Campaign for the
Arts
Campaign for the
Arts
Why a Center for the Arts? “The future”—two words that inspire wonder… worry… hope… in our hearts and minds. More than anything we want to assure that our children’s futures afford them every opportunity to flourish and live out their dreams. In the recent past, the future-success equation was at least somewhat predictable. Technology and globalization have changed that equation and continue the change dynamic at mind-bending speed. How can we prepare our children for a future that is unknown? It’s all about developing skills. Employers are looking for people who are adept at critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, creativity, initiative, and leadership. Our students’ values, character, sense of self, and habits of mind are the best and most important gifts we can give them. Participation in the Arts—Music, Drama, Visual Art, and/or Dance—is no longer just “nice.” It is necessary. A computer can do calculus and get the right answer. It takes creative problem solving skills to apply the calculations. Creativity, collaboration, and innovation are skills that are uniquely refined in artistic endeavors, and the Center for the Arts will give our students the transformational space to hone these skills.
Our Mission
Miami Country Day School is a college preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole child. Through the core values of honor, respect, wisdom, and compassion, we prepare students to be lifelong learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical, aesthetic,
social, emotional, and spiritual potentials by valuing
every student every day.
Pictured on the opposite page: Brisel’23 and Barbara ’23
Our
Program For us, the arts are not an extracurricular but instead are essential to the Mission of Miami Country Day School. Visual Arts On any given day one can walk through the Art rooms to observe students painting crane portraits, building coil pots, printing photographs, and creating Panamanian molas. Learning to observe the world through their own artistic lens, students use their individual vision to innovate and create art that is uniquely their own. Drama Our young Thespians explore the world
of drama both on stage and behind the scenes. Involvement in skits, one-act and full-length plays, and musicals develops poise, confidence, and stage presence. Through curricular and extracurricular programs, every student is challenged to think critically in accurately expressing human emotions and exploring his or her inner actor!
Dance Body confidence, grace, and movement through space are just a few of the skills explored in our Dance program. These students collaborate and communicate powerfully without word through this physical manifestation of artistic expression. Music In our diverse Music program, PK-3
students singing and dancing with scarves are building foundations for participation in our Early Bird Orchestra and more. Young musicians learn the joys of composition and collaboration in ensemble experiences through both classical and improvisational training. Opportunities for vocal and instrumental performance range in genres from Baroque to Jazz to Contemporary and beyond.
Pictured on the opposite page: Lower School Assistant Director & Music Teacher, Terry Alfonso
Miami Country Day School promotes the six potentials—Aesthetic, Spiritual, Physical, Social, Intellectual, Emotional—toward the goal of educating the whole child. Anchored in an understanding of what constitutes appropriate developmental arts education, the goal of the Arts Department faculty is to share the joy and importance of artistic expression with their students and the community.
Our
Students
The Center for the Arts will benefit students of all ages at Miami Country Day School.
When I grow up, I want to be a prima ballerina. When I’m dancing, I feel loose, and I feel free, and I feel like I can do anything. It makes me feel strong, and it’s just a fun thing to do. — Nina ’22
I want to be a comedian or an actor. I want to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. — Mikey ’22
Art is being extravagant with your thoughts.
When I’m relaxed, I like to draw, and it also expresses my feelings. Let’s say I want to make something—I usually draw it out first. Drawing helps you with a lot of things. — Patrick ’22
Art is a way people express themselves, and anyone can do it. I want to be an actor because I love expressing myself… I love laughing.
