2011

then & nOWEXTRAVAGANZA EXTRAVAGANZA

Celebrating 25 Years of Extravaganza

D o u g l a s a n D E r s o n s C h o o l o f t h E a r t s

A Note from Jackie Cornelius

Ms. Cornelius Garners National Accolades

2011 has been a memorable year for Principal Cornelius. In July she was invited to Washington DC after being named one of three finalists for National Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The national honor came after she had been named the 2011 Florida State Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals.

Ms. Cornelius flew to Washington DC to accept her award from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. While on “The Hill,” Ms. Cornelius had the opportunity to serve on a panel of nationally distinguished principals, and address the issues educators have concerning No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the state of public education.

Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-4th District), who had nominated Ms. Cornelius for the national honors, called her “the person who put DA on the map and Jacksonville along with it.”

“Besides leadership in the school,” said Crenshaw, “Jackie provides innovative solutions to her animated staff and students in how to showcase the best they have to offer. She leads by example and teaches all that if you believe it, you can achieve it.”

Dear friends,

At Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (DA), we believe that “success is owned by all.” Maintaining a learning environment in which all students can freely express themselves, take risks, and be involved in their own development is crucial. We also strive to ensure that our learning culture is personalized, intellectually rigorous and student-directed, and that a strong collaborative spirit prevails.

When I think of the kind of people who fill our buildings and meet the unique needs of DA students, author Jack Kerouac’s words come to mind:“…The only people for me are…the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved…the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars…”

There is no doubt that the successful personalization of DA’s culture is founded on the hiring of diverse, passionate teachers and staff who perceive their work as “a calling” and not a job.

Though many dismiss the importance of the arts as a major force in a student’s academic success, we at DA know better. Though arts at DA are a core curriculum in their own right, they also serve as a powerful complement to our academic curriculum. Arts training and rigor go hand-in-hand.

Elliot Eisner, widely considered the leading theorist on arts education and aesthetics in the United States, observed that “educators’ indifference to the refinement of perception, and inattention to the development of imagination, have limited students’ cognitive growth.” Not so at DA. The arts permeate all that happens at Douglas Anderson, and rightly so, considering that students learn best “by doing.” Students integrate and express themselves across the curriculum through the arts, exercising creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It is no surprise that Blooms Revised Taxonomy places artistic creativity at the highest position on the learning pyramid.

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts continues to serve Jacksonville by providing uniquely intensive arts study and training in classical piano, classical guitar, instrumental and vocal music, visual arts, theatre, creative writing, cinematic arts and dance for students possessing a passion and talent for the arts.

We are proud to share with you our eighth DA ARTS issue which chronicles the many successes of our students, faculty and school!

Sincerely,

Jacquelyn Henson CorneliusPrincipal

FeAture StorieS

4 25 Years of extravaganza

6 NY times Columnist Visits DA

7 National ACtSo Awards

8 Alums return for Showtime

DePArtMeNtS

10 Dance

12 Vocal

14 instrumental Music

20 Visual Arts

22 Creative Writing

24 Cinematic Arts

26 theatre

Editor Scott Reneau

Art Director Kelly Young

Editorial Assistant Catherine Silsby

Contributing Writers Penny DickersonTiffany MelansonMaia DelegalJackie Jones

Contributing PhotographerMarianne Pophal

CONTENTS8

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Douglas Anderson students, under the

tutelage of a dedicated faculty, always strive

for excellence in Arts & Academics. their

growing list of achievements and awards

continues to make us proud!

{Su·pe·ri·ors : n defined as the highest honor}

• Named one of the top 1% of high schools in

the country by Newsweek, US News & World

Report and The Washington Post.

• DA recognized as the top National Exemplary Arts High School by the

international Arts Schools Network

• Over 98% of our graduates continue their

education at post-secondary institutions:

77% at four-year universities, colleges,

conservatories and arts institutes; and 21% at

community/vocational colleges

• 35% pursue performance careers and/or

university degrees in the Arts

• our 2011 graduates earned more than ten million dollars in college scholarships.

• DA students named National Merit Finalist, National Achievement Finalist and National Merit Commended Scholar

• three DA students captured national honors at

the ACT-SO Student Olympics sponsored

by the NAACP

• two DA students won NCTE (National

Council of teachers of english) Achievement

Awards in Writing

• two DA students named Most outstanding

Jazz Soloists in the country by Downbeat Magazine

• DA vocalist won the 2011 Grady-Rayam Prize in Sacred Music.

• DA visual artist captured second prize in

the National InSights Art Competition sponsored by the American Printing House for

the Blind.

Stephanie Charles, a junior Visual Arts major who is legally blind, with her award-winning self-portrait, “Fury,” drawn with felt-tipped pens in blacks and grays, the primary way she sees the world.

Vocalist Frank Humphrey III, after winning the 2011 GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE in Sacred Music, was invited to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama to sing the spiritual Let Us Break Bread Together as the invocation at the First Lady’s Luncheon in Washington DC.

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“SuperiorS” eArNS

National ACT-SO winners celebrate at the NAACP convention in Los Angeles.

Jahaan Sweet (piano)

Joshua Abbot (dance)

Iman Bethel (piano)

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25It was originally billed as A Holiday Gift to Jacksonville.

Now it’s known simply as Extravaganza – the annual Broadway-style production that for the last 25 years has showcased the talents of the finest student-artists at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

Ace Martin, chairman of the Instrumental Music Department since the Arts School opened in 1985, came up with the idea for Extravaganza “to give the students the chance to experience the highest level of a professional show and to raise critically needed arts funding.”

“We held the first Extravaganza at the old Civic Auditorium,” says Martin. “We originally called it A Holiday Gift to Jacksonville because we wanted to thank the local citizens for creating a school dedicated to the Arts.”

Professional AlumniReturn to Our Stage

extravaganza

Extravaganza moved to campus in 1993 when the DA Main Theatre was built. Then five years ago, the performance returned to the Florida Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts to give the show higher visibility.

Last February, Extravaganza celebrated its 25th anniversary, and once again the student performances in dance, musical theatre, cinema, instrumental music, vocal music, the visual arts and creative writing dazzled the sold-out audience.

The “Shining Star” guest artist that night was Vocal Department alumnus “Delisco” (formerly James Beeks, class of ’90), who performed Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Bad,” backed by DA dancers and musicians.

