Published April 16, 2007
Teen Pulse:
St. Mary's High School
Teens in the arts
By MEIGHAN MIDDLETON St. Mary's High School
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Courtesy
Junior Bobby Crutchley performs in the band ...And Sometimes Why, which won first placeinthe annual Battle of the Bands competition at Maryland Hall this year. The band's most recent gig is a spot as a performer in St. Mary's first-ever Fine Arts Week, as one of the surprise musicalassemblies arranged throughout the week. |
A surprising number of St. Mary's students are taking advantage of the increased opportunities arising for the teen who wants to get involved in the arts. Some opportunities exist at the school, while others are in the close proximity of downtown Annapolis.
Among the first to witness the expanded arts programs at St. Mary's are this year's incoming freshman, who will have the opportunity to study a larger number of new and improved arts electives. For the first time next year, dance will be offered to all students and the ceramic and art classes will benefit from the recent arrival of a new firing kiln. And for those interested purely in music, chorus remains a favorite elective. The school chorus class sings at the school-wide Masses held periodically. This past November, the chorus even performed at the reopening of the National Basilica in Washington, D.C.
Many St. Mary's students are involved in other musical endeavors. Junior Bobby Crutchley performs in the band "…And Sometimes Why," which won first place in the annual Battle of the Bands competition at Maryland Hall this year. The band's most recent gig is a spot as a performer in St. Mary's first-ever Fine Arts Week, as one of the surprise musical assemblies arranged throughout the week.
Another performer during Fine Arts Week was the a capella group "Into the Blue," on tour from Oxford College.
Many new arts clubs have also sprung up this year. Recently added to the pre-existing Art Club, Tri-M Music Society and Soundings (a student-run art and literary magazine), are the Jam Club, which gives the musically gifted a chance to showcase their talents, and a school branch of the International Thespian Society (ITS), which is an actors guild. ITS is planning its first production of the play "Fictionville" written by Senior Emily Davies and Junior Alexandra Bernson on April 26 at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre.
Students of all grades can audition for the annual fall play and spring musical.
This year's fall play was "All I Need to Know in Life I Learned in Kindergarten" and the current musical production is "Songs from a New World," which opened March 29. Directed by St. Mary's alumni Kathleen Ruttum, "Songs from a New World" is a collection of challenging musical pieces which all center on the unifying theme of a moment of decision. Another alumnus, Musical Director Matthew Martelli, can hardly wait for opening night.
"We have the privilege of being one of the first high schools in Maryland to perform this show - and we're so excited about it!" said Mr. Martelli.
Getting involved in the arts is easy at St. Mary's. This year, the first-ever Student Art Show will take place, also in honor of Fine Arts Week. Organized by Joan Brady, a favorite art teacher at St. Mary's, any student can submit original works for judging and cash prizes. Her students provided the inspiration for the art show.
"I wanted to expose the vast amount of hidden artistic talent to the whole St. Mary's community," said Ms. Brady. The artwork will be displayed in the beautiful setting of the historic Charles Carroll House.
Another event hosted this year was the second annual Variety show, organized by the Tri-M Music Society. The show featured singers, guitar players and dancers.
For many within the school, performing with the various theater and ballet troupes within Annapolis city-limits is a way of life. Students at St. Mary's participate in productions at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and Maryland Hall. Jane Morgan, a sophomore, has starred in five productions of Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker" at Maryland Hall and has taken dance classes since age three. She began her serious study of ballet at age eight and is now an apprentice, neither student nor paid professional, with the troupe.
"It is hard being in high school and not being involved in sports," Ms. Morgan said. "While ballet takes a lot of my time away from my friends, I really love the feeling I get from performing."
During the summer months, many have more time to dedicate to the performing arts. The Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre is a favorite choice. Because of Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre's unique surrounding in the heart of downtown Annapolis, Christine Campbell, a St. Mary's senior who has performed in past Summer Garden Theatre productions says, "Performing at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre is a very different experience from any other venue. You have to deal with nature's sound and traffic noises."
Open auditions are held for three summer shows during the preceding spring.
Students are not the only ones who get involved in the Arts at St. Mary's. Mr. Martelli writes plays for his family-owned production company Spirited-Productions. His plays have been performed at Anne Arundel Community College's Pascal Center for the Performing Arts over the past few summers. The most recent show was last summer's "The Appeal" which featured the St. Mary's Youth Minister, Christopher Strackbein, as a main character.
If anyone is looking for an extracurricular for a college resume or just an outlet to showcase hidden talent, opportunities abound at St. Mary's and within the community for the budding artist.
Whether it is music, studio art, drama, or creative writing, area teens are proving that the arts are alive and well in Annapolis.