— Sofia ’21
Art is showing people your talent and being able to express what you love. Dance gives you the ability to express what you are feeling, and acting makes you feel like you are in a different world. Without the Arts, everything would be boring. — Bridgette ’18
Some say that when witnessing a breathtaking work of art, you see with your heart and feel with your eyes. I stand by that saying, and when I am moved by an artistic vision, my African roots begin to rumble and the pounding of drums begin to follow the beat of my heart as the movement of the paint brush is followed by my eyes. — Jacqueline ’15
I like music. I want to be a guitar player. — Daniel ’29
Great photography is a good way of showing something without explaining it. — Mia’18
— Camryn ’20
Pictured on the opposite page: A scene from Middle School’s production of Revenge of the Space Pandas featuring Bridgette ’18 and Camryn ’20 | Photo Courtesy of Scholastic Experience Imaging
Our
Community Jacqueline ’15 is an AP Studio Art student, chair of the annual “Walk the Walk”
for Cancer, and President of the National Art Honors Society (NAHS). She plans to study art and business management upon graduation from Miami Country Day School. Several years ago, her aunt was diagnosed with cancer, and Jackie wanted to help those within her community suffering from this terrible disease. Jacqueline thought that Barbie dolls, an object familiar to children, would be a creative way to teach children about the disease. Jackie proposed an idea to the members of NAHS to first remove the hair of the Barbie Dolls to represent the stages of chemotherapy, and later on to paint beautiful designs and replicas of famous works of art upon the
skin of the dolls. The students then held a private auction at the school’s event, “Evening of the Arts.” With the money Jacqueline and the members of National Art Honors Society raised, they bought children’s art supplies to donate to children who are diagnosed with cancer and other terminal diseases. Art and philanthropy run through Jackie’s veins. Over the summer, Jacqueline visited South Africa. She went to the township of Alexandra in Johannesburg where she volunteered to help comfort and teach children and elderly about art and drawing techniques. Jacqueline hopes to return to South Africa, where she will then teach the people within the townships and other communities about the Barbie Doll Project.
Our
Alumni
Natasha Cirisano ’11
Navi Rawat ’95
Conor Clancy ’04
Kate Creeden Neckel ’94
Fine Arts University of Southern California ’15
Television, Film Actress
Music Business professional
Visual Arts Artist
Natasha has worked at TBWA, one of the top ten advertising agencies in the world. She is currently studying abroad at the Australian National University.
Navi led the cast of Project Greenlight’s foray into horror, Feast. She recently starred in the film Ocean of Pearls and the hit CBS crime drama Numb3rs. Navi has also starred in television’s 24, The O.C., Castle, Burn Notice, Justified, and Grey’s Anatomy. Additional film credits include House of Sand and Fog and Wanted: Undead or Alive.
Conor is a Senior Sales Executive for AT&T Premier Client Group. He studied Psychology at Amherst College.
Kate’s first book, Start Now, Repeat It, will be published in September 2015. She has a bedding & home collection Kate Neckel for Bassetti, and her illustrations are also featured in the upcoming book The Soup Club Cookbook (January 2015).
“The foundational skills that prepared me so well for college-level arts courses began in high school— color theory, human figure, composition, and even project time management have proved invaluable here at USC. The greatest thing about MCDS is the opportunity for self-directed projects within the classroom environment.”
“I will always be grateful for the foundation Miami Country Day School provided me: an exemplary education that encouraged intellectual curiosity, discipline, and independence as well as creative expression. These attributes have been invaluable both in the professional and personal aspects of my life.”
“My experiences with the arts at MCDS are lasting memories that I will always cherish. From my humble beginnings in 6th grade band, I fell in love with learning and playing music. Thanks to Mr. Wicker, I improved each and every year. Even though music is not my profession, I use the values of teamwork, dedication, and excellence instilled in me at MCDS in my job with AT&T’s Global Business Solutions Division.”
“Mr. Larzelere’s class gave me the encouragement to start developing my personal style, and he got me thinking about what I like and why… Not only did he give me a sense of freedom, but also the studio space and the garden at MCDS helped to nurture that sense of freedom/ exploration.”
Adam Epstein ’92
Emily Estefan ’13
Kashif Fulton ’11
Cara Bloch ’92
Theater Tony Award Winning Producer
Music Berklee College of Music ’17
Dance Harvard College ’15
Photography Artist
Adam is known for his productions of Hairspray: The Musical A View From the Bridge, The Wedding Singer, and revivals of The Crucible and Amadeus on Broadway.
Emily scored music for the movie A Change of Heart and recently released an untitled solo album. She is currently studying Music at Berklee College of Music.
Kashif is studying economics and has served as a Director of the Expressions Dance Company, Harvard’s premier Hip-Hop dance group.
Cara’s images of rock stars have appeared in many of the most important music and culture magazines, including Rolling Stone, Vibe, and Spin. She has also done work for MTV, Universal Music, Island Def Jam, Interscope, Sony, and Rock the Vote.
“Academic challenges provided incredible preparation for the real world challenges I’ve faced since graduating. Tenacity and an unwavering work ethic are essential to being a successful and well-rounded person, and I thank Country Day for allowing me to learn such invaluable tools, which are now part of my DNA. I think the reason I got to where I am is because I was so committed to doing it, and I was doing it so long so young.”