Also appearing via a live satellite connection was former Visual Arts major Ash Brannon (class of ’87), who has gone on to write and direct the movies Toy Story 2, Surf’s Up and A Bug’s Life.

“Because of the passion and creativity of our teachers, students, parents and administration, and our community support,” Martin points out, “I’m confident the artistic celebration of Extravaganza will continue to excite our audiences for many years to come.”

SHiNiNG StArS

Patrick Heusinger(class of ’99) is a triple threat – he’s appeared on Broadway in Next Fall, in the film Black Swan and on TV’s Royal Pains.

1 2 3 4

Celebrates Silver Anniversary

then...1986

Now...2011

Delisco -- “Shining Star 2011” -- with DA Dancers

Photograph courtesy of A.J. Witt, photographer

Photograph courtesy of The Florida TImes Union Bob Self, photographer

Davis Robertson (class of ’89) is the artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City.

Bob Reynolds (class of ’99) jazz saxophonist tours frequently with recording artist John Mayer.

Liz Pearce (class of ’96) was a featured performer in Broadway’s Billy Elliott.

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“When people ‘Google’ you fifty years from now,” NY Times columnist William C. Rhoden asked a group of DA students, “what will the articles say about you?” Rhoden, a best-selling author and a winner of both the Peabody Prize and an Emmy Award for his work on two HBO documentaries, visited Douglas Anderson last spring and challenged DA students to take control of their lives. He encouraged them to passionately pursue their goals as architects, engineers, songwriters, musicians, actors, journalists, entrepreneurs, and good husbands and fathers. “Most important,” said Rhoden, “is what you stand for.” Rhoden visited Douglas Anderson as a guest of 1968 DA alumnus, Garry Merritt (shown left with Rhoden). Merritt and Rhoden became life-long friends at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, where they starred on the football team. Before leaving the DA campus, Rhoden autographed a copy of his best-selling book, Forty Million Dollar Slaves, which now occupies a prestigious spot in our library.

WHat WiLL Be Your LegaCY?

N.Y. times Columnist Challenges D.A. Students:

Photograph courtesy of The Florida TImes Union - Jon M. Fletcher, photographer

“Mr. rhoden really made me put my life

in perspective on how i want to be remembered and how people are going to view me in the future.”

De’AnTe JorDAn Cinematic Arts

Each summer, the NAACP sponsors a national competition for high school students to honor excellence in the Arts and Sciences.

The ACT-SO competition (an acronym for Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) awards medals in 26 categories, including humanities, performing arts, visual arts and business.

performerS SHine in L.a.

DA artists capture national honors at

ACt-So competition in Los Angeles

Other DA regional winners who competed at ACT-SO 2011 in Los Angeles:

Marquale Ashley

Imari Bratcher

Courtnee Carter

Morgan Danford

Mariah Downer

For the 2011 competition in Los Angeles, seventeen Douglas Anderson students were selected to represent Jacksonville, and three came home with national honors: Joshua Abbott, Iman Bethel and Jahaan Sweet. (upper left, shown l to r)

Joshua and Jahaan, who both graduated in June, captured second-place medals in Dance and Musical Instrumental/Contemporary respectively. Iman, a senior piano major, earned a bronze medal in the category of Music Instrumental/Classical.

For Iman, it was her first trip to Los Angeles and an experience she will never forget:

Iman Bethel

“At ACT-SO, I played Toccata by Aram Khachuturian. I felt it was the best I’d ever performed the piece, and I felt very blessed and excited about the award. I was so proud to represent Jacksonville and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts!”

Frank Humphrey

Adrian Johnson

Erika Murray

Nemia Noble

Tyrone Porter

Deja Seigler

Lauren Smith

Markis Williams

Shacara Young

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Alums return to Showcase their Art

Here was a chance for students to celebrate and enjoy the talents of other DA performing artists. It was the equivalent of a high school pep rally, Arts School-style.

Twenty-five years later, these same students decided to pay homage to those early years by again performing with their peers – this time on the DA theatre mainstage.

Last August, more than 50 DA alums -- from the first graduating class of 1986 to recent graduates -- joined together to produce and perform SHOWTIME 25, a night of art and entertainment.

SHoWtime 25

Highlights included a performance of the new release of recording artist Delisco James (class of ‘90); a band featuring father and son guitarists Jerry Allen (class of ‘89) and DA freshman Jarrod Allen (class of ’15); a slideshow and lobby exhibit of the work of 16 visual artists; and a reunion of 30 former members of the school’s original jazz choir, Rhythm Junction. The production was deftly directed by Lee Hamby (class of ’93).

Other activities included a demonstration by confectionery sculptor Geoff Blount (class of ’89), tours of the campus for those who were students prior to the school’s two major construction projects, and an after-party at Square One San Marco, featuring entertainment by an alumni-fronted band and an alumni DJ.

SHOWTIME 25 raised more than $5000 for the DA Scholarship Fund sponsored by the Alumni Association.

Shortly after Douglas Anderson became an Arts School in 1985, physical ed teacher Ned DeLoach, hoping to heighten school spirit, came up with the idea of organizing a monthly student showcase in the gymnasium.

He called it “Showtime.”

Jane Condon with Alumni Association Board President

Patti Cowgill ‘89

Confectionery sculptor Geoff Blount (class of ’89) created a sculpture out of chocolate

Tiffany Sullivan Fish ‘99

Rythm Junction

Catherine BrazaPhilip BretonHannah BrockSamantha BucklerKatrinarae BueserCourtney ChrestensenKandise ChrestensenJames CoppedgeLetty Dileo

Olivia GiacchettoSavannah GoodmanElle GoughLydia HayesSofia IaquintoEmily JacksonNamhee KwakAdeline MarkhamAna McIntosh

Kaitlyn MorrellCalista PappasAlexis ParrisBrianna PritchettJubel PuthusserilRenee ReneauSarah RobinsonSamuel Stark

the following students earned Straight A’s all four quarters during the 2010-2011 academic year...

A SALute to BrigHteSt‘s

CONGRATulATiONS TO THESE AwESOME SCHOlARS...

...a wonderful accomplishment!

