art : f o r m
Vol. 1 No. 1 Spring 2008
Charleston School of the Arts Alumni Magazine
THOSE WHO CAN DO
THE QUEST TO REMAIN AN ARTIST AND A TEACHER
GETTING IN:FORMED XAN GENTILE ‘03 SHARES
A
JUMP JIVE AND WAIL !
A NIGHT OF MUSICAL MAGIC
RE IE EM PR IT ED N IO !
our:form
^ Mr. Baker’s Musical Theatre classes present “Children’s Musical Theatre” “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Stone Soup” 2
art: f o r m magazine
Vol. 1 No. 1 a Spring 2008
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mr. Justin Baker MANAGING EDITOR Katlyn McMillan CREATIVE DIRECTOR H’Alina Nehrah ALUMNI RELATIONS Wesley Snell WEB ADMINISTRATOR COPY EDITOR Alek Mihok ART DESIGN TEAM Patrick Wooton Dillon Cohen ARTS EDITORIAL EDITOR Brink Feaster CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Mr. William Smyth PHOTOGRAPHY Craig Maxwell, Jr. ADVERTISING MANAGER STYLE EDITOR Christian Williams
art:form Magazine is published by the Arts Management students and faculty at Charleston School of the Arts. Electronic and mailing address changes should be sent to: Alumni Affairs, Justin Baker, Charleston School of the Arts, 1600 Saranac St., North Charleston, SC 29405, or call 843-529-4990 Ext. 29. www.schoolofthearts.org www.soaalumni.org
Dear Friends, This coming week marks a bittersweet end to yet another very successful year at the School of the Arts. It has been my privilege this year to watch all of our students, faculty, and community come together once again around all of the great things that make this place so special. From Jump, Jive and Wail! to outstanding senior thesis performances to our incredible academic achivement of maintaining our rank as one of the top five schools in the state and one of the top five-hundred schools in the nation, we are an incredible school. I want to thank all of you as SOA alumni for being a part of making this school what it is today and continuing the spirit with which all of us leave. Thanks to our Arts Management class, we hope you will be encouraged, as I have been inspired, with our first issue of art: form magazine. This is our gift to you. Please look forward to many more issues to come and keep in touch!
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JUMP JIVE
Staff Editor, Alek Mihok
Jump, Jive, and Wail ! the highly anticipated event that took place on October 20th left participants in utter enjoyment as they danced the night away with 40’s and 50’s tunes provided by the SOA Jazz Band. The evening started with parents, students, and even alumni to SOA flooding into the Charleston Visitors Centre downtown and enjoying the gourmet eatery provided by various SOA familes. After mingling with friends and getting to know new people, the School of the Arts Jazz Band, with vocals by Cordell Mostellar and Heather Jones, proudly presented the first song. The fun and dancing took off from there with food, laughter and classic Swing dancing. Everyone attempted the intimidating dance with nothing but aims to have a good time!
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E and W A I L ! There were even prizes such as a “best dressed” award presented by School of the Arts officials. The winner of this particular prize was Logan Wells, a senior currently attending SOA. Just a few of the exhilarating songs were “Come Fly With Me,” “Oye Como Va,” “Brick House,” and of course, “Jump, Jive and Wail.” During the final song, “Fowl Play,” the dancers even formed a human train, parading around the entire centre. A saddened uproar was heard from the crowd as the lights came on, the jazz band stopped, and the people, of all ages, had to unfortunately head home. “Jump Jive & Wail,” which was derived from the original song, is an event that will go down in the history of SOA and the rest of the Charleston community; and like we have in the past, and surely ahead into the future, we enjoyed this year’s Jump Jive & Wail more than ever!
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“...Yes, quite charming, but you’re in education working with kids -not a real artist.”
Those Who Can Do… The quest to remain an artist and a teacher
O
ne of the kudos arts magnet programs use
By George Younts
work ethic, big picture vision along with a wealth
to tout excellence is the creditability of their fine arts
of skills.
Yet, in my association with other theater
faculty as practicing artists. It serves as preemptive
professionals it wasn’t important even though I had
rebuttal to “those who can do and those who can’t
indeed come from a professional background before
teach”. So for arts teachers in such high profile schools moving into education. Plus, as much as I put into as ours having artistic activity outside one’s teaching school performances and projects appraisals always load is pretty important. Yet, depending on the activity
vacillated around a subtext of “Yes, quite charming, but
it can be draining and at the same time inspiring for the
you’re in education working with kids. Not a real artist.”
daily bell to bell grind. It is a balance which many art teachers at SOA would echo.