Where to go for arts in town
By ELIZABETH SEAMAN St. Mary's High School
In Annapolis, there are many places to go to experience all different forms of art.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is a huge asset, featuring shows and exhibits as well as classes for those interested in learning how to create art. Maryland Hall shows a series of independent films each month. April's selection, "Black Diamonds" - Mountaintop Removal & The Fight For Coalfield Justice will be presented on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. This documentary exposes the problems in Appalachia that result from coal mines on the top of mountains and the cultural and environmental issues this raises. Director Catharine Pancake will be available for a Question and Answer session after the film. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children, seniors and Maryland Hall members. More information about any of these shows can be found at http://www.marylandhall.org/home_flash.asp.
Other area artists also have much planned for this spring. Annapolis Arts Alliance is planning an Artwork festival from May 31-June 3 with more information to follow at http://www.artsannapolis.com/calendar.htm#alliance. Every Friday and Saturday, from 7 to 11 p.m., Alchemy Tea and Trading Company will feature an "Alchemy After Dark" program aimed at teenagers and young adults. This will include tea tastings, free acoustic music, poetry readings, speakers, and much more. More information can be found at 410-216-7001.
For those interested in photography, artist Christine Kent Bowles will present her photography exhibit inspired by nature, "Back to Nature: From Backyard to Back Country" at the gallery at the Unitarian Universalist Church 333 Dubois Road, Annapolis from April 1 to April 29. For more information, call 410-266-8044.
Although Severna Park's Holy Grounds Youth Center's Friday Night High School Coffee Houses have currently been suspended, previously these concerts offered teens the opportunity to hear the best local teen bands. Good Charlotte, Gold Mind Squad and Wakefield as well as many other bands got their start here. Sadly, due to increased violence and vandalism this fall, the shows have been suspended, and there is no word yet on whether or when they will resume.
In March, Annapolis launched its new Web site, www.letstalkannapolis.org, which hosts information about events in the city, and offers a forum for residents to talk about the future of Annapolis. It offers live discussions, ways to get involved in Annapolis, and a calendar of events.
This exciting new Web site makes it easier than ever to know what is going on in Annapolis and have the opportunity to revel in the various art work of such a gorgeous city.
Is an arts college for you?
By ALEXANDRA BERNSON St. Mary's High School
For any high school senior, selecting a college is a huge decision. But what about the brave few that decide to attend art school?
Senior year, many students are balancing math, history, English, and language courses, let alone courses in the arts. Someone entering an arts college after being submerged in such an academic situation in high school may be a bit daunting. However, similar things exist between art schools and regular colleges or universities that prospective students should be aware of.
When looking for an art school, students should look at the history of the school. Is it an older school or a newer school? Older schools often have more established programs and have been able to accommodate the times and trends of art as generations have passed.
One should also select an art school based on majors offered. Just because a school has a preferred major does not mean that the school will be the right fit. A school with many fields will make it easier for art students to cross over in mediums or styles as they work, which is extremely common with new and innovative artists.
Prospective students should also keep in mind their original reason for possibly choosing an arts school. The school should have a faculty that is known in their field, greater access to the tools a student will need, better technology, and a greater focus on the arts if one is going to make such a huge change. Nonetheless, student artists should remember that a great art degree can be found at many universities and colleges if the school has a great art program.
So once a student has been accepted into their first-choice art college - now what? The environment of an art school will obviously be much different than the normal college experience. At an art school, competition is extreme. A student may have been the best in their art class during high school, but now everyone around them is just as good or better at creating art with the medium they are working with. Homework at an arts college will be several art projects students work on simultaneously. Plus, there may be harsher criticism in a place where everyone lives and breathes art.
Curriculum requirements at art colleges will allow a student to participate in mediums they have not experienced yet, like graphic design, fashion design, painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. At the same time, many art schools offer extremely specific majors to differentiate students. Though most art colleges require a small amount of liberal arts classes, only art for four years may seem daunting and restrictive, especially where inspiration is concerned, so students may want to consider this as well.
The art college community is often portrayed as a group of radicals, but this is not so. While many students are "artsy," most campuses have a diverse student body and the atmosphere can be very inviting and accepting to all kinds of students. It's a different world at an art school, but an artist with the will to improve and emerge will triumph.
If you are a prospective art school student, you can go to CollegeOutlook.net and find tips about how to get into your top-choice school and the unique experience of attending an arts college.
School hosts art show in Carroll House
By BRITTANY GRAHAM St. Mary's High School
For students, the start of spring brings the expectation of numerous joys. Warmer weather, spring sports and spring break are just a few of the pleasures that the season brings.
This year St. Mary's High School has introduced a new item to this list, a Fine Arts week featuring a student art show and contest. The show is not the first that St. Mary's has held, but it is the first Fine Arts Week in the school's history.