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Jacksonville audiences will have the opportunity to see Bad Boy CARLOS GARLAND dance at Extravaganza this February as the “Shining Star” guest artist.

Flashback to 2002. That spring, a young dancer and choreographer, Rasta Thomas, came to Douglas Anderson to set a piece with our senior dancers.

Though only 21 years old, Rasta had already danced with the Le Jeune Ballet de France, the American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, the Victor Ullate Ballet of Spain, and the National Ballet of China.

Yet he dreamed of one day beginning his own company.

Rasta was so impressed with the DA dancers in 2002 that he told

himself when he started his own company he must look to Douglas Anderson for the talent he needed.

Flash forward to 2011. Today Rasta is artistic director of his own world-renowned dance troupe, The Bad Boys of Dance. His company recently returned from a sold-out tour of Australia and Europe.

True to his instincts, three of his BBD dancers –

• JamesBoyd (class of ’05),

• CarlosGarland (class of ’08)

• RyanCarlson (class of ’11)

– are Douglas Anderson alums.

“I chose them because they are the dancers of tomorrow,” says Rasta. “Hybrids who can do it all... from ballet to hip hop, it makes no difference.”

A few short years ago these young men bounded onto the stage at DA. Today they are traveling the performance halls of Berlin, Sydney and Athens as The Bad Boys of Dance.

James Boyd

Ryan Carlson

Former Dancers thrill Audiences Worldwide

James Boyd (class of ’05)

Carlos Garland(class of ’08)

Ryan Carlson (class of ’11)

Rasta Thomas

In October, DA choreographers and Dance Theatre students were given a unique opportunity to collaborate in performances with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

As part of the JSO Fusion Series, “Music and Dance,” conductor Michael Butterman led the symphony in works by Carl Nielson (Helios Overture), Astor Piazolla (Tangazo) and other composers, while guest dancers from DA and Jacksonville University performed original choreography.

The DA dancers gave movement to the pieces, each presenting a unique interpretation of the music.

Commercial Dance OrganizationKailey Greene

Eckerd CollegeAnna Vecchio

Florida Atlantic UniversityJasmin FieldsKristen HoweZoe McDaniel

Florida State College of JacksonvilleTarian GreenMegan LesterSaran KennedyKatherine ParishCaitlin Williams

Florida State UniversityKylie ElliottAnna KeelTanisha MooreShellie Zeigler

Hagerstown CollegeKeyseanya Williams

Howard UniversityNicole Hamm

Jacksonville UniversityJoshua AbbottRachel CliffJulian RachalSarah Sifton

Loyola UniversityKeisha Kinyon

Monmouth UniversityGianna Anastasio

New World School of the ArtsHannah Drozd Arielle Kantor

San Diego State UniversityAlexis Kirkland

Santa Fe Community CollegeErika Murray

Southern Methodist UniversityKatelyn Gough

SUNY at PurchaseHillary Bodin

University of FloridaChanning MalzFallon Sullivan

University of GeorgiaPauline Villanueva

University of South FloridaRachel Jimenez

DANCE Graduates 2011

Dr. Phyllis Penney, DA Dance chair, choreographed the Helios Overture, while Tangazo was choreographed by DA senior Marciana Rafada.

“This was a unique opportunity for our dancers and choreographers to work with the live accompaniment of a full professional symphonic orchestra,” says Dr. Penney.

“I was particularly proud of Marciana, who set a piece to Piazolla’s Argentinean composition.

“The music had a tango flavor, but instead of going for the obvious choices, she created a piece about patients in a mental institution and their ability to cope with the world around them.”

“Marciana demonstrated in-depth analysis and higher-level thinking,” adds Dr. Penney, “using her innate instincts as an artist while applying the principles she learned in the classroom.”

Dance theatre Students interpret Music of Jacksonville Symphony orchestra

SteLLar CoLLaBoration DANCe

“tHe BaD BoYS”

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Selena Rhodes, Ashley Williams, Marisa Hilton, Mary Speed, Stacie DeSale

Selena Rhodes & Ryan Coppedge

Josh Yarborough & Libby Riddick

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tHeir KiND oF toWNDA Vocalists Receive Two Standing Ovations at National ACDA Conference

It was just hours before his Women’s Chorale were to perform at the nation’s most prestigious vocal conference—the 2011 American Choral Directors Association National Convention in Chicago.

He knew this was the most important performance his DA vocal students had ever faced.

Choral director Jeffrey Clayton looked outside from his downtown Chicago hotel room—40 degrees and breezy, much colder than his Florida girls were used to. With their first concert set for 8:30 the next morning, how was he going to make sure his vocalists were awake, warmed up and ready to go?

“We’re walking,” he decided.

He informed the girls that instead of the bus, they were walking the ½-mile to the famed Chicago Orchestra Hall. So at 7 a.m., the 64 girls donned their winter overcoats and scarves,

WoMeN’S CHorALe MAKe

CHiCago“Going to Chicago was a life-changing experience. Nothing can compare to a journey in which you work harder than you have before, and devote so much of yourself to one thing, and then finally get to perform your art.”

STephAnie SmiThSenior

and made the brisk walk to the Hall—with Clayton leading the way.

Backstage, Clayton delivered his pep talk: “You’re ready,” he said. “I’ll never be more proud of you than I am at this moment. Nothing you do on that stage will change that.” There was a sense of peace in the room.

The girls took the stage and thrilled the audience with a 25-minute presentation, culminating with an original composition — “A New Psalm 98” -- written for the DA chorale by renowned composer and personal friend of the department, Ken Berg.

After a resounding finale, the usually staid audience burst to its feet in a sustained standing ovation. It was the warmest

KeN BerGRenowned composer and Vocal Dept. Guest Artist shares his thoughts about DA’s success at ACDA:

applause Clayton and the girls had ever experienced.

“I felt as if we had made it to the Super Bowl,” said Clayton whose path to the ACDA convention was a three-year process involving audition recordings, hours of practice and a performance at the regional convention in 2010.

A woman stopped Clayton as he left the Orchestra Hall and whispered, “Yours was the best performance of the convention.”