So over eight years ago I seized on the quest of proving myself just as worthy on a yearly basis outside my
When I first became a full time magnet theater teacher
teaching in hopes of maintaining this elusive respect.
over ten years ago in Florida it seemed like my passion and creativity had been somewhat usurped
Those who can... do! And so I did. And did. And did.
into guiding students. True, I did acquire a diverse
And in the last four years of this quest I did seven
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shows- directed five, acted in two and designed in all seven, as well as getting my students opportunities in these projects. So there were definite successes! Good reviews and respect. And even though my wallet wasn’t any thicker I had unquestionably given of myself to the local theater scene. However, it was time to get off the treadmill. Enthusiasm
Those who can... do! And so I did. A Box of
was sort of gone with a bit of cynicism and burn
Rhymes was born, a solo 30 minute touring show
out surfacing. So, as many artists do through out
showcasing the lost art of performing poetry, (to
their careers, it was time for reinvention.
quote my own publicity).
Surprise! The solution was already there in two areas of my teaching.
I load up my truck during my planning and go to elementary and middle schools to put myself
You see one of the joys here at SOA is taking on the spot by introducing kids to the joy of students to perform in outreaches. I’m a big language, imagination, acting and theatre. Over 15 believer in touring performer tradition. In addition,
performances in the first year and the upcoming
since we never charge, it serves the dual purpose
year looks even more promising. Mind you, I don’t
of being an arts experience for these schools in the
get paid, nor should I. But it has been good for the
always present money crunch. I have even gotten
spirit along with spurring me on to work on another
my School Bus CDL in order to keep doing so.
one man show for schools and other non traditional performance settings and I have also gone back to
Secondly, over the last five years I have been doing an annual project with my high school students of a solo rhyming children’s theater performance piece. This love for theatrical poetry had prompted me to even try to direct such a genre in the local theater
performing in an improv troupe too.
“...Yes. I do. I like to act.”
scene. Perhaps a Richard Wilbur translation of a After one Box of Rhymes show a fourth grader came up to me with his excitement so uncontrollable that Moliere? Yes? Always a no go! all he could blurted out was “You like to act don’t Then it came to me. Put the outreach and poetry
you?” On the drive back to my last period I thought-
together and do it yourself. You got a planning
“Yes. I do. I like to act.” I was inspired, satisfied
period? Here was my answer to walking the talk and… it was time to go back to teaching again. and becoming perhaps a genuine article on a yearly basis.
Since 1999 George Younts has been theatre faculty at the Charleston County School of the Arts in North Charleston, SC.
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the art lesson By Lillian Matthews
From my own lenses, the scene is so vivid and colorful. I’ve always envied an artist for their ability to transfer this scene onto canvas and give pleasure to many.
receive her time and thoughtfulness along with the excitement of trying my hand with a brush. Her first question was, “Can you draw?” My self-assessment to that question was “belowaverage.” So, Jill perked me up by just having me copy something simple with pencil on the canvas. “Simple” was her perception of the picture of the magnolia blossom from our tree at home.
“Ok.
do
I can
that.”
Three Christmases ago when my husband and I were at our son and daughter-in-law’s home in Kennebunkport, Maine, I got the greatest Christmas present ever. You see, Jill, my daughter-in-law, is one of those scene to canvas talents. Jill had heard I had brought this as an example of the still-life me say once that I hope some day to take art lessons that intrigues me. “Perfect,” said Jill. She was as I have never had one, neither in K-12 nor college. right beside me with her own canvas sketching the picture ever so gracefully. I pretended not to be Jill had an envelope under the Christmas tree looking at hers at all. She was leaving out all sorts with an invitation to her gallery, The Pine Tree of details in the back of the flower. Ok. I can do Gallery, for my first art lesson. Tears of joy that. let her know that I was touched and thrilled to
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The background music from 99.9 out of Portland was of beautiful meditative piano classics. My apron was getting blotches of paint, my palette with mixtures that Jill suggested and that I knew nothing about. Something however, was being created by me. Even better, it was being presented on canvas.
My moments of being an imaginary artist went by so fast. It was my first draft. Many touches were needed but we had to return to the rest of the family for dinner. Jill patted me on the back saying, “There’s potential. You show your own style.” The following day, my husband came with Jill and I to the gallery to photograph me with my attire and tools in front of my painting. It was still wet so we returned to Summerville without it. When school resumed in January, I placed my picture on the wall alongside works of the greats, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet and others. Students were saying things like, “I didn’t know you painted,” I told them the background story. Their reactions were encouraging: “Wow! You should do more.” “I can’t even do that.”
