè and Tim Herman).

Belgium, 2006.

O piano como destino (directed by José Roberto Walker).

Brazil, 2015.

João, o maestro (script and direction by Mauro Lima).

Brazil, 2017.

A saga das mãos (Luciano Ubirajara Nassar and João Carlos Martins).

Editora Campus, 2007.

Maestro! A volta por cima de João Carlos Martins e outras histórias (Ricardo Carvalho).

Gutenberg Editora, 2015.

João de A a Z. (João Carlos Martins).

Editora Sextante, 2019.

THEATRICAL PLAYS Concerto para João (directed by Cassio Scapin).

Brazil, 2018.

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F

illed with unusual facts, the life and career of the pianist and conductor have been extensively documented in books, films, documentaries, plays, and even in samba. In 2011, he was honored by the São Paulo samba school Vai-Vai, which became the Carnival champion with the theme “The music has won.” See below a list of works produced about him:

ENTREVISTA COVER INTERVIEW DE CAPA – JOÃO CARLOS MARTINS

INSIDE JOÃO’S LIFE

By Maurício Oliveira Photos: Marie Simonova

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“I LEARNED ENGLISH TOGETHER WITH PORTUGUESE IN A WAY THAT BECAME VERY NATURAL FOR ME. MY COLLEAGUES DID NOT BELIEVE IT WHEN THEY LEARNED I WAS BRAZILIAN”

A DREAM WITH A SOUNDTRACK

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fter studying his entire life at Chapel School, Rodrigo Frangioni enrolled at the famous Berklee College of Music in Boston. Now, he returns to Brazil with endless possibilities.

What is the most fascinating sound of all? Rodrigo Frangioni, a Chapel alumnus who is graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, thinks for a few moments before identifying the guitar riff from “Whole Lotta Love,” by Led Zeppelin. “It’s a crumbling sound, which melts in the mouth,” says Rodrigo, who often resorts to metaphors to make his passion more tangible to others.

At 24, he is just weeks away from returning to Brazil after studying in the United States for five years. With him, he will bring expertise that will open doors in the diverse field of music technology, which was his focus during his Professional Music bachelor’s degree at the prestigious school. Berklee, a world-renowned music school, had no fewer than 29 former students among the 2020 Grammy nominees.

It was during the 15 years he spent at Chapel School that Rodrigo’s interest in music blossomed. He began playing the bass guitar – but for a very practical reason: nobody else wanted to play this instrument in the band that his friends were putting together. Rodrigo also admired an older cousin who was a bass player.

ALUMNUS INTERVIEW – RODRIGO FRANGIONI The band gradually got smaller – since, for most members, it was just a passing interest. Rodrigo, on the other hand, saw music occupy more and more of his daily life. Even the time he used to dedicate to football and swimming was allotted to additional hours of practice. In that time, the guitar emerged as his new passion.

He began taking music lessons twice, three times, and eventually five times a

week. Once in high school, he started a band with three friends – Giovanni Turra, Arthur Nasimbene, and Fabian Fuxa. Their repertoire included songs from their favorite bands: Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Nirvana.

When it came time to choose a band name, someone suggested 22 Lies, and it stuck. “It was a random name, without any explanation,” recalls Rodrigo. “We agreed that if we ever became famous and people asked the origin of the band name, we would tell 22 different stories. Then the name would finally make sense,” he jokes.

Tradition and Modernity The band’s run came to an end, as the friends all went their separate ways. However, Rodrigo realized that he was seriously considering pursuing a career in music. He dreamed big: why not go to Berklee, perhaps the biggest name in music, with alumni like Quincy Jones, John Mayer, and Diana

Krall, in addition to countless other musicians and technicians who stand out in their specialties.

Established in 1945, under the inspiration of jazz and African rhythms, Berklee has developed over the decades by promoting the permanent fusion between historical roots and contemporary music, dance and theater. Artistic and cultural diversity has become the trademark of the institution, which has opened campuses in New York and Valencia, Spain.

“This well-balanced mix of past, present, and future sets the school apart,” observes Rodrigo. For example, Berklee recently became the owner of the largest online music school in the world; but at the same time, Berklee joined forces with the Boston Conservatory, the oldest and one of the most prestigious music, dance, and theater institutions in the United States. In addition to his dedication to theoretical and practical

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Unusual Name His first performance was at the Chapel talent show. “I think I was in fifth grade. I still remember how huge that stage felt... It was a band full of people, gathered mainly out of friendship. Those who didn’t play an instrument sang or took care of the lights,” Rodrigo recalls. It was a special pleasure to play “Smoke on the Water,” by Deep Purple. “That was the first song I learned to play from beginning to end.”

musical studies, Rodrigo felt confident in competing for a spot at Berklee because of his native-level fluency in English, a result of studying at Chapel. “I learned English together with Portuguese in a way that became very natural for me. My colleagues did not believe it when they learned I was Brazilian,” he recalls.