Air ForceKrishaun Lavalais

Belmont UniversityKelsie Saison

Bethune Cookman CollegeFrank Humphrey

Florida Atlantic UniversityMarley Curtis

Florida International UniversityCarmen Hilburn

Florida State College JacksonvilleLina AbadiaDestany HotardAmber Kingsley

Florida State UniversityJessica BarkerAlexis BrandenburgerKatherine GarnerKatie McIverTanisha MooreAmelia NeumannKaley PorterSamantha Vallejo

Purdue UniversityKaitlin Baltz

Stetson UniversityTaylor HarrisDemi Nicks

Triton CollegeMercita Chernyshev

University of AlabamaSamantha Lennon

University of Central FloridaStephen BrennanAmbber Cole

University of FloridaKathryn DuttonAlexandria Peugnet

University of North FloridaThomas DelegalHarrison NewtonDanielle SchmidtNatalie Smith

VOCAL Graduates 2011

“Great kids, superlative instruction, strong administrative and parental support! Combinations like these cannot help but produce outstanding results, both musically and personally. This kind of high-level accomplishment does not happen accidentally. It is solely the result of hard work and discipline on the part of all involved.”

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Chicago Orchestra Hall

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It’s the ultimate challenge.

Band Director Shawn Barat knows that his DA Wind Symphony, with 24 new students this school year, will sound sensational after six months of instruction.

The challenge is that his band has been invited to perform at the world’s most prestigious band and orchestra conference -– the 65th annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago – this December.

“We have to sound like May in December,” says Barat. “When opportunity knocks, we need to answer.”

So Barat works his band like an NFL team preparing for the Super Bowl. In addition to daily 90-minute in-school sessions, the Wind Symphony stays late and practices until 8 p.m. one day each week. They have 12 different pieces they need to perfect for the 45-minute program they’ll play in Chicago.

“The students know that to become the best musicians possible,” says Barat, “they need to perform at pressure-filled concerts in magnificent halls. Like the ones in Chicago.”

The Midwest Clinic is the largest music education conference in the world, attracting nearly 16,000 music professionals. And DA is one of only five high school bands worldwide selected to perform.

“In Chicago there will be university band and orchestra teachers, instrumental music administrators, professional musicians, composers and arrangers,” says Barat, “so we’re highly motivated, and we will be prepared.”

“The students know that to become the best musicians possible, they need to perform at pressure-filled concerts in magnificent halls. Like the ones in Chicago.”

ShAwn BArATBand Director

Wind Symphony selected for prestigious MiDWeSt CLiNiC

MASter CLASS with Northwestern university Conductor

Wind Symphony BenefitConcertTo raise funds for the Chicago trip, a Benefit Concert was held at the DA Theatre in October.

In late October, Dr. Mallory Thompson, director of bands, professor of music and coordinator of the conducting program at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, conducted a Master Class at Douglas Anderson to help our Wind Symphony prepare for the Midwest Clinic. She rehearsed the students in several numbers the band will play at the Clinic.

Converse CollegeCarlisia Mukes

Chattahoochee Technical CollegeKyle Johnson

Florida State College of JacksonvilleKayla BogganNicholas DepresCoulter FordhamAnna GhelerterSamantha O’Neal

Florida State UniversityElizabeth BunchAshley CrawfordMatthew LemineKelsi MayrRebekah MorganMeryl RigdonSamantha Watts

Full Sail UniversityCandace Covert

Ithaca CollegeOlivia Donalson

Jacksonville UniversityJonathan Lindsay

Loyola UniversityMaxwell Blumenfeld

continued...

INSTRuMENTAL MuSIC Graduates 2011

tuning up for CHiCago

“Dr. Thompson is an internationally respected conductor, and rightly so. She is an incredible interpreter of music, and has a marvelous ability to communicate with students to help them perform the music she envisions in her head.”

ShAwn BArATBand Director

Duval County School Board Chairman W.C. Gentry and his wife, Susan, joined Principal Cornelius in supporting the students’ trip to the Midwest Clinic.

“We’re highly motivated, and we will be prepared.”

ShAwn BArATBand Director

A Special Invitation...

INSTRUMENTAL

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The DA Chamber Orchestra was the only string orchestra in the state invited to perform on the main stage during the four-day conference.

ArtiStS HoNorS

Two members of Ace Martin’s nationally-renowned DA Jazz Ensemble were named the best performers in the country on their particular instruments in 2011.

Daniel Dickinson on alto saxophone and Jahaan Sweet on piano captured top honors in DownBeat Magazine’s 34th annual Student Music Awards. The SMA is an esteemed national competition for middle school, high school and college students to showcase their talent and be recognized for their musical skills.

Jahaan is now studying in the Jazz Studies Program at The Juilliard School in New York City, and Daniel is studying jazz as a part of the American Music Program at the University of North Florida.

DOWNBEAT magazine

Jazz

“DownBeat is known as the ‘Jazz Bible’ in the jazz idiom, and these awards are very prestigious. Our students were submitted against the top programs from coast to coast. I am extremely proud of these students and the faculty who have helped mentor them.”

ACe mArTinInstrumental Music Chair

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Jahaan Sweet

In January, the DA Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Brian Griffin, performed for the Opening Concert at the 2011 Florida Music Education Association Clinic-Conference in Tampa.

This was the first time in school history that an orchestra from DA was invited to perform at a music education conference.

orCHeStra maKeS HiStorY

Stetson UniversityNathalie MaldonadoBrandon MosleyRichardo RodriguezAshley Whaley

Tallahassee Community CollegePhillip Parsons

Trinity Baptist CollegeLanden Howell

University of AlabamaChandler Cobb

University of GeorgiaIan LaBreck

University of Central FloridaJoshua Giesman

University of North FloridaKeion AndersonDaniel DickinsonJoseph Henderson

University of South FloridaKayleigh Lutman

Vanderbilt UniversityStephen Guthrie

INSTRuMENTAL MuSICGraduates 2011 continued from page 15

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Joining the bill with York is innovative guitarist Adam Rafferty whose “funky fingerstyle” allows him to play two simultaneous melodies. His solo versions of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” have made him a YouTube phenomenon.

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, comprised of four uniquely accomplished musicians who perform programs ranging from Bluegrass to Bach, visited Douglas Anderson last spring to conduct a Master Class with DA guitarists.

York has shown extraordinary range as a performer in many styles, including classical guitar with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet with whom he recorded the GRAMMY-winning “Guitar Heroes” (2005), and as a jazz guitarist where he has performed and studied with legends Joe Diorio and Lenny Breau.