“I would like to thank my family for always serving “Contemporary Music as a support system for Ensemble meant everything all of my endeavors. My to me. In addition to being mother, Juliette Fulton, a family, CME provided us with an opportunity to touch has always been behind me people and inspire others. We with encouraging words that are constantly on loop had to work really hard, and in my head. I would also being in this environment like to thank my Aunt with the people and teachers Annette Fulton—“my second were essential in getting me where I am now. It’s definitely mother,” according to my mom. Since the 6th grade, a lasting relationship.” Jonina Pitchman has been an inspiring mentor to me, and I have to thank her! I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without all of your help.”
Miami Country Day, for me, was a supportive, empowering place that allowed me to develop as an artist far beyond what I believe I could have done in any other environment. Names like John Wicker, Terry Alfonso, Sandi Lewis, and so many others outside the rehearsal room are names etched on the cornerstones not only of my career, but also of my creativity, confidence, and sense of self. As an actor, musician, and entrepreneur, I balance my time among activities on stage and television as well as my real estate company. Moreover, I work in PR and fundraising for the nonprofit theater in which I believe so passionately. My belief that the individual has not only the ability but the responsibility to make an impact comes directly from MCDS. The fact that to this day I’m often greeted at stage doors by the supportive MCDS family is a constant reminder that my time there not only gave me invaluable tools, but, more importantly, the courage to use them.
“As a young girl, I was given a polaroid. This camera enabled me to understand things happening around me. It was the push from the teachers that gave me the opportunity to create a career out of the norm of what a woman would usually choose as a career path.”
Nick Richberg ’96 Theater, Television, Film Actor & Entrepreneur
Our
Vision A concert hall
that supports our student performers with
acoustics, aesthetics, and inspiration Learning environments
that advance the level of our Arts program and the
cultivation of artistic expression A gallery
that features student artists and gives them a
venue for curating
An artistic touchstone for building bridges to
community contribution and participation
A Center for the Arts that transforms our campus, our program, our community, and our hearts
Our
Facility The Center for the Arts
The highest priority identified by the school’s current Strategic Plan is to raise money to build a Center for the Arts. The arts are not an extracurricular for our students. A Center for the Arts will provide the venue and environment that speaks to our Mission. Future plans may include a new gym, cafeteria, or science center, but currently, our number one priority is building a Center for the Arts, which will benefit all of our students from PK-3 – 12th grade. Current design documents provide for a 35,000 square foot Center for the Arts to include a 650-seat auditorium. A lobby, exhibit spaces, a dance studio, a ceramics patio, and much more are included and can be identified on the floor plans and list of naming opportunities included with this packet.
The Campus Parking Garage
When we build the Center for the Arts, we are eliminating parking spaces in the North Lot, so we must replace them. Parking is currently a challenge, so this new garage will be helpful to allow more parent and student parking. The parking garage will have 350 parking spaces. In addition, Miami-Dade County requires a garage to address campus parking and traffic issues, and they would not grant the school a permit for building a Center for the Arts without a campus garage.
Construction, Financing, & Campaign Center for the Arts Construction Costs Parking Garage Construction Costs Total Construction Costs
$17,700,000 $ 5,800,000 $23,500,000
Endowment Funds Total Funding
$ 3,000,000 $26,500,000
Tax Exempt Financing for Garage Tax Exempt Financing for Center for the Arts
($6,000,000) ($4,000,000)
Campaign Gifts
$16,500,000
The Timeline
The goal is to break ground on the parking garage in late January/early February 2015. If started at this time, the garage can be open by August 2015. The plan is to break ground on the Center for the Arts at the same time for the most effective cost, logistics, and timeline purposes. It is anticipated that the Center for the Arts would be open for the 2016–17 school year.
The Architects
Zyscovich is an integrated master planning, architecture, and interior design firm with offices in Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, New York City, and Bogotá, Colombia. Since 1977, the firm has focused on making People Places—positively impacting the lives of people with their award-winning designs throughout the country and around the world. The Zyscovich Education Studio consists of over 40 highly-trained professionals who focus exclusively on the design of award-winning public, private, and charter schools. Notably, the group served as the studio for our school’s Katherine E. Franco Center for Learning Resources. As educators adopt a new paradigm of education for the 21st Century, Zyscovich Architects is committed to the creation of educational facility design that supports and enhances these efforts. Their designs are focused on the creation of a “culture of inquiry” and lifelong learners.