Despite all his preparation, Rodrigo was not accepted to Berklee on his first try. Contested by virtuosos and brilliant students from all over the world, admission is incredibly competitive and the selection process is rigorous. Applicants must perform a prepared piece, answer a series of theoretical questions, and even complete a musical memory test, in which a teacher performs a sequence that the applicant must repeat.

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Broad Interests After the first selection process for Berklee, Rodrigo was accepted into the Music Technology program at the University of Tampa, Florida. He spent the 2015 academic year there, where he was exposed to a new side of music – it was love at first sight. “When my teacher showed a documentary about synthesizers, I was amazed. I realized that it could be a fascinating field to work in,” he recalls.

In a way, this fusion of art and technology represents a blending of the interests of his father, Alexander, a former pharmaceutical executive who now dedicates himself to the visual arts (and has always been rock fan), and those of his mother, Zélia, who closely followed the evolution of computers and became a web designer.

At the end of his first year at the University of Tampa, Rodrigo re-applied to Berklee – this time, successfully. His chosen degree, Professional Music, is unique in that it allows students a high degree of customization with their classes - it is described by the school as an ideal choice for those who “are interested in learning everything.”

Intense Years The course load was heavy right from the start of classes. “I realized how well Chapel had prepared me for the amount of work in college,” says Rodrigo. The diverse environment – Berklee has a high rate of foreign students – was also a smooth transition. “From an early age I got used to being surrounded by different cultures, as this is one of Chapel’s hallmarks.”

In 2018, he became an assistant in the Operations Laboratory, a position he continues to hold in this final year of the course. “The work in the laboratory left me well-trained to deal with the most diverse types of problems with software and equipment,” Rodrigo explains. “I have lived in an amazing world for the past three years: being paid to learn every day and having access to the most advanced technology in the field of music.”

Another highlight of his time at Berklee came in May of 2019, when he was invited to perform at a special graduation ceremony for people receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the school in recognition of their contributions to music and popular culture.

Performing as a hip-hop DJ, Rodrigo played for 7,000 guests – and, of course, the honorees, including pop musician Justin Timberlake, rapper Missy Elliott and

musician, arranger, and conductor Alex Lacamoire, a celebrated Broadway composer who is one of the few people to ever win Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards. “It was the biggest stage on which I have ever performed. Until then, it had been Chapel’s,” says Rodrigo, smiling.

A World of Possibilities One could say that Rodrigo breathes music. He spends all day immersed in sounds. When he is not creating, he is listening to a wide variety of music, from all over the world and from different eras – which is also part of the job. “It became very difficult for me to listen to music 100% for pleasure, without paying attention to details, without making connections. It has become automatic.”

Even the most mundane sounds of everyday life – like the car’s blinking lights – can inspire something. This creative awareness made him a big fan of Hermeto Pascoal, the 84-year-old Brazilian musician who became famous for turning unconventional sounds into music. “Hermeto has a genius and creativity that is very inspiring.”

Rodrigo is already preparing the transition from student to professional sound designer and music producer. He has recently done some work as a DJ, and has been investing in the production of his own music. He mixed and mastered songs by his brother Leonardo, three years younger, who is also pursuing a career in music as a rapper (his stage name is Libra Rap). Another area the former Chapel student plans to explore is the creation of sound effects and soundtracks for series, films, and video games. “I certainly have a world of possibilities in front of me,” he says.

ALUMNUS INTERVIEW – RODRIGO FRANGIONI 33 INSIDECHAPEL

“I REALIZED DURING MY FIRST YEAR AT BERKLEE HOW WELL CHAPEL HAD PREPARED ME FOR THE AMOUNT OF WORK I HAD IN COLLEGE”

An icon of modern architecture in Brazil, Casa de Vidro, the first work by Lina Bo Bardi, celebrates 70 years as part of São Paulo’s cultural heritage.

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Located in Morumbi, Casa de Vidro was the home of the architect and her husband Pietro Maria Bardi, co-founder and director of the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, for more than four decades.

www.institutobardi.org

Since 1990, the space has been home to the Instituto Bardi, created by the couple as a place for reflection on their artistic legacy. The institute features a range of artistic expressions, with more than 45 thousand items, including drawings, works of art, collections, photographs, and furniture.

With its exuberant garden, planted by the architect herself, Casa de Vidro opens to the public for educational visits. These tours focus on different aspects of the life and work of the Bardis, who are largely responsible for shifting cultural paradigms and giving value to Brazilian people and their culture.