In addition, York recorded and performed with the Atlanta Symphony for the opera Ainadamar by Osvaldo Golijov. The recording of Ainadamar won two GRAMMY awards.

The quartet is celebrating its 30th year of performing together.

gueSt guitariStS from L.a.

Andrew York

piano StuDentS

In March, Piano Chair Vera Watson guided 17 DA piano students on an exhilarating eight-day concert tour through Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to see the birthplace of classical music,” said Ms. Watson.

“The students performed in Mozarthaus in Vienna, attended a Strauss performance at the Schoenbrunn Palace, toured the Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg where the Sound of Music was filmed, and experienced the beauty of the Alpine region.”

Florida State College of JacksonvilleBrianna BernalWilliam Pier

Florida State UniversityJessica BarkerBenjamin ClarkSamuel CrawfordJake TuttleSamantha Vallejo

JulliardJahaan Sweet

NASCAR Technical InstituteJustin Brown

Rollins CollegeEric HeumannSarah Joseph

University of FloridaCiara De Leon

University of North FloridaErica EllenburgMarina Gnida

PIANO Graduates 2011

“One of the most inspiring, profound experiences of this trip was being able to transcend cultural and lingual barriers through music. Music truly is a universal language.”

AnDrew CALLAhAnJunior

“It was incredible to perform in the house where Mozart lived while he composed so many of his pieces.”

CAmeron miChAeL Senior

The Abbey of Melk

Hellbrunn Palace Grounds

DA students enact a scene from The Sound of music

Visit Birthplaces of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Hayden

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2.24.12Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Andrew York, one of the world’s most versatile musicians, headlines the Great Guitar Gathering at the Florida Theatre on February 24, 2012.

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DA Artists create a welcoming environment for the Nurturing Center

SCuLPtiNG StuDeNt PLANS

We have special neighbors across from DA.

Housed in the Lillian Sanders Community Center off White Avenue is the Family Nurturing Center of Florida. It’s a wonderful place where children who are separated from a parent for whatever reason – divorce, abuse, distance – can come and spend quality time with that estranged parent.

“This is a safe place where children can rebuild their relationship with a separated parent,” explains Center Director Stella Johnson.

While the Center has a valuable purpose and caring personnel, the Center’s offices didn’t

Last Fall, DA Visual Artists visited Jacksonville University to learn from the JU professors what universities are looking for in student art portfolios.

After the presentation, the students participated in workshops featuring new techniques, materials and art processes offered at JU, including the intricate process of glass-blowing.

LeNDiNG A HeLPiNG HanD

convey the welcoming environment to complement its Mission.

In stepped Ms. Hillary Hogue and her DA Visual Artists who offered to rejuvenate the Center with art. Ms. Hogue asked her students to take the Center’s logo – Holding Hands – and interpret that theme as creatively as possible.

What resulted were a wealth of paintings with colorful hands -- drawing hands, gardening hands, working hands, loving hands.

“Suddenly the place popped with color. Now the children and the parents all love looking at the artworks that grace our walls.”

STeLLA JohnSonCenter Director

NAtioNAL HoNorS For ArtiStS

Each spring, the U.S. Congress sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district.

Alfred UniversityReine Hogue

American UniversityFrances Grant

Cooper –Union School of ArtsEnrique CabreraEmma Shoots

Fashion Institute of TechnologyAriel Exposito

Flagler CollegeAndrea McNeilAlexandria Miller

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityNatasha Maine

Florida International UniversityBahja Dennard

Florida State UniversityJames HogsheadOlivia Marrese

Florida State College of JacksonvilleRachael CollinsJohn CorneliusCassandra DagneseKelsey EldridgeBruce FitchSarah IshiiNaomi McDonaldAdam NadolskiTara RosarioSarah Wilder

Jacksonville UniversityPortia Smith

Kaiser UniversityShacara Young

New CollegeMegan Robinson

Trinity Baptist CollegeLyubov Sakara

University of Central FloridaDanielle BadgerJared Bittner

University of FloridaCrystal BuiMicaela Yates

University of North FloridaAudrey BartholomewEliza CarrollShannon DunhamAdam EasonSusannah HriczStephanie MoralesLizabeth MorillaTaylor NainLinda NguyenClinton Sanders

University of South FloridaJa’Ron HammondKyuri Park

Valencia Community CollegeJasmine Stanford

Warren Wilson CollegeEmma Petersen

VISuAL ARTS Graduates 2011

Blaze Hodge in Florida’s 4th District (Rep. Ander Crenshaw-R)

The students’ artworks will be displayed in the National Gallery in Washington DC for the next year.

2011 winners representing northeast Florida were both from Douglas Anderson:

Jermaine Shavers, Jr. in Florida’s District 3 (Rep. Corrine Brown-D)

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Margaret Atwood, the Booker Prize-winning author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Blind Assassin, is the rare writer whose work is adored by the public, acclaimed by critics, and studied on campuses around the world.

Next March, Ms. Atwood will come to Jacksonville as the keynote speaker at the 12th annual Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival, which will be held for the first time on the campus of the University of North Florida.

The Festival is a three-day celebration of the printed word with 14 invited authors who will do readings, book signings and workshops. The Festival offers hands-on sessions in all genres of writing, and is aimed to assist experienced and emerging writers in the advancement of their craft.

In addition to Atwood, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with such writers as Peter Meinke, Poet Laureate of St. Petersburg; award-winning poet Lola Haskins; T-U journalist Jeff Brumley; and former Douglas Anderson graduate Billy Merrell, author of Talking in the Dark, a poetry memoir.

On Thursday, March 1, the Festival will sponsor a rehearsed play-reading with an esteemed playwright in the DA Recital Hall. And on Friday, March 2, students from other high schools and La Villa Middle School will come to Douglas Anderson for an exciting presentation on the impact of the spoken word.