The beach scene might be my next attempt. I feel we need to do the same with our students and their writing. Their work will bring positive comments from some and encourage them to challenge themselves to the next draft.
“Something...
was being
created by me.”
in:form Getting Involved Xan Gentile ‘03
My name is Xan Gentile, and I’m
an SOA Vocal graduate of 2003. This May I will be graduating with highest-honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Polymer Engineering, and I’m looking forward to starting work in NYC with IBM Global Business Services in July. I was invited to write an article for the new alumni magazine by Justin Baker, an old friend and SOA’s new Arts Management teacher. I think that the unique community feel of our high school makes support for an alumni association a potential success, and I’d like to encourage other recent grads to get involved and to help build this network beyond some Facebook group. The purpose of these articles is to let alumni know what you’re up to and to share with current students what they can expect after graduation. After graduating from SOA, I expected to continue my pursuit of vocal performance as an extracurricular. What I didn’t expect was that the thrill of being on stage would translate to a love of travel, and that the dedication of rehearsal would become the self-motivation of language studies. Upon beginning my studies at Georgia Tech, I immediately discovered that there were talented artists practicing in this seemingly unlikely setting. Through a studentfounded men’s a capella ensemble, I met people with stellar voices and with experience managing school groups who also pursued a range of
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degrees from bachelors of computer science to masters of biomedical engineering. I was not alone in my desire to pursue art at a school recognized for technical thought. I sought out talented and dedicated artists with which to share my time and efforts, and the Sympathetic Vibrations (sorry, all college a capella groups have near-witty names) fi t the bill. Our gigs ranged from small church functions where we’d happily receive free lunches to fi lling the 1100seat Ferst Center on campus and raising enough money to produce a CD. We even opened for Rockapella somewhere in there . . . yes, they sang the Carmen San Diego theme.
any previous travel experience and no idea what to expect. I left UST with a passport full of stamps, many offers to visit friends from all around the world, a newfound passion for travel, and a romantic relationship that has continued to this day. My semester at UST, similar to my fi rst year in college, was a new chance to test and grow into myself. As soon as I got off the plane, the whirlwind of experiences began: I was often confused, many times exhilarated, rarely able to communicate, and repeatedly, repeatedly swindled. I split my free time between traveling around Southeast Asia with other exchange students and hanging out in Hong Kong with a crew of local guys from my dorm. Today, I still keep in touch with both groups of friends.
It was a fun and effective outlet for adjusting to the college scene from SOA, and I stuck with the group until the end of my sophomore year.
In Asia I developed an affi nity for spicy food and foreign language, and I found the motivation for selfstudy that has stuck with me still. I can hardly describe all the effects that living abroad had on me, but I believe that one semester at UST changed me as much as four years at SOA. It steered me towards looking for international and high-travel jobs in consulting, and I’ve been studying Mandarin Chinese for nearly 2 years now. When taken seriously, SOA can give you the discipline and courage to succeed at a range of arts, but I would have never guessed from my performance in Mlle. Emory’s French class that I would be using this discipline to study language.
While SympVibes was a great experience, it was a large time investment and I also wanted to try new things at school. I made the decision to study abroad at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (UST) in fall 2005 without
I’m very thankful for my experience at SOA and couldn’t have hoped for a better stage to start my career on. I hope that our new alumni magazine will help us reconnect to the school that gave us so much.
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“What I didn’t expect was that the thrill of being on stage would translate to a love of travel, and that the dedication of rehearsal would become the selfmotivation of language studies.”
Xan Gentile 2003 Vocal Alumnus 11
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What is your form?