Instagram @institutobardi

ENTREVISTA ALUMNUS – , RODRIGO FRANGIONI

By Martha Medeiros Photos: Carin Mandelli

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WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MIDDLE

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ife is what exists between birth and death; what happens in the middle is what matters. In the middle, we discover that sex without love is also worthwhile – but it is exercise, not transcendence. That anything that leaves you empty-handed (without emotion, knowledge, surprise, peace, or insight) was a waste of time. That the first half of life is very good, but that the second half can be even better if we learn from the missteps we made at start. That thought is a unique adventure. That we need to open our black box from time to time, despite

the fear of what we will find inside. That being mature is facing the unexpected head on.

In the middle, we discover that we suffer more from the things that we imagine are happening than from those that actually happen. That to love is to polish, not to destroy. That certain risks are worth it – the trick is knowing which ones. That moving up in life takes time. That we need to give serendipity a chance. That everything that moves too fast can be very frustrating. That Venice, Mykonos, Bali, and Patagonia

are exciting places, but that feeling happy inside your own home brings its own thrill. That the will is almost always stronger than reason. Almost? No, it is always stronger.

In the middle, we discover that recognizing a problem is the first step to solving it. That it is narcissistic to be consumed by yourself. That all choices generate doubt – all of them. That after fighting so long for the right to be different, there comes a time to allow indifference. That adults have more fun than teenagers. That a loss, any

In the middle, we discover that we need to save not only our bank and phone passwords, but also the passwords that unlock ourselves. That going through life without a care is an unforgivable waste. That the very things that expose us also hide us (writing, for example). That touching another’s pain requires delicate hands. That being happy can be a decision, not just something that happens. That we should

In the middle, we discover that doing the right thing is always a revolutionary act. That it is more productive to act than to react. That life offers no option: either you continue, or you continue. That the worst way to evaluate yourself is by comparing yourself to others. That true peace is that which is born of truth. And that harmonizing what we think, feel, and do is a challenge that takes a lifetime, this entire middle.

ENTREVISTA ALUMNUS ESSAY – , –RODRIGO MARTHAFRANGIONI MEDEIROS

not fixate on the pursuit of orgasms, for there are other things that bring climax: a poem, a goal, a concert, a kiss.

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loss, is a small taste of death – but it is not death, which only comes at the end, and we are still talking about the middle.

SPOTLIGHT

CHAPEL STUDENTS EARN AWARDS AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

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n October 2020, 12 students from grades 8-12 participated in the Math Kangaroo Competition, an international competition that annually gathers around six million participants from more than 80 different countries.

Approximately 500 thousand of these students are from Brazil.

Of all these competitors, only the top 4% receive awards: the top 1% in the country earn gold, the top 2% win silver, the top 3% receive bronze, and the top 4% of Brazilian competitors get honorable mention.

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Chapel had several award winners: Yeongin (Elren) Chae, an 11th grader, earned gold for scoring in the top 1% in Brazil; Beatriz Abram, 8th grade, earned silver (top 2%); and Qing Tian (Bobby) Huang received honorable mention (top 4% in the country). Pedro Loureiro, in 11th grade, scored high enough to also earn honorable mention (top 4%), but he was not awarded, since only 10% of any school’s participants can receive honors when the test is taken online. For Jaisen Bell, head of Chapel’s Math department, the results at Kangaroo “were very encouraging.” He said that “even though they were online, students dedicated themselves and overcame adversity, all with a positive attitude.”

The largest competition of its kind, Kangaroo began with Australian mathematician Peter O’Halloran, who designed a digital test in the 1980s for millions of students to take simultaneously. Then, in 1991, teachers in France – André Deledicq and Jean Pierre Boudine – transformed O’Halloran’s test into a competition, naming it “Kangaroo” as an homage to its Australian founder. Today, the Association of Kangourou Sans Frontieres brings together great mathematicians of the

world. A distinct group of teachers gather annually to discuss best practices in teaching mathematics and prepare the tests for the year to come. According to the AKSF website, “The purpose of the Association is to promote the dissemination of mathematics by all means at its disposal and, in particular, by holding a competition that involves and motivates thousands of students around the world.”

Gold medalist Elren Chae said that, although it is a huge challenge, the competition is fun because of the creative nature of the tests. “The math competition is more interesting than the things we learn in school. Also, because it was online, I felt less stress since I was at home, which made it more enjoyable.” Beatriz Abram, silver medalist, also found testing at home to be more comfortable, though she said she missed interacting with her teammates. “I really enjoyed Kangaroo because the problems are so different, almost like games, and they require creative thinking. I love these competitions and I think everyone should participate,” she said. For Bobby Huang, who received honorable mention and has experience in these competitions, the online environment was more relaxing but also somewhat distracting: “I thought it was kind of tough to test online, because there was not the testing environment that I have grown accustomed to. At school, I feel more focused and less distracted.”

Mr. Bell said that Chapel’s results were not surprising, since the students were dedicated and worked well as a team. “I was glad that they enjoyed the competition; it’s great to see students having fun doing math. I’m proud of them,” he concluded.