LiterArY LeGeND MArGAret AtWooD Headlines Writers’ Festival

“Our mission with the Festival has always been to open a writing dialogue in a supportive environment that is stimulating and enlightening for our students and for all attendees.”

eLizABeTh FLAiSigCreative Writing Chair

Further information and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Festival website: www.douglasandersonwritersfest.com

Lola Haskins

Margaret Atwood

Peter Meinke

NAtioNAL recognition

Creative Writers earn

The works of DA Creative Writers continue to win plaudits from international publications and national writing contests. Whether it be through short stories, poetry, stage plays or oratory, the creativity of DA writers has consistently been recognized as superior by prestigious student competitions. Kudos to these award-winners!

Winners of the National 2011 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards based in New York City

Florida Christian CollegeJulia Coppock

Florida Southern College TampaAllison Myers

Florida State College at JacksonvilleAna RosarioTimothy Carpenter

Florida State UniversityJacob BellingerSummer CallahanHaley JorayKelsey SchurerFurtuna Tewolde

New College of FloridaKevin McCombs

New York UniversityMelanie Payne

Princeton UniversityEmily Burr

Temple UniversityCyre Washington

University of Central FloridaMarina ReasonerRyan Wagahoff

University of FloridaIsabella DescendiAlison Schaefer

University of North CarolinaJames Bethmann

University of North FloridaTaylor HiteAlyssa Marie IchbanMorgan IrvinEli MoorehouseAisha Nieves

Wittenberg UniversityCali Clayton

CREATIVE WRITINGGraduates 2011

Aerie International is an international literary journal based in Montana that features writing from high school students as far away as Finland and Turkmenistan. The following DA students were honored to have their poems published in the 2011 Aerie International Journal.

Louise Burton: “Continental Drift”

Renee Reneau: “Sundays”

Brittany Soder: “Learning to Skip Rocks”

Rory Harper: (Short Story) “Deadwood”

Tyra McNeil: (Short Story) “Perfectly French”

Mario Alonzo: (Poetry) “Black Lake” & “F”

ACT-SO Regional Competition sponsored by the NAACP

Brandon King: First place in Playwriting: “Dinner” / Second Place in Poetry: “Faith”

Morgan Danford: First Place in Oratory

Role Models Today 2011 Writing Contest Zoe DeWitt: First Place Essay: “Wasted Youth”

12th Annual Festival at uNF March 1-3, 2012

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Documentary Tackles

“I wanted to dedicate my senior year to crafting a film that would take on an issue bigger than myself.”

CoLTon CLemenTS DA Filmmaker

Teenage girls flock to see Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga in concert, and teens want the clothes, the makeup, the rail-thin figures.

When the young women’s looks don’t measure up, their self-images take a beating.

Senior Colton Clements -- now a freshman in the College of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University -- decided to explore self-image and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in his documentary, Ugly, as a way to reach out to struggling teens.

“I came up with the idea of Ugly because I had a friend who had experienced an

Young Women’S SeLf-image

eating disorder, says Colton. I wanted to explore the emotional and psychological effects the media and advertising have over young women.”

On his cinematic journey, Colton meets and interviews a modeling consultant, an anorexia survivor, a therapist, and the winner of America’s Next Top Model-- the plus-sized fashion model Whitney Thompson.

“I’m hoping that my voice can help change these young women’s self-esteem issues,” says Colton. “If I can help one person, if I can save one person, then my toils as a filmmaker are all worthwhile.”

Student Director Colton Clements discusses a scene with model and talent manager Kezia Rolle.

FILM FESTIVAL

Heirloom NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth), Seattle, WA Ft. Lauderdale Int. Film Festival

Inundation Peace River Film Festival, Punta Gorda

Stationery NFFTY, Seattle, WA Tulsa International Film Festival

ugly Peace River Film Festival, Punta Gorda

FiLMMAKerS CAPture NAtioNALHoNorS

A number of DA student films were honored at Film Festivals across the country in 2011.

Emerson CollegeNoah Wilson

Florida State College of JacksonvilleTyler RedshawFaith Bennett

Florida State UniversityAsdrubal QuinteroBrandon Felber

Florida State University Film SchoolColton Clements

Hilliard Community CollegeDeante Jordan

Marymount Manhattan College, NYCNick Lulli

Parsons The New School for Design, NYCMarquale Ashley

School of Visual Arts, NYCBobby Allen

Slippery Rock UniversityJake Puttick

Tallahassee Community CollegeConnor Grady

University of North FloridaJolisa BrinsonJames Gearhart

CINEMATIC ARTSGraduates 2011 Sometimes,

something positive emerges from tragedy.

In 2004, Tracy Porter’s 16-year-old son suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car crash in Jacksonville.

SenD out meSSage

on SafetYfiLmmaKerS

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to use their art to benefit the community and further their art education.”Dr. Corey ThAyer Cinematic Arts Co-Chair

Tracy Porter of Mothers Against Brain Injury presents the winning checks to (l to r) Connor Grady, instructor Dr. Corey Thayer, and Brandon Felber.

Tracy, not wanting other moms to go through what she has, started Mothers Against Brain Injury (MABI), a non-profit organization that supports teenage victims of traumatic brain injury.

Each year, MABI offers high school students in 75 North Florida schools the opportunity to win collegiate scholarship awards for producing 30-second Public Service Announcements entreating teenage drivers to utilize safe driving habits.

For the past two years, DA Cinematic Arts students have produced the winning PSAs.

Last May, senior Connor Grady was the clear winner with more than 5000 votes from across the nation, capturing the scholarship award for first place. Fellow senior Brandon Felber was awarded 4th place.

With the help of Allstate Insurance and First Coast News Jacksonville, MABI offers a $4000 scholarship for the winning student PSA and a $4000 award for the winning school.

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“The State Thespian Festival introduces a whole new world -- a fresh, mystical perspective -- that enlightens us as to what being a part of our craft is all about.”

pABLo J. miLLASenior

theatre and tech Students take Broadway Play to tampa Bay for State thespian Festival

Then 150 students comprising the cast and crew, teachers and chaperones boarded buses for the seven-hour trip to Tampa.

(Cont.)

To the 3,000 people in the audience at Morsani Hall at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, it all looked so easy.

The cast and crew of Douglas Anderson’s Theatre Troupe were delivering a grandioso performance at the Florida State Thespian Festival of the Broadway musical, Aida. Each musical number brought the crowd to its feet in applause. Nine standing ovations in all.