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Be the Change You Want to See in the World -- Mahatma Gandhi
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Vasanth taught for three summers. In the spring of his ninth grade year, he spoke to seventh graders at the School of the Arts about his work in India. SOA’s students decided to help Vasanth improve and renovate the two schools in his grandparents’ village where all of the children were by William Douglas Smyth
sitting on the cement fl oor, there was no science equipment, and there were no ceiling fans. The initial
Six summers ago, a sixth grade American
contributions of $300-400 soon became $8,000
boy stood in the doorway of a poor, rural Indian
in just a few months as Vasanth and Mr. Smyth,
school and said he wanted to teach English. He
the School of the Arts’ Curriculum Coordinator,
had the summer free and wanted to be
spoke at other schools and several Rotary Clubs.
useful. While the high school principal asked With a bank account and some name recognition, the Tamil Nadu India School Fund was born. Immediately, the Indian government contributed an additional $18,000. This allowed village carpenters to make enough desks and bench sets for both the elementary and the secondary schools. Electricians then installed ceiling fans, and the high school bought its fi rst science equipment. Vasanth paid the students’ school fees and purchased school supplies for them. He even constructed a wall around the school to keep the farm animals out. ^ Vasanth Kuppuswamy reads to Maganurpatti students in his grandparents’ village.
A year later, Vasanth returned with another $8,000. He added to the science equipment
“When can you start?” the elementary school
purchased
principal said he was wasting his time.
No
fabulous outdoor basketball court, secured a
one
this
generator so the school’s intermittent electricity
village except a servant, shepherd, or a farm
problems would be a thing of the past, provided
hand, he exclaimed.
academic achievement awards for the students,
ever
amounted
to
anything
in
Vasanth Kuppuswamy
couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
the
year
before, constructed
a
He
purchased four additional acres behind the
resolved then and there to be the oxygen that
school for future school expansion, and bought
fueled the fl ames of every child at that school.
uniforms and shoes for the Boy Scout troop. 15
This past summer, Vasanth and
Mr. Smyth shipped
Mr. Smyth created a website with the help of a
an $8,000 Water
Cambodian friend, Michael Ker. Visitors can now
Missions International water
go to www.TNISF.org to see pictures of all of the
purification system with the
work that has been accomplished since 2005 as
help of Rotarian Lou Mello
well as pictures of the village and the dedication
and the Orient Overseas Container ceremony for the water system. One of the aspects
Upon returning to the States, Vasanth and
Line, Ltd. Vasanth and Mr. Smyth
they are most proud of is the new eight-classroom
spent the month of July in India,
wing built onto the school by the World Bank.
assembling the water system, taking care of many of the needs of the two schools, and
Working from the United States this past
teaching English in many classrooms. They also fall, Vasanth and Mr. Smyth established an afterstarted a school library and a computer lab and told school exam prep program for tenth and twelfth the seniors they would help send them to college. graders so they would have more success on College costs about $250 a year, and about 40 the state exams that they take each spring in students plan to attend college next year.
zoology, chemistry, physics, math, Tamil, and English.
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The passing rate on these exams has
risen from 35% to 78% in the last two years,
“For those students in that remote
area of India, I had become that
person, the one who believed in them, the oxygen that fueled their flames.”
Vasanth and Mr. Smyth are currently raising money to complete the school’s computer lab, purchase calculators for math and science classes, institute a summer acceleration program for sixth graders, improve sanitation facilities at the secondary school, and upgrade the school’s athletic fields. They have also written a Rotary International matching grant for $10,200 to create health and medical clinics in 149 taluk (county) schools. These clinics will be stocked with general analgesics, bandages, thermometers,
antiseptics, first-aid supplies, and water purification tablets. Additionally, itinerant nurses will provide free immunizations, physical exams, and well visits. Why are Vasanth and Mr. Smyth doing all of this? It’s really very simple. They care, and they’re trying to show the world that everyone can get involved in projects right in their own backyard. In fact, when Vasanth and Mr. Smyth make presentations, they start with that point. Everyone can do something. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Margaret Mead echoed that when she added, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Please join Vasanth and Mr. Smyth as they create model educational and healthcare systems for students half way around the world. 17
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Class Notes
2007 Elizabeth Baston is a freshman at the University of South Carolina in Columbia majoring in Advertising with a minor in Theater. Her college roommate, Kristyn Spitz is majoring in dance and is on the University Dance Team.
Jordan Hughes is an intern for Destiny Bible College and Cathedral of Praise in Oklahoma City, focusing on Character and leadership building. He is preparing to go on tour for 2 weeks and will be across the seas this May.
Christina Kelley is at College of Charleston majoring in Early Childhood Education, and works at the college call center.
Charlie Richardson attends American Intercontinental University in Atlanta for video game programming.
Casie Fennell is a full-time student at the College of Charleston as a Hospitality and Tourism Management & Theatre major. She is currently a hostess at Miyabi’s and a clerical assistant for the HR department at MUSC.