SPOTLIGHT

STUDENT COUNCIL INNOVATES TO ORGANIZE SCHOOL EVENTS

Chapel’s Halloween party (October 30), Spirit Week (November 3-6), and the Pep Rally (November 6) were other events that had to be organized and run differently. StuCo made extensive use of its Instagram account to ensure student engagement

and participation. On Halloween, the student council organized a costume contest via the app, inviting students to post their costume photos for online voting. They also used Google Docs to create a treasure hunt, built by a series of links that led to clues in different documents. “We also did some video transmissions from the school, like on Halloween, with the teachers and students who were attending classes or extracurricular activities on campus showing off their costumes. Those who were learning from home also dressed up and participated in the party. These videos conveyed a good feeling, giving everyone a taste of the normalcy we have all been missing, inspiring the school spirit that has always been StuCo’s trademark,” said 11th grader Pedro Loureiro.

In lieu of the traditional Christmas Bazaar in December, Maria Fernanda said that StuCo promoted a contest, encouraging people to post photos of their decorated trees. “We had to adapt several ideas, but at the same time, everyone was very creative in proposing new versions of the events,” she affirmed. Luisa Tolda agreed: “I feel like we overcame the challenges. We managed to be interactive, organized, inclusive – a wonderful prelude to Christmas, with posts that brought the community together for 12 days in December.”

Pedro said that he appreciates the freedom afforded to StuCo when planning events: “For me, the biggest lesson we had was to see how much responsibility StuCo has in maintaining a very direct relationship with the student body. After all, StuCo activities are done by students and for students.” Mr. Kuroiwa praised the dedication of student council members: “We had a very challenging year, especially adapting our events for online and physically distant settings, but everything turned out great because the students went above and beyond. They are great.”

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tuCo, the school’s group of student representatives, showed great creativity in organizing virtual events last semester. All of the traditional high school celebrations had to be adapted for online platforms, and engaging students was critical to the success of these events. Marcio Kuroiwa, the StuCo advisor, explained that his involvement as a teacher is minimal; all the decisions, organization, leadership, and execution come from the student members. “There is a great sense of community within StuCo. Everyone really sticks together, both in good times and in bad,” he shared.

According to Maria Fernanda Melo, grade 12, the student council kept up with their regular weekly meetings even amid the pandemic. “StuCo is composed of committees, and each one was responsible for different events,” she said. “That way no one was overwhelmed and everyone could work in an organized manner.” For Luisa Tolda, another 12th grader, the biggest challenge was making the digital versions of their traditional events interesting. She cited 7th Grade Fun Night as an example: “This is one of the most traditional events organized by StuCo. Since it is everyone’s first real introduction to high school, it’s a super important memory that many students cherish throughout their academic career. Translating that into the virtual environment was difficult, but I think we managed to impress on the participants the spirit of what it means to be part of Chapel’s high school,” she said proudly.

StuCo used tools like Kahoot to make interactive quizzes and created treasure hunts and other games for prizes to keep students engaged in this online celebration.

STUDENTS SHINE AT AASB MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE

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he latest edition of the AASB (Association of American Schools in Brazil) Model United Nations Conference, held on November 21-22, was conducted via videoconferencing. Organized by ISC (The International School of Curitiba), who was scheduled to host the face-to-face event, the conference maintained its typical structure, with leadership teams and committees. However, all of the debates were done on Zoom. This format, although it limited the social interaction between student delegates, allowed for more students from each school to attend, leading to considerably larger debates.

According to Benjamin Vaughan, the MUN advisor at Chapel, this edition also had two middle school committees, which offered “a great experience for our youngest delegates.”

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Although Chapel had several less experienced delegates this year, club veterans did an excellent job preparing new members for the conference, leading to six delegates being recognized for excellence in their committees (see table). Pedro de Marchi, 12th grade, will serve as this year’s Chief Operations Officer BRAMUN, was responsible for preparing the new members of Chapel. Luisa Tolda and Guilherme Vercelli supported this endeavor, in addition to helping their colleagues in Curitiba organize the event. There was little time to prepare – only four weeks – but, with lots of hard work, they achieved great results.

“During the conference, we felt that our delegates were more confident and prepared than delegates from other schools,” commented the COO. This success comes at a unique moment for the club, said Luisa Tolda: “The vast majority of our members are new to MUN, so we have a responsibility to train them to make sure the club prospers. Our legacy will be to teach them everything we have learned and skills we have mastered in MUN.” Luisa, who is a chair responsible for organizing one of the committees, saw the success of younger delegates as positive feedback for the veteran leaders.

The format of the event, however, had both pros and cons.