What the audience hadn’t seen took place two days earlier when two huge semi-trailors were being loaded back in Jacksonville with two tons of sets, massive columns for Egyptian temples, costumes, make-up, props, lights, soundboards, tools for constructing the set, and much, much more.

Seniors Halley McClure (l) and Tori Richmond-Davies participate in Jess Pillmore’s Stage Combat Class.

Cincinnati Conservatory of MusicTrenton Vorwerk

Community College of ChicagoKellie Wyatt

Converse CollegeTyler Lawrence

Duke UniversityTreEllis Scott

Jacksonville UniversityChristopher Robertson

Florida State College of JacksonvilleEmily Waldhauer

Florida State UniversityPhilip HarvilleEmily LawrenceMichael MayoAndrea White

Savannah College of Art and Design Taylor AlleyRebecca RunyonZack Mease

University of Central FloridaDazjanae DaileyJasmine Mitchell

University of FloridaAdrienne Feinglass

Mary Washington University Kacie Couch

University of Minnesota – Twin CitiesJucoby Johnson

North Carolina School of the ArtsSarah Gray

University of North FloridaLily Garmendia

University of West FloridaShanaya DixonJessica Bain

Wake Forest UniversityShelby Reed

THEATREGraduates 2011

CoMiNG HoMe to SHAre Her WiSDoM

Jess Pillmore graduated from DA in 1993 as a Dance Major, and embarked on an extensive journey -- building a versatile career in theater, dance and music, working as a performer, director and choreographer with such artists as Ann Reinking, Gregory Hines and Susan Schulman.

Last spring, Jess returned to DA with her actor-director husband, Chris Beaulieu, to share the accrued wisdom from her journey.

At the behest of Dr. Lee Beger, DA Theatre Chair, Jess and Chris conducted Master Classes for all four grade levels of Theatre students.

Alum returns to Campus to Conduct Master Class

The first two days, the students attended workshops in improvisation, dance, comedy, dialect and other theatre skills.

Then at 3 p.m. on Thursday, the ticking clock began. The DA semis pulled up to the unloading docks at Morsani Hall, the line of students formed, and two tons of sets and gear were unloaded. The students had exactly four hours to re-construct the sets, warm-up the orchestra, test the soundboards, set the lights, get in costume and makeup, and launch Aida.

“On this stage, where they had never rehearsed before,” said director Dr. Lee Beger, “the performers must remember their blocking, lines, and dances, and how to make it all seem fresh and inspired.

“Plus, there’s that amazing factor in live theatre that at any minute anything can go wrong. Having the knowledge and improvisational skill to overcome that is what makes live theatre work.”

The nine standing ovations told the DA troupe that their Aida had indeed worked.

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EState thespian Festival continued...

“It was wonderful to come back to campus, and I was excited to explore different physical theatre skills with each grade.”

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CaMeRon MiCHael, PianoORFEO MuSiC FESTiVAlVipiteno, Italy

Students Pursue Their Passion for the Arts in Summer Workshops

Each summer, thanks to generous donations from DA benefactors, our students are given the opportunity to study with the experts in their Arts field by attending workshops and seminars around the country and around the world.

In Italy, Cameron performed Debussy’s prelude from Suite pour le piano and Liszt’s Liebestraum no. 3.

Summer ScholarshipsSend Students All over the World

Blaze HoDge, Visual ArtsSCHOOl OF THE MuSEuM OF FiNE ARTSBoston, MA

MARiE wAlSH SHARPE SuMMER SEMiNARColorado Springs, CO

“In Boston, I remembered why I started doing art.

Before I was so serious about every piece – some people

thought I was unpleasant because I was so earnest.

But, for the first time, I lightened up and started working

with new materials and realized that art can be whimsical.

And people loved it!

“One of my great memories in Colorado was staying

up really late at night with fellow artists, and discussing

different art theories and approaches.

“The teachers in both programs were very inspirational

and helped me think conceptually and expand my ideas.”

JessiCa JaCoBson, TheatreBROAdwAy THEATRE PROjECTNew York City, NY

Jessica performs a musical number at her summer intensive.

Jessica greets DA alum Patrick Heusinger, who was appearing on Broadway in next Fall

These summer workshops allow the students to interact with other passionate students, and raise their craft to the next level.

Here, in their own words, is what the students brought back from their summer studies . . .

“The two-week Orfeo Music

Festival took place in the

small town of Vipiteno in the

northern Alps of Italy. The

festival included 103 students

from colleges and high

schools throughout the world.

“Each day, I took part in two

concerts, a master class,

chamber music ensembles,

accompanying roles, private

lessons and hours of

practice time.

“The festival introduced me to new

ideas about music and showed

me that music is an international

language. Though I couldn’t speak

the languages of the students

from Chile, Hong Kong, Germany

or Japan, all of us were able to

communicate to each other through

our musical abilities.”

“When I was

accepted into

this three-week

musical theatre

intensive, my

world was

completely different. I was unsure of

myself and my potential, and I had no

idea what I wanted to do with my life.

“Now, at the end of this amazing program,

I know that this is all I want. I want to

perform. Whether it is on Broadway, or in

Los Angeles, or in a quaint local dinner

theatre, I want to make a living off of what I

love the most -- musical theatre!

“At the Broadway Theatre Project, we had

many amazing guest artists. From Ben

Vereen’s discussions on digging deeper

into the soul, to Donna McKechnie’s talk

about originating a role in A Chorus Line.“

Blaze became part of his art installation in Boston.

Figure drawing in Colorado Springs.

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Danae MaCleoD, Creative WritingBrown universityProvidence, RI

gaBBy RoulHaC, DanceBates College young dancers workshopLewiston, ME

BRooks Monk, Vocal MusicGRAMMy CampLos Angeles, CA

The Grammy Showcase Concert took place at the famous El Rey Theater in Hollywood

Brooks collaborated with Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers

eMily anDeRBeRg, DoMinique BaRlow, BRenDan Feeney, Cayla Bass, Ben CaMpBell, BRian golDsBeRRy, anna THoMpson & DRew sewell, OrchestraCannon Music CampBoone, NC

asHley k illougH, ReBekaH pape & kaiTl in sMeDley, Orchestra FSu Summer Music CampTallahassee, FL

ivey CuFFe, OrchestraSewanee Music FestivalSewanee, TN

eDwaRD laTiMeR, Maia Delegal & T iM sTepHen, OrchestraBrevard Music CenterBrevard, NC

JaClyn Bl iCkley, OrchestraNyu Summer String Quartet intensiveNew York City, NY

SuMMer ScholarshipsThese students also had the opportunity to progress in their Arts studies at summer workshops around the country.