Doug Galvin currently attends Trident Technical College pursuing an associates in the Arts, plans to transfer to Belmont University for Music Business, and is employed with Clear Channel Communications, providing radio stations such as 103.5 WEZL, Q104.5, Y102.5, News Radio 94.3, The Drive @ 100.5 and AM 730.
Clara MacMillan is a freshman at the College of Charleston. Elliott Matticks is pursuing a BA in Music and Business at Furman University. Daniel Hanf is attending College of Charleston writing stories and screenplays, and is starting on another book. Nulani Bennett attends Francis Marion University majoring in Political Science with a concentration of Criminal Justice, and is also Miss Omega Phi Psi. Hillary Robertson attended Ratford University in Virginia before transferring to Trident Technical College, to also transfer to College of Charleston to major in Elementary Education. Hillary works part-time as a receptionist at Gents Barberspa downtown on East Bay Street.
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Nichole Brunner attends Charleston Southern University as a music major and a pre-law minor. She works at Millennium Music downtown, and also at East Bay Deli. Michael Bailey is currently in his second semester of his freshman year at Charleston Southern University majoring in Kinesiology. Thomas McCarthy currently attends the Citadel, Military College of South Carolina as a Business Administration major. Laila Roudsari is at College of Charleston in the Honors program and is a Biochemistry major. Elizabeth Baston is a freshman at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC majoring in Advertising with a minor in Theater.
Where are you? keep us in :formED We would love to hear about what your life is like after SOA in your career, family and your acheivements. Photos are welcome and should be 300dpi and saved as JPEG format. alumni@soaalumni.org Alumni Relations c/o Justin Baker Charleston School of the Arts 1600 Saranac Street N Charleston, SC 29405 19
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Class Notes
Amy Green is attending Presbyterian College as a Middle School Education major. Allan Babcock is at Clemson University majoring in studio arts BFA program, minoring in Science and Technology in Society which is philosophy of science applied to the development of technology and its affects on society. Stephen Carlock is finishing up his core courses at Trident Technical College before starting into major-specific courses at both Trident and MUSC to obtain a two-year degree in Physical Therapy with the intention of spending some time as a Physical Therapist’s assistant before deciding to pursue a degree to be a licensed physical therapist. Kirsten Palmer attends Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA, where she is an English major and a minor in Secondary Education. Kirsten hopes to return to South Carolina after she graduates in 2010 and become a teacher. Currently, she works in the Dean of Students office as an office assistant. Melissa Claisse is working on a viola performance degree (BM) at Eastman School of Music, doubling with a BA in Political Science at University of Rochester. Elise Giles is a Music Education major at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, and is a member of the college choir, the women’s choir Armonia, piano chamber ensemble and opera workshop. Rachel Heidenberg is a Political Science major at Winthrop Univerisity, and also works as a Peer Mentor.
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Kelslie Mathieu is attending Trident Technical College and is majoring in Early Childhood Education, but is thinking about a career in Nursing. Kelslie works for Aztec Tan and babysits. Whitney Patterson attends the University of South Carolina-Upstate as a Nursing major.
2005 Hannah Metivier is a Senior at the College of Charleston and an English major with a minor in Creative Writing-Poetry. She is currently a nanny to two children in Mt. Pleasant and is planning her wedding for June 2009. Mariel Conway is a student at American University in Washington DC as a film production major with a minor in marketing. Sarah Johnston is a junior at College of Charleston majoring in Spanish with a minor in Sociology. She is also an active brother of Phi Sigma Pi, a national Co-Ed honors fraternity and violist in the CofC orchestra. Korinna Sheahan is a junior at Loyola University – New Orleans as a Journalism major and also studying Psychology.
in Sociology this December. Courtney works on campus in the Disability Services office. Jason Epstein is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Applied Biotechnology and Agriculture, he hopes to start Veterinary School. Emily Harkins is set to graduate from Occidental College as a Theatre major and intends to pursue a career in medicine. Gregory Colleton is a Senior at Winston-Salem State University, majoring in Studio Arts.