Luisa commented that the online environment made people feel more comfortable speaking up during debate: “The on-site environment is much tenser; online, it seemed to flow better, with fewer people monopolizing the debate. This made it more democratic and inclusive, which was great for generating ideas for resolutions.” Pedro agreed, but said that he really missed the personal interaction and friendships that make these events so memorable: “One of the best parts of these events is the chance to meet new people and work with those you’ve never met. We build great friendships, meet interesting people, and learn a lot.

This experience really had an impact on my high school career.”

Mr. Vaughan said that “although a digital conference is not ideal, since personal interactions are an important part of MUN, Chapel delegates did a great job, as you can see in the results they achieved.”

CHAPEL DELEGATES RECOGNIZED AT 2020 AASB MUN MARINA SILVA – Verbal Commendation for her work as Russia in ECOSOC (Economic and Social Committee) PABLO GUIMARÃES SILVA – Verbal Commendation for his work as Germany in OMT (World Tourism Organization) TONI SERRES – Best Delegate, representing Saudi Arabia in ECOSOC BARBARA MONTE ALTO – Best Delegate, representing Slovakia in the Middle School Human Rights Committee LORENZO PERROTTI – Best Delegate, representing the Dominican Republic in the Middle School Security Council BRUNO MONTE ALTO – Best Delegate, representing Egypt in the Human Rights Committee.

SPOTLIGHT

A

t the start of the school year, the Escola sem Bullying program, part of the nstituto Abrace - Programas Preventivos, began to be integrated into Chapel’s socioemotional curriculum. The program is being adopted as a result of the NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) self-study, part of the school’s re-accreditation process, which involves rigorous self-evaluation and reflection on ways to improve the school.

Based on the principle that no student can learn if they are not emotionally well, the program engages the entire school community in a concerted effort to prevent bullying and develop healthy and respectful relationships. As a part of Chapel’s ongoing reflection process, the school sought a program that was compatible with its values, and which promoted empathy and self-confidence in students. “Chapel always aims to build community by understanding the complexity of human relationships and creating an inclusive environment. Chapel adopted Escola sem Bullying precisely because we are continuously focused on educating the whole human being; in this sense, the program is extremely important to reach the internal awareness of members of the community, especially with regard to psychological issues involving situations of violence or abuse,” explains Luciana Brandespim, the school’s Character Education coordinator.

Abrace – Programas Preventivos was chosen because they are a Brazilian organization with an international scope (see image) and methodology. The program merges the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program - a Norwegian program considered the most effective in the world at combating and preventing bullying - and its own methods and ideology. Their work is done in partnership with Clemson

University, in South Carolina, U.S.A., and includes the use of restorative practices and positive discipline. “Through a dialogical and always positive approach, it is essential that students who experience some form of intimidation are able to better understand themselves, their peers, and the context in which they have been inserted,” explains Benjamim Horta, General Director of Abrace.

The program’s methodology hinges on getting all school stakeholders – both internal and external – involved in its themes. For this reason, the school formed a committee of teacher, employee, management, administration, student, and family representatives, who received 16 training sessions divided into three modules: program fundamentals, methodology, and best practices. The next step was to train all teachers and school staff; then, there were meetings with parents and students; and throughout this year, the program will be expanded to the entire school community. “The campaign to prevent and combat bullying must be embraced school-wide,” Mr. Horta explains. “The work must be complete, constant, and long-term, as it is about establishing a culture of respectful and gentle relationships. And that is a far cry from the typical punishments or the image of a marshall policing the corridor – it’s about learning to be and learning to live,” he added. Pedro Loureiro, an 11th grade student who was part of the committee, echoed this sentiment: “That stereotype of bullying, in which the big jock knocks down the nerd’s books, doesn’t exist in real life. Many aggressions are committed without one person being aware that he is hurting the other, especially in the online environment. That’s why this program is important. It is not just a matter of vigilance, but rather showing students how they can deal with situations of abuse themselves. It is also helpful for students to know that they can count on all the adults in the school to solve any problems or break the barriers that exist between us.”

Despite being a global phenomenon, bullying is often incorrectly identified. Some teasing or interpersonal conflicts

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RENOWNED BULLYING-PREVENTION PROGRAM ADOPTED BY CHAPEL

get wrongfully categorized as bullying, and some real intimidation is dismissed as being just a game. Mr. Horta affirms that “bullying is much more subjective, serious, and painful than you can imagine.” In May 2019, UNESCO published a report on school violence which stated that 58% of students who reported suffering cyberbullying did not tell their parents. The reasons for this secrecy are varied, but often include shame or fear of retaliation. That’s why the Abrace Program wants to avoid a culture of denunciation, which keeps victims in their role as victims. Instead, it aims to teach strategies that facilitate communication with adults for immediate intervention. “The work is done so that, in the long run, students feel empowered and comfortable with themselves, for who they really are. It’s not about making the aggressor and the victim best friends, but rather about establishing safe relationships that respect each person and their values,” he reflected. “We live in a very punitive society

that has the habit of overprotecting those who suffer and condemning those who practice violence. Part of our job is to understand that the behavior of those who practice bullying can also be a cry – or even a scream – for help.”