Community 1st Floor
Imagine it! The curtain goes up on the stage of the 650-seat auditorium as 485 children from pre-Kindergarten to fifth grade occupy the stage ready to sing, dance, and perform in front of parents, grandparents, and friends. The orchestra pit holds the 40 musicians, who voluntarily arrive at 7:30 a.m. every morning to participate in Early Bird Orchestra directed by John Wicker, teacher, conductor, and director for 40 years—at MCDS for 30! After school, the costume and stage areas are filled with members of the Thespian Troupe sawing, painting, and constructing sets for the upcoming district performance. Others are cutting out patterns and sewing costumes. A Friday assembly for the Upper School students and teachers depicts a special presentation made by a visiting author as part of the school’s SEED (Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity) Program.
Imagine it! An already successful arts program finally has the space and place to showcase its award-winning artists, musicians, dancers, and Thespians. Breakthrough Miami students have an opportunity to participate in the fine arts through painting, drawing, and ceramics classes offered as part of their Saturday school and summer programs. Performing on a real stage with lights and acoustics support the caliber of performances that are provided by students from pre-Kindergarten to seniors. Gallery space throughout the Center exhibits student and faculty art and offers a place to feature work from our digital photography students. Real dressing rooms with lighted mirrors and a place to hang costumes and put on stage makeup will allow student actors a proper space for performance preparation. Theater for Social Change, an artistic and curricular program designed to stimulate discussions about important societal issues and foster change, will have the opportunity to invite students from our Community Learning Partnership to be members of the audience for their latest production. Q&A with guidance counselors and peer leaders follow for a lively discussion about issues our teens face. The Miami Country Day School community will proclaim its Mission by giving the arts a venue befitting a learning institution of our caliber‌
Can you imagine it?
Our
Center 35,000 sq. ft. of new learning space and performance facilities
1225+ students who would benefit from the Center for the Arts
Zyscovich Architects also designed the Katherine E. Franco Center for Learning Resources
*As of October 20, 2014
Our community will have a new favorite venue on campus.
20% of gifts will fund program and building endowment
66 donors to date*
The arts patio will sit in front of the canal, offering an inspiring view of nature
Our
Leadership Dr. John Davies
Chris Bellows
Gerald W. Moore ’68
“My number one priority is ensuring that the Center for the Arts is a reality. It is impossible to honor our commitment to the whole child without the arts. Research shows numerous connections between the arts and critical thinking. At the end of the day, this campaign is about investing in a program that supports the arts with a venue befitting a learning institution and arts program of our caliber.”
“Do Good... Be Somebody.” — Chesterfield Smith, long-time leader of Holland & Knight
“My family has attended the school since the late ’40s. Uncles, brothers, cousins—three generations and counting. As a friend of the school, I have been a student (’59-’68), Alumni President in the mid ’80s, and a Trustee since the mid ’90s. Educational institutions are the major recipients of our family foundation, and we are proud to have supported both private and public education over the years.
Head of School
An educator for 30 years, Dr. Davies received a B.A. in philosophy from Merrimack College, an M.A. in history from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Florida International University. Being now in his 29th year at Country Day, Dr. Davies served as Middle School Director for 14 years before becoming our Head of School. He has authored numerous articles and two books on media and education. In the community, he serves on the Boards of the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center, and Mindful Kids Miami.
President, Board of Trustees
The Bellows family has a long tradition of commitment and philanthropy to Miami Country Day School. Chris’ father, Pete Bellows (1930-2009) was one of the original Trustees. Our school is fortunate that Chris followed in his father’s footsteps to be a part of our leadership. Chris grew up in Miami and attended Miami Edison High School. He graduated from Sewanee – The University of the South with honors and from the University of Miami School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude. He is an appellate attorney who has handled complex civil appeals in the Supreme Court of Florida, all Florida District Courts of Appeal, and the federal appellate courts. “One of my dad’s lifetime missions was to make sure the school was truly independent and in a position to thrive and endure, and he lived to see that happen. That was a blessing.”