2004 Paisley Boyd is currently in his last semester at Elon University in Elon, NC as a human service major with a minor in psychology. He’s had the opportunity to do a lot of volunteer work in schools with counselors as well as work with non-profit agencies such as Alamance Domestic Abuse Services and Burling Housing Authority, an organization that helps run government housing in the area and offers multiple programs for the community. Elizabeth Edwards recently graduated with a degree in Psychology from Siena College in Albany, NY where she also received a certificate in Theatre, and is currently searching the market for careers in theatre. Carrie Cummings attends George Washington University as a Senior majoring in English and Creative Writing. She plans to move to New York City on a permanent basis to work in publishing and public relations. Courtney Clark is a graduate from the College of Charleston with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Music. She will also receive a degree
Karvelis Flowers is currently in her last semester at Charleston Southern University where she is receiving a degree in Religion and a minor in History. Steeven Nelson is a senior Entrepreneurship major, facing the eve of Graduation in 2008. Isabelle Selby is a senior Art History major at the College of Charleston, and works at the Children’s Museum downtown and is a photographer for the college newspaper. Amanda Thompson earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Adminstration and Hospitality & Tourism Management, with a minor study in Arts Management. Amanda waited tables all four years of college.
2003 Lauren Smalls is living in Columbia and attends the Graduate School at USC-Columbia for Special Education. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and minor in Psychology from Winthrop and is currently teaching in Richland School District Two. 21
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Class Notes
Christina Bolin is an interim worship leader at Carolina Christian Church. She attended Charleston Southern University for a short time and transferred to Trident Technical College, but hopes to finish her Church Music degree at CSU. Alexander (Xan) Gentile (Vocal) is set to graduate with a B.S. degree from Georgia Institute of Technology and Polymer Fiber Engineering in May 2008. He is currently employed with International Business Machines (IBM) Global Business Services - Product Lifecycle Management, NYC
Lorena Jordan graduated from the University of South Carolina as a Political Science major with an emphasis on International and Comparative Politics of Europe. Lorena is completing her first year of teaching English overseas in Japan and will live and work there for one more year. Andrew DuPuis owns an entertainment business where he runs a DJ and karaoke show around the Charleston area. Ashley Ann Dorn graduated from the College of Charleston in 2003 with a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She is married and is stationed in New Orleans with her husband who is in the US Coast Guard. Ashley Ann is a stay at home mom with their daughter who was born in December, 2007. She is enrolling at University of New Orleans in a graduate program for a Masters in Teaching English. Johnnie A. Margiotta is job-searching for a receptionist position or an Animal Care Technician field. Scott Black is a graduate from Furman University, and works as a substitute teacher at School of the Arts, working with percussion.
2002 ^ Laurel Coons earned her B.A. degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 2006 with minor studies in Neuroscience, Criminal Justice and Physics. Laurel also obtained her paramedic certification, was a teaching assistant in biochemistry and worked on independent research in molecular genetics. She is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at USC. 22
Angela Shaw graduated from College of Charleston in 2006 with an undergraduate degree in Special Education, and then moved to Charlotte, NC to help plant a church and began teaching exceptional children at an inner city school. Angela is loving her second year of teaching, working with students who have learning, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Angela is also engaged to Devin Vaughan (2002). “We’ve been dating since the 9th grade…it all started at good ol’ SOA!”
Elizabeth Buck is a graduate of North Greenville University with a degree in Church Music with an emphasis in Praise and Worship. She is teaching 3K-7th Grade music at First Baptist School in Mt. Pleasant. Elizabeth also leads the Children’s choir at church with 1st – 3rd graders. She was recently wed to Jamie Ballard on Oct. 18, 2008. Allison Orvin graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in public relations in 2006. She is the barn manager for the USC national championship Equestrian team. Allison lives on the 26-acre farm outside of Columbia, SC and manages the facility, employees and horse care. Zoe Blair James works with Charleston County DSS as a case manager in Child Protective Services.
Other Graduates Christine Colon is a dental assistant and a mother of two. Liz Newell received her BFA in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta and is now a designer for Carolyn Hultman Interiors in Savannah. Liz is working towards a Masters in Architectural History at SCAD and planning her wedding to fellow alum Jared Mayhew. Jennie Leonard is an after-school art teacher for Wee Little Arts. Jennie teaches private art and swimming lessons, and received her BFA in Computer Art with a minor in Animation from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2005.
Kayla Morrisey was an actor at the California Institute of the Arts and now lives in Los Angeles, Teresa Karr is a graduate of USC with a BFA working as a producer for several online comedy degree in Graphic Design, and is career searching. sites. She is an improviser at The Upright Citizens Brigade and The Lyric Theater in Hollywood. Kristen Gaetke is a 2006 graduate from the Kayla will begin teaching improve to Los Angeles College of Charleston with a degree in English and students in the summer. She loves her life! is now in her second year of law school at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Sarah Smith is a piano teacher, performing artist Cleveland, OH. and works as a secretary. Tamera (Carroll) Dion is now a stay at home mother of two toddlers, Natalie age 3 ½ and Jay Jay (Jason Jr.) age 20 months. She has been married for 5 years now and her husband is an officer in the US Navy. They are currently located in Virginia Beach, VA but should soon be heading to Monterray, California for him to attend Naval Post Graduate School.