The program is organic, and adapts to the reality of each school. As a result, several teachers who participated in the training praised the program. “I felt like the course catered well to our specific community. Nothing felt imposed, and everything was adapted for our culture,” commented high school art teacher Sylvia Amleida. For ES Religion teacher Ana Lucia Dias, the program reinforced the welcoming environment that resounds at Chapel: “Our school has a very good atmosphere, a family atmosphere, which must be taken care of. I believe that this program complements something that Chapel already does very well, creating connections and empathy both in and out of the classroom.”

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brace - Preventive Programs was recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as a top program for combating and preventing bullying in Brazil. In fact, Abrace was the only Brazilian institution invited to speak at the World Anti-Bullying Forum, hosted in Dublin in 2019. The institution also assists in the development of anti-bullying public policies in Brazil, integrating the federal government’s Frente Parlamentar de Combate ao Bullying e Outras Violências. Founded in 2012, it has already served more than 50 thousand students in Brazil.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

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PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

Committee training

Abrace literature (K-12)

Monthly consultation

Staff training

Class meetings activities

Interventions and follow up orientations

Olweus Bullying Questionnaire

Class discussion groups

Creating schoolwide prevention strategies

Abrace Program Platform®

Care box

Marketing materials

Abrace APP (Android and IOS)

Analysis and evaluation Abrace Program certification

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TALENTS & PASSIONS

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econciling the academic demands of an international school with extracurricular activities is no easy task. However, Chapel students achieve this and more. Meet six students who stand out for their dedication to community service, hobbies, sports, and music – all in addition to their studies.

“THE MOST REWARDING PART OF VOLUNTEERING IS WHEN YOU REALIZE THAT YOUR ATTITUDE IS REALLY LEAVING A MARK ON SOMEONE’S LIFE”

LIVIA DELEUSE VOLUNTEERING WITH THE FAMILY Volunteer work has been a part of young Livia Deleuse’s life for a long time, and it has become a family activity. “Whenever I dedicate myself to a service project, my parents also end up getting involved and we start doing it together,” says the high school senior. By the way, her latest project got started because of school. For the service portion of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service), part of the IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum, Livia worked with “Amigos da Rua e seus Pets,” a program to support homeless people and their pets, a population that became more vulnerable during quarantine due to the closing of bars and restaurants. “My mother and I came up with the idea of ​​cooking for homeless people and, talking to my grandmother, we discovered this program. I participated by putting together hygiene kits, preparing food, packing lunch boxes, and making deliveries,” says the 17-year-old.

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Livia explains that the project provides about 100 meals per day and also brings masks, water, and even desserts to the homeless in the neighborhood of Glicério, in downtown São Paulo. “What impressed me most was being there, on the street, interacting with people. A man came to talk to me, giving thanks for people like us who dedicate themselves to helping others, and that moved me,” she said. As always, her parents were involved in the project, and the family plans to continue even after Livia’s IB CAS project is completed. “Definitely, volunteering will always be part of my life, because of my own desire and the involvement of my family,” she points out.

At Chapel since the 7th grade, Livia considers the school the best place she has ever studied. Born in São Paulo, she has lived in Santiago (Chile), Miami (USA) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ), attending various bilingual and international schools. “At Chapel, I formed friendships that will last a lifetime, and it was easy for me to adapt, mainly because of sports,” she explains. She says that soccer and cheerleading helped bring her closer to people at Chapel. In addition to participating in Junior Varsity and Varsity soccer teams, Livia has played basketball, indoor soccer, and volleyball. Close to graduating, she plans to go to university in Brazil: “I want to study business management because it is a more comprehensive course, and maybe work in marketing or business, but I’m still not completely sure,” she concludes.

TALENTS & PASSIONS

“FROM AN EARLY AGE, I WAS HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH MATHEMATICS, BOTH AT SCHOOL AND BEYOND, PARTICIPATING IN TOURNAMENTS AND COMPETITIONS”

YEONGIN (ELREN) CHAE OUTSTANDING IN MATHEMATICS Three years ago, Yeongin (Elren) Chae moved with her family from South Korea to Brazil due to her father’s work, and she has been studying at Chapel ever since. Currently a junior, Elren has always stood out in mathematics tournaments. At the recent Math Kangaroo Competition Brazil, in October 2020, she won a gold medal – an honor bestowed on only 1% of the participants – at the Junior level, whichincludes students from 10th and 11th grade. The 17-year-old says she has participated in competitions and tournaments since she was a child, and has always been encouraged to practice mathematics. “In South Korea, math is taken very seriously; it is one of the great pillars of education. So, from an early age, I was heavily exposed to mathematics, both in and out of the classroom.”