Campaign Chair
I have enjoyed watching Miami Country Day School mature and grow and our family is proud to be a part of that growth. We’re at another critical juncture in the road. When the Board and Dr. Davies identified a Center for the Arts as the priority at this time, the Garner and Moore families committed $500,000 and later another $500,000 as a Challenge. I challenge you to consider how your family can be a part of this important next step in providing the programming and facilities our students and the greater Miami community deserve.”
The Garner Moore Family Challenge doubles your gift! In honor of Miami Country Day School’s 75th Anniversary year, on April 3, 2014, the Garner and Moore families announced an increase to their original commitment of $500,000 for a total of $1 million in support of building a Center for the Arts. The additional $500,000 committed is a 1:1 Challenge Gift, and the Garner Moore Family Challenge will match dollar for dollar each additional new commitment made since April 3 to the Campaign for the Arts, up to $500,000. Increases to current pledges qualify for the Match; however, payments made on existing pledges do not qualify. A special thank you to the Garner and Moore families for their leadership gift and support of a Center for the Arts at Miami Country Day School. Last year at the 75th Anniversary celebration, The Garner Foundation was recognized as one of the inaugural members of the 1938 Society that acknowledges benefactors whose cumulative monetary gifts or irrevocable gifts to Miami Country Day have reached $1 million and above. There has been a member of the Garner or Moore families involved in Country Day for over 60 years. It’s impossible to walk across the Country Day campus and not see the imprint of the Garner and Moore families somewhere. There is hardly a building on our campus that they have not been a part of, sharing their time and energy planning or offering generous financial support. The Garner and Moore families illustrate a true culture of philanthropy, and still today, the family continues to be very involved in the life of our school giving generously and joyfully. The Country Day campus would not be what it is today were it not for this family. Fittingly, it was announced at the celebration in April that in recognition of the Garner and Moore families’ generous spirit and dedication to Miami Country Day, the South campus will be known as The Garner Campus. Thank you for your consideration of accepting and participating in this important challenge that will benefit students, teachers, staff, and the community. For information about participating in the Campaign for the Arts, contact Sheryl Piper, Director of Development at 305-779-7273 or Bruce J. (Buzzy) Tabatchnick, Director of Leadership Gifts at 305-812-5350.
The Garner and Moore families
The stage is set... the time is now... Miami Country Day School’s commitment to the education of the whole child means that the arts are not considered extracurricular. The arts are essential to the school’s Mission. Considering this and current facilities, it is very clear that the area where there is the greatest and most immediate opportunity to impact the lives of our students is in the Arts. What our faculty and students have been able to accomplish at this point is amazing when we consider that enrollment has for the most part trended upward for the last 25 years with modest amounts of instructional space being added to the Visual and Performing Arts program. Lower, Middle, and Upper School Art classes are still being taught in the same classrooms that they were 30 years ago. The difference is that our enrollment has more than doubled since the completion of the Garner Center in 1982. The Visual Arts teachers have a combined classroom space that also serves as storage and a “gallery.” The addition of The Gallery in the Franco Center has provided a greater opportunity to share artwork, and further opportunity will be provided for students in the Center for the Arts. The Nathan Hurst ’89 Outdoor Amphitheater has been a great addition to our facilities thanks to the support of our Parents’ Association, and it does provide a wonderful venue for some of our arts programming. However, it was never intended to be a substitute for a performing arts theater. Dance and Drama are currently housed in a building that will eventually be torn down based on the Campus Master Plan and future fundraising efforts. Drama and Dance have never had a permanent home on this campus. These programs have been moved from one place to another over the years.
What role can I play in the Campaign for the Arts? Miami Country Day School is ready to raise the curtain on a new era of Arts education. Thank you for your consideration of a donation that will support a Center for the Arts that will be transformational for our arts programs, students, teachers, and the community.
How can I be part of our next masterpiece? We invite you to ask questions and explore the website, campaign.miamicountryday.org. There are many ways you can enjoy tax and income benefits while also supporting The Campaign for the Arts at Miami Country Day School. Pledges can be paid over a fiveyear period, and we can talk about the most appropriate option for you: an outright cash gift, retirement assets, or appreciated securities. Please contact Sheryl Piper, Director of Development at 305-779-7273 or Bruce J. (Buzzy) Tabatchnick, Director of Leadership Gifts at 305-812-5350.
Pictured on the opposite page: Isabella ’28
I want to be an artist. The colors make me happy. – AVA ’29
Campaign for the
Arts