Rachel Corbett is attending Winthrop University as a Visual Communication major with a concentration in Graphic Design and will graduate in May. Previously Rachel attended Maryland Institute, College of Art for two years.
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Elaine Hume graduated from Tulane University in 2005 with a BS in Linguistics and Communication, and joined Teach for America, Greater New Orleans Corps in 2005 and currently teaches English Language Arts at Warren Easton Senior High School in New Orleans, LA. Justin Babcock is currently attending graduate school at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a Master’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He previously received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson and plans on pursuing a career in the manned spaceflight industry. Jennifer Paul Powell was a music major at USC, and now is a stay at home mom. Rob DeCola attended the University of South Carolina and obtained a degree in Civil Engineering. He is a Structural Engineer and lives in Atlanta, GA working with bridge building over interstates and state roads, designing roads, airports and provides other engineering services. Ashli Bogart graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in Film Studies. After working in Wilmington at a Casting Agency, doing various movie projects and tv shows such as One Tree Hill, she moved back to Charleston and took a job working as a Casting Assistant on the Lifetime TV show Army Wives. She is also working as a Casting Assistant on a new Kevin Costner film called The New Daughter which is currently filming in Charleston.
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25
School of the
Arts
“Top 500 schools in America” - U.S. News & World Report
26
2008 Community Report The School of the Arts is proud to announce once again that it has been recognized as one of the top
program, hands-on science, real-world social studies projects, interdisciplinary arts and academic units, interesting guest speakers, curriculum-based field trips,
five schools in the state. This honor is based on the
and extremely dedicated students are the hallmarks
cember that the School of the Arts was one of the top
courses, a wide selection of core academic and elec-
be every day. The School of the Arts now has more
sue investigations in science labs, demanding senior
school’s strong SAT scores which this year averaged of the school’s middle school program. Challeng1,623. U.S. News & World Report announced in De- ing College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement 500 schools in the nation. Students who attend the tive courses, seminar style instruction in English and school would say the school is the very best place to social studies classes, frequent opportunities to purthan 1,000 students -- approximately 450 in the middle school and 550 in the high school. Students continue to apply in ever greater numbers at all grade levels. More than 400 fifth graders applied to the school this past year. Our fine arts programs are nationally known. Scholastic art and writing awards, “Superior” ratings at many nationally adjudicated band, orchestra, and vocal music competitions, stunning theatrical performances, and amazing dance and piano recitals garner the school an everincreasing array of honors and awards.
Scores in the school’s seven
Advanced Placement courses are among the highest in the school district. PACT, MAP, HSAP, and End-of-
thesis
requirements, quarterly convocations, and,
again, dedicated students distinguish the school’s high school program. In addition to the School of the Arts’ strong academic and arts program, the school prides itself in its diverse student body. Students truly come from every part of the county. Many students have also traveled widely, living in various parts of the world for extended periods of time. School of the Arts students tend to be very sophisticated, highly creative, independent thinkers who are motivated, curious, respectful, considerate, multi-talented, problem-solving, artistic individuals. Challenging students to think critically, analyze ideas, present
Students persuasive arguments, consider different viewpoints, and teachers work hard daily and bring repeated rec- test hypotheses, and make connections is one of the course scores are equally as impressive.