The last few months have been full of academic demands, which left her with little time to dedicate herself to hobbies. “I confess that currently, my life is basically going to school, completing classwork, doing homework, and preparing for tests. When I’m done, it’s time to sleep,” she says. However, the young woman still finds time to dedicate herself to volunteer work. She translates (from English to Korean) reports from the offices of Compassion International, a non-profit organization that operates in 25 countries working towards the development and protection of underprivileged children. After a day of hard study and work, what Elren most likes is talking with friends.

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At Chapel, in addition to the Math Club, Elren participates in three other clubs: NHS (National Honor Society) , STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and Knowledge Bowl, her favorite.

But she doesn’t live just to study. Her hobbies include arts and sports. “I am very eclectic; my tastes vary a lot,” she reveals. “I love drawing and I love playing badminton. It’s a pity that it is not a popular sport in Brazil.” Elren says she first played badminton in Korea, where she always played with her friends. In Brazil, her contact with her favorite sport took place only in Chapel’s physical education classes, and she misses playing more.

“THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT HORSEBACK RIDING IS INTERACTING WITH THE ANIMAL. THERE IS A STRONG CONNECTION BETWEEN THE AMAZON – OR RIDER – AND HER HORSE”

CHLOE TANZILLI TEILLERE LEAPING TO VICTORY At first, horseback riding was a hobby that the parents of Franco-Brazilian Chloe cultivated even before she was born. Her passion for riding grew as she got older, leading her to participate in her first serious competition three years ago. “From then on, my parents saw that I was able to compete, and I started to work hard, training more intensively, taking classes with excellent teachers, and looking for good horses,” says the 15-year-old, a 10th grade student. Her dedication paid off, as she has represented Brazil in two editions of the South American Youth Championship – one of the most important equestrian events. In 2018, in Chile, she jumped in the pre-juvenile category (1.10m), earning bronze in the individual event and gold in the team competition. The next year, in Paraguay, she earned another gold medal in the team event and came in fifth place in the individual contest, this time in the juvenile category (1.20m).

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Because of her horseback riding, Chloe’s family relocated – choosing a home and school closer to the Clube Hípico de Santo Amaro, where she trains. So, she left Liceu Pasteur, where she studied for eleven years, and joined Chapel for 9th grade. The adaptation was smooth, she says. “From the beginning, I felt super welcome. The teachers are very understanding, and the school always helps me when I need to be absent to participate in any tournament.” With a tight schedule, the young teenager participates in more than twenty events per year. “My routine is very hectic. I go to the gym very early, before classes, then I dedicate myself to school, and later I go to the equestrian center to train and take care of the horses,” she sums up.

Chloe’s weekends are usually dedicated to jumping competitions or horse training, but when she has some free time she enjoys cooking, walking with her mother, and traveling with her family. “I practically live for school and horseback riding, which I think is a beautiful sport. The most interesting thing is interacting with the animal. There is a strong connection between the Amazon – or the rider – and her horse,” she says. At the moment, the young teenager dedicates herself to three of them: Empire, her main horse, Dryca, her second mare, and Uegond, a younger horse that is still being trained. At the end of 2020, in a field of 22 riders, Chloe and Empire won the Concurso Nacional e Internacional de Salto Indoor, at the Sociedade Hípica Paulista, in the 1.20m event in the Young Riders category. “One day I plan to jump in the Olympics or in the 1.70m events, because my dream is to be a Brazilian and South American champion,” says the young Amazon.

TALENTS & PASSIONS

“I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME AN ARTIST AND INSPIRE PEOPLE WITH MY MUSIC”

BRUNO STILLE RAP AS AN EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS Even though he has Brazilian parents, Bruno Stille had never lived in his parents’ homeland until a year ago. Born in Norway, the 15-year-old lived in four other countries before moving to Brazil in early 2020 and enrolling in 9th grade at Chapel in August. Bruno spent his childhood and early adolescence in Armenia, New Zealand, Jordan, and Portugal. In the latter, he started to write rap lyrics together with his friends: “I was living in Portugal when I started making rhymes three years ago. My friends and I liked to spend time rapping, and we started to learn more,” says the young teenager, who is a fan of freestyle, a rap genre whose main characteristic is lyric improvisation, expressing what the rapper feels on a particular subject. “I like to use whatever is on my mind at that moment, and, consequently, my rhymes reflect my feelings,” he points out.

His biggest idol is American rapper Hopsin, stage name for Marcus Jamal Hopson, a Los Angeles artist and music producer. He says that he became interested in Hopsin’s work precisely because his songs address emotions and life in general, but in a more profound way. “That’s what touched me, and I ended up creating a connection with his work,” he explains. Although he still does not think his is ready to make his compositions public, Bruno posts his music on the platform Soundcloud, and reveals that he already has accumulated some fans. He aims to improve his skills and one day transform it into a professional career. “I would like to become an artist and inspire people with my music,” he says.