The week included many surprises such as concerts and a musical production by the students. The art show, held in the historic Charles Carroll House, featured items submitted by approximately 85 students. The show and contest encouraged all forms of media.
The submitted works included numerous stained glass, photography, ceramics and printmaking pieces and a variety of paintings and drawings.
The prize for Best Of Show, $100, was awarded to Rachel Donoho. Remaining prizes were divided into two categories, ceramics and 2D art, with second and third place prizes for each.
These winners included Jill Grap for second place in ceramics and Ryan Adams for third and Shelby Brown for second place in 2D art and Stevie DeWitt for third. Honorable mentions were also rewarded to Margaret Constantine, Chris Smith and Shelby Brown.
This year, the St. Mary's art show kicked spring off to a great start and students as well as the Annapolis art community will be looking forward to many similar springs to come.
Student play to be performed at local theater
By AMY E. HARRISON St. Mary's High School
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Courtesy
Junior BSenior Emily Davies, left, and junior Alexandra Bernson wrote the play Fictionville, which will be performed at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. |
Welcome to the land of Fictionville, where many famous characters run wild and have fun. Emily Davies, a senior, and Alexandra Bernson, a junior, at St. Mary's High School, have brought these imaginary characters to life in their new, upcoming play "Fictionville."
The play will be performed by the St. Mary's International Thespian Society at the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre from Thursday, April 26 through Saturday, April 28.
Ms. Davies said that having her play performed at the Annapolis Summer Garden is a "neat experience." The venue isn't usually open to outside theater troops, but made an exception since the International Thespian Society is an educational group. Ms. Bernson said, "It will be exciting to have the show performed for the public."
Fictionville is about a magical world of eclectic characters who stumble upon reality. The unique characters do not fit in and have many adventures. Some of the characters include John Darling from Peter Pan, Alice from Alice in Wonderland, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and Robin Hood.
Christopher Strackbein, school moderator of the International Thespian Society and the St. Mary's High School youth minister, gave Ms. Davies and Ms. Bernson the inspiration for Fictionville. Matthew Martelli, a teacher at St. Mary's, is also a moderator of the club and has provided assistance in bringing this show to life.
Even though neither Ms. Davies nor Ms. Bernson are appearing in Fictionville, they have both performed in many St. Mary's productions. When asked about her favorite character in the play, Ms. Davies responded, "The narrator. He exists only in Fictionville and you never get to see him."
Tickets will be sold before each performance at the Summer Garden Theatre box office.
So you think you can dance?
By LILY MEEHAN St. Mary's High School
Dani Cerverizzo, a freshman at St. Mary's High School, knows she can.
Dani has been dancing for more than 12 years. She currently dances 16 hours a week and teaches dance classes three days a week.
She studies lyrical, jazz, ballet, tap, modern and acrobatics forms of dance. The dance company she dances for is called C and C. It is owned by Dani's aunt and her grandmother and she has been dancing for them for much of her life.
Dani's biggest achievement so far has been traveling with the American Dance Team in China and Spain, and winning the gold cup for the United States. Dani was chosen for the American Dance Team at a competition in Las Vegas that was being sponsored by the owners of the American Dance Team.
Dani will soon head to another American Dance Team event in Cesena, Italy in June.
In July, she will be modeling for the dance catalog, Wolff-forty. It will be her 10th year modeling for them.
Dani manages to juggle her busy schedule and dance career with her academics and hopes to study dance someday.
When asked what she would like to do in the future she says, "I really want to go to college and major in dance, (NYU if possible). I wish to perform in music videos, movies and other dance roles."
Dani Cerverizzo is a very talented girl who will be dancing in the spotlight for many years to come.
Should modern theater aim to shock?
By EMILY DAVIES St. Mary's High School
As a result of theater's dependence upon public support and attention, the industry has always tried to cross new boundaries and shock audiences.
The creators of shows like Spring Awakening and Rent touch on controversial ideas with no illusions about the crowd they will draw.
In a culture where everyone must struggle to be noticed, playwrights seek ways for their play to be strikingly different or eye-catching.
Originally a play, Spring Awakening tells the story of young teens in nineteenth-century Germany who yearn to comprehend what is happening inside them as they grow up. As adults fail to give them the information they desire, the kids discover firsthand about passion and desire.
Rent tells the story of four young adults and those around them struggling with AIDS who are barely getting by in modern-day New York City. The musical addresses homosexuality and heavy drug addictions.
Playing to sexual desires is not simply an entertainment game at which Americans are participating. In Pakistan, risque dances are included in performances in order to draw in viewers.
Pushing limits in theater is of course nothing new, but the idea of incorporating dances simply to draw a crowd is a concern for the aim of theater today.
When social hot-topics are included in the plot of a play, there is inevitable fuss and controversy to follow.