ognition to the school in the form of Palmetto Gold primary goals of the school. It is our hope that every Awards, Closing the Achievement Gap Awards, and day we engage students fully in the business of learncollege and university scholarships for seniors that exceeded $3.5 million last year. Superior academic achievement is partly due to the school’s strong technology resources. The School of the Arts greatly increased these resources this year by adding 24 new Dell computers to the T-20 lab. Twenty SmartBoards are used daily for math, science, and English instruction. These accoutrements enhance the excellent instruction provided by very dedicated teachers in all arts and academic areas. Socratic seminars, English composition in computer labs, Greek and Latin
ing, giving them the opportunity to make their own discoveries and define their own dreams. We care for our students, believe in our students, and encour-
age them to reach beyond their grasp. Together, we are all on a mission to develop passionate and committed artists who seek to share those talents with others. Thank you for sharing your children with us. The future is indeed bright at the School of the Arts. Myrna Caldwell, Interim Principal Terry Murphy, School Improvement Council Chair
stems studies, self-selected reading, a leveled math 27
^ Middle School Theatre presents “Cymbeline” 28
Congratulations! SOA Class of 2008 Elizabeth Anderson, Vocal Maggie Aton, Dance Sarah Aytes, Dance Carly Bennett, Visual Art Allie Bing, Theater Josh Braunreuther, Band Pheraby Britt, Dance Amanda Brochu, Creative Writing Adrin Brown, Visual Art Anna Brown, Theater Howard Brown, Vocal Joel Brown, Band Min Bu, Visual Art Deidre Buck, Theater Jeffrey Cabiad, Creative Writing Lynn Caldwell, Theater Mikayla Carr, Vocal Rachael Clow, Theater Lauren Codispoti, Dance Dillion Cohen, Visual Art Brooke Cole, Dance Zach Collins, Visual Art Alex Corsaro, Visual Art Katherine Cox, Creative Writing Chelsea Cummings, Vocal Daniel DeCola, Band Victoria Doose, Creative Writing Marshall Drake, Visual Art Amanda Eglen, Band Ashlee Elliott, Band Erin Elston, Dance Blake Engel, Creative Writing Ashley Esposito, Piano Brink Feaster, Strings Nicholas Gantlin, Band Alice Gaynor, Visual Art Liz Gildea, Piano Olivia Gore, Dance
Kevin Green, Creative Writing Esau Greer, Visual Art Syreitta Grey, Visual Art Jordan Grissom, Dance Daniel Harper, Band Harry Harrison, Creative Writing Madison Hendricks, Dance Jesse Hildreth, Band Samantha Hill, Dance Sytske Hillenius, Strings Davis Hood, Visual Art Shauntavia Horlbeck, Vocal Elizabeth Howard, Band Lucy Hunter, Creative Writing Suzannah Isgett, Creative Writing Antoni Jenkins, Visual Art Katelyn Johnson, Creative Writing Carly Jones, Band Heather Jones, Vocal Regan Kadish, Vocal Elizabeth Le Phuong Tran, Dance Grace Lee, Piano Rachael Lee, Creative Writing Jordan Lesch, Strings Morgan Lewis, Strings Elyssa Linog, Vocal Kelly Machado, Band Hannah McCleskey, Visual Art Jessie McGinty, Piano Katlyn McMillan, Theater Michael Mears, Band Courtney Messer, Vocal Katherine Messier, Vocal Catherine Meyer, Visual Art Chrissy Miller, Piano Martin Millere, Band
Brandon Mohtassem, Visual Art Cordell Mosteller, Vocal Grayland Murdock, Band Jasmine Murray, Vocal Alisa Myers, Strings Emily Nash, Vocal Kathleen Newton, Theater H’ Alina Niehrah, Theater H’ Rosalyn Niehrah, Theater Amber Passarello, Dance Megan Patrick, Strings Jamaal Perry, Band Virginia Pfaehler, Creative Writing Ricky Quinones, Band Courtney Richardson, Dance Tristan Richardson, Creative Writing Melanie Ropp, Theater Diana Sabb, Vocal Maggie Jo Saylor, Theater Alexander Schroeder, Vocal Danielle Schweitzer, Strings Michael Scott, Band Anna Seel, Vocal Frank Shary, Piano Raena Shirali, Vocal Donte Simmons, Band Brett Sims, Vocal Allison Smith, Dance Miriam Stine, Vocal Dalton Stutts, Visual Art Ginny Summerford, Strings Carolyn Teague, Vocal Gabriella Terranova, Theater Zach Thames, Band Ariel Todd, Dance Toni Tolbert, Visual Art Janella Tolbert, Theater Robert Townsend, Theater Hanna Trussler, Visual Art Kelsey Tucker, Dance Lauren Turner, Piano Bugs Utsey, Piano Heidi Vaughan, Strings Adam Warden, Band Logan Wells, Creative Writing Kierra Wilson, Band Whitney Wilson, Dance Tara Wolfe, Theater Maddy Wood, Creative Writing Jonathan Wray, Visual Art 29
School of the Arts 1600 Saranac Street North Charleston, SC 29405 WHERE TALENT AND VISION CREATE THE FUTURE
NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC
PERMIT NO. 10