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Currently, the routine of school and extracurricular activities takes up most of his day, but after finishing these, Bruno enjoys spending time playing video games and composing songs. His favorite activity, in fact, is listening to music while playing. His favorite musical styles are rap, of course, and lo-fi. On his playlist there is plenty of Hopsin, but Bruno makes room for other artists, like Eminem, for example. His favorite sports are basketball and soccer, which were put on hold at the end of last year due to a hand injury.

“WHEN I PLAY THE PIANO, I ISOLATE MYSELF – BUT IN A GOOD WAY. AT THAT MOMENT, IT’S JUST ME AND THE INSTRUMENT”

PEDRO MALAGONI MUSIC THAT TOUCHES HEARTS Pedro Malagoni was only four years old when he discovered his sister’s keyboard at their holiday home. He was instantly enchanted by the instrument. His mother, who plays the guitar, taught him the basic chords before enrolling him in the same music school where she had studied. At the age of 10, Pedro joined the Centro Musical RMF. “The musical genres that I like to play the most are pop and rock. I get a lot of inspiration from Queen, but for me, Richard Clayderman is one of the greatest pianists in the world,” says the 14-year-old.

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Two years ago, when the family lived in Portugal, Pedro took music lessons at his school, where he was “discovered” by a teacher who was also a music producer for artists such as Maroon 5, Lady Gaga, and Andrea Bocelli. “I was in a room playing a Queen song when he passed by and heard me,” says Pedro. “We started talking a lot and struck up a friendship. I already loved the piano, but he helped me to improve my skills.” Currently in 8th grade, Pedro takes piano lessons twice a week with the Maestro Reynaldo Martinelli Filho, who has become a close friend, and practices at least an hour a day. Usually he plays with headphones, but sometimes he plays through the loudspeakers at the request of his grandmother, who loves to hear him play. “When I play the piano, I isolate myself – but in a good way. At that moment, it’s just me and the instrument,” he reveals.

This will be a year of many rehearsals: in October, he will perform at a benefit show in one of the biggest venues in São Paulo, UnimedHall, at the inauguration of the Pedro Molina Institute, created by his mother to support people with motor neuron diseases such as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), which affected his maternal grandfather. The institute will be dedicated to promoting research towards new treatments. Pedro will perform alongside his sister, Julia, who graduated from Chapel in June 2020 and will sing in the show. The repertoire was selected with great care: “All the songs were chosen to convey a positive message to people,” he adds.

TALENTS & PASSIONS

“I PLAY IN A CALM WAY; I DON’T SHOUT DURING MATCHES. I AM INSPIRED BY ROGER FEDERER, WHO IS VERY POLITE ON THE COURT”

NICHOLAS BLIKSTAD SERENITY ON THE COURTS At the age of three, Nicholas Blikstad got his first tennis racket from his father, “just to smack the ball around,” as he says. He started training at the age of six at Clube de Campo de São Paulo, but when he started competing in tournaments for the São Paulo Tennis Federation, the boy – who is now twelve years old – started training at David’s Tennis School. The young tennis player has already played more than twenty tournaments, usually with good results. “I haven’t been a champion yet, but I’ve been runner up five or six times,” he says. With a calm playing style, Nicholas is inspired by Gustavo Kuerten, Guga, and Roger Federer. “I like the way Federer plays; he is polite on the court, unlike others who are aggressive,” he says. “I play in a calm way. I don’t scream, and I say almost nothing during games. My father even says that I am very quiet.”

About three years ago, Nicholas started playing drums to relieve stress. “I started guitar, but found it boring. I like the drums because I can release the anger,” he jokes. Music is very present in his life. In 2019, he received his first DJ equipment, including a computer, loudspeakers, and sound mixer. “I started to get interested in DJing during my sister’s party, when I really liked the DJ who performed,” he says. His first performance came at a friend’s party. “I played at this party and was invited to play at three more events,” he revealed. Nicholas has been a student at Chapel since Pre I, and what he likes the most at school are his teachers and classmates. “The teachers are very good, and I made a lot of friends. I have friends that I met back in Pre I,” he concludes.

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The 7th grade student’s routine is full of sports and musical activities. When he finishes attending classes at Chapel, Nicholas has tennis, boxing, and drum lessons. On Sundays, he plays soccer at the club. It is his father who accompanies him when he participates in Federation tournaments, usually on weekends. “After the games, my father gives me suggestions for me to improve for the next match,” he says. When he can, he plays with his father, who has played the sport all his life.

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GALLERY

S

ome of the events that livened up Chapel last semester were the after school activities, the Children’s Day, Halloween and Spirit Week games, the Thanksgiving celebration, and the Class of 2020 graduation.

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On the following pages you can check photographs of these moments of fun and bonding that united the school community even more.