One can hope that there is, however, at least some reason for the bold decisions to include possibly contentious material in the work.
Theater traditionally seeks to enlighten as well as entertain, and perhaps these writers and actors are hoping to bring attention to a needy topic.
It is when writers abandon the idea of writing a good story only to pursue gaudy displays that a work's aim should be questioned.
It can only be hoped that writers decide to be sincere in their work, maintaining the art and beauty that is at the heart of good theater.
'Freedom Writers Diary' is great read
By CATIE KINLEIN St. Mary's High School
The classroom full of "unteachable, at-risk teenagers" didn't know that their freshman English teacher, Erin Gruwell, would change their lives forever. They sought to chase her away like they had every other teacher, making bets with each other about how long she would last in the classroom. None of them would have guessed that she would remain for the whole year long.
This is the basis for the book, The Freedom Writers Diary, a compilation of student diaries and a teacher's narration of her class's study of tolerance. The book, made into a recent movie starring Hilary Swank, is an excellent read about the power that writing can have on teenagers.
The class, although united as teenagers, were divided by their ethnicity. Much tension existed between the various groups. After finding a caricature drawing of one of the students being passed around, Ms. Gruwell became furious and told them that this was the kind of thing that had started the Holocaust. Upon discovering that no one knew what the Holocaust was, Ms. Gruwell bought them each copies of books like Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, and other teenage survival stories to read. She also gave them each a journal so they could write down their accounts, insisting that their lives and their stories were important as well.
Ms. Gruwell took on extra jobs to pay for field trips that were not in the school's budget, and hosted guest speakers for the students to meet and relate to the stories of their lives. The class wrote letters to Meip Gies, the woman who hid the Frank family in the Holocaust, and to Zlata Filipovic, both of whom later visited the students at their school due to the unwavering persuasiveness of their teacher.
The Freedom Writers Diary is an inspirational true story, written by the students themselves, of a classroom full of at-risk teenagers in Long Beach, Calif., whose incredible teacher changed their outlook on both the world and themselves.
'Premonition' is almost perfect
By KATIE SLOTTERBACK St. Mary's High School
The latest Sandra Bullock movie is probably one of her best.
The movie 'Premonition' is about a stay-at-home mother of two young daughters who has a series of dreams about the death of her husband.
Some days she would wake and find that her husband is dead and the next day she finds him alive.
Frightened by the dreams and uncertain what to do about them, she attempts to stop the car accident that potentially killed him.
While explaining to others about her dreams and dealing with other difficulties that come with having children, she has trouble deciding what the best move would be to stop the death of her husband and prove to others (and herself) that she is not crazy.
The movie definitely had its good qualities. However, certain parts were left unexplained and became confusing.
The overall movie was enjoyable and had a perfect ending. The movie is worthwhile and entertaining and 'Premonition' would be a great recommendation for people who enjoy solving difficult problems and mysteries.
Boys' lacrosse starts strong
By NICK SEAMAN St. Mary's High School
Although boys' lacrosse is a spring sport, February tryouts were not the first days the players got together.
At St. Mary's, boys' lacrosse is year-round for those that wish it to be.
Coach Matt Hogan sets practice sessions and training schedules for the teams so that by the time tryouts begin, the teams have been practicing together for five months.
The high level of commitment and dedication from each player on the team is evident from their rigorous pre-season schedule.
Boys' preseason lacrosse actually begins in September with the start of Fall Ball. This year, St. Mary's fielded two fall ball teams, a JV and a varsity team so that 30 of the 80 players could get a head start on the lacrosse season. Fall Ball is closely followed by indoor HILL lacrosse on Sundays and conditioning/practice workouts called "Skills Sessions" on Thursdays at the Soccerdome II for a full three hours. St. Mary's also offered two other training options for players who wanted more intense training. The Saints teamed up with Athletic Performance Inc. for weight-training and conditioning, offered five days a week. In addition, many players worked with the coaches in "Fun Bunch" running, conditioning and weight training.
Full team conditioning practices began in early February with running and sprints. The league and conditioning sessions were scheduled so that the players would be in peak physical condition for tryouts in late February.
API, a newer addition to the training program, designed a special training program for lacrosse to prepare athletes in the off-season. Coach Hogan summarizes the benefits of preseason conditioning in three specific points: "One, it helps us to get in shape Two, we see who is committed. Three, to keep the players focused during the competitive and intense season."
Preseason training is a lot of hard work that brings the team together to help them survive and excel through tough times.
The Saints are hoping that all of this hard work pays off. The team is anticipating a successful season. Come out and watch them play at upcoming games.
For more information about the St. Mary's boy's lacrosse team schedule, visithttp://www.stmaryschurch.org/main.asp?page=596.
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