“I participated in the

Electronic Music

Production career

track. Throughout

the week I wrote,

arranged, produced,

recorded and mixed an original song. I played

guitar and piano and sang on my track, and also

worked with two other guitarists and a bassist to

complete the piece.

“It’s great to see all of the collaboration that

occurs between the different career tracks.

Songwriters bring their guitars to lunch and get

vocalists to sing their work. Combos are talking

outside of rehearsal about how to make their

songs better. Producers are collaborating with

instrumentalists to record their tracks. Concert

promoters are putting together a showcase

concert and taking care of all the details.

“At DA, I see the same potential for

collaboration and interaction on a personal

level and even between the arts areas. DA is

a breeding ground for talent and I hope to be

able to take advantage of that.”

Danae attended a

workshop called

“Laughing Matters” to

help her incorporate

humor into her writing.

“At Bates, I had the

opportunity to work with

Camille Brown, a well-

known choreographer

who mixes modern

“I learned that every single word counts when

you’re trying to be funny. Unfortunately, I also

found that many ideas are funny in concept,

but the execution doesn’t always lead to the

desired level of humor!”

dance techniques with West African dance

elements. There’s a real spiritual feel to her

choreography. Her classes were always hard;

she expected the best from you each day.”

l iBBy R iDDiCk, DanceAlvin Ailey Summer dance intensiveNew York City, NY

asHley TuRneR & J ’RoyCe walTon, Theatreithaca College Musical Theater ProgramIthaca, NY

niCk saCks, TheatreCarnegie Mellon university Pre-College drama ProgramPittsburgh, PA

kRysTin CoTe, OrchestraMiTCHell kuHn, Symphonic BandBoston university Tanglewood instituteLenox, MA

MaDeline CenTRon, ella MonToya & HannaH sopeR, Visual ArtsChester College Of New EnglandChester, NH

A special thanks to the DA patrons who made this possible!

Krystin Cote with Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell

Nick Sacks

Edward Latimer, Tim Stephen, Maia Delegal, Sam Casseday

Mitchell KuhnBlaze Hodge hiking in Colorado

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Honorary Chairs

SHiNiNG StArCARlOS GARlANd Class of 2008

Elenor Ashby Mayor and Mrs. Alvin Brown

Internationally renowned Jacksonville’s Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, known for excellence in the Arts and Academics, seeks partnerships with community-minded corporations with resources to help support communications and development needs of the school. No experience needed.

Requires an understanding and appreciation of the importance of the Arts and quality public education to our community. Corporate financial support addresses Arts publications, literary magazines, website, public relations, development, student summer scholarships and professional artists’ master classes.

For further details, please call Jackie Cornelius at 208-0962.

WANteD: Corporate Partners

Lydia Haug ’91, Dance major, appeared in the movie, Our Idiot Brother, playing a Russian ballerina opposite comedic actors Paul Rudd and Steve Coogan. “There was a lot of improvisation,” says Lydia. “Lines were changing. You were constantly reacting to what they’re doing. It was a fun process.” In addition to her acting, Lydia is a member of the Terra Firma Dance Theater, a contemporary dance troupe in New York City.

Matt Richelson ’93, Guitar major, is the creator of DreamEnglish.com, a website with songs and materials to help children learn English through songs. In 2006 Matt moved to Japan and began teaching English to children. There he developed a very successful learning process using children’s songs that he had written. Matt’s method is now being utilized in more than 50 countries around the world. His work teaching children can be seen on YouTube.

Yvonne C. Lonzano ’95, Visual Arts major, had her work featured at the Biennial Exhibit sponsored by Progressive Insurance, as well as in corporate art collections at Baptist South and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Yvonne also painted the exterior mural at Reddi-Arts in Jacksonville. This year, she has been honored as the featured artist on such online sources as Fine Art America and Blick Arts Materials. Examples of her work can be viewed at yclart.com

Maria Baumann ‘98 , Dance Major, was named Director of Education & Community Engagement with Urban Bush Women, a Brooklyn-based dance company whose performances are dedicated to exploring the cultural influences of the African Diaspora and are very strong works based on women’s experiences.

Mary Clymene Baugher ’98, Dance major, is performing with the Elisa Monte Dance Company in New York City. She will be a guest artist and featured performer in the DA Spring Concert in May along with her dance partner Prentice Whitlow.

Cassie Freeman ’98, Theatre major, starred in the feature film Kinyarwanda, set against the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. The film captured the 2011 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for World Cinema

Drama. For her portrayal of Lt. Rose in the film, Cassie was named Best Actress by the Jacksonville Film Festival, and was also the

recipient of the 2011 Rising Star Award. Cassie first major film role was as Denzel Washington’s love interest in Spike Lee’s Inside Man.

aLumniDon’t miSS

extravaganza

2012Moran Theatre, Times-union CenterArt Exhibit, 6:30 pm; Performance, 7:30 pm

Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com

February 18, 2012

What are they doing now?

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aLumniNicole Cromartie ‘99, Dance major, is the Coordinator of Museum Interpretation at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. She assists with the development of all materials used by visitors to learn about the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Tiffany Sullivan Fish ‘99, Dance major, is a performer and choreographer who has worked for the Genesis Foundation for the Arts and performed with the Metropolitan Opera with such artists as Sean Curren, Doug Varone and Julie Taymore. Tiffany is currently pursuing her MFA at Jacksonville University.

Holly Ann Butler ’01, Theatre major, performed in the touring production of Shrek which played in 28 cities nationwide, including Jacksonville last May. Holly played several roles in Shrek, including Princess Fiona’s mother and the Wicked Witch. Holly has appeared on Broadway in Grease and spent nearly a year touring with Jersey Boys.

Jennifer Braddock ’01, Film/Theatre major, has been working as a camera assistant in Hollywood the past five years, mostly in episodic TV. You may have seen her work in shows such as Pushing Daisies, Big Love, The Defenders, Sons of Anarchy and The Cape. She just wrapped on a new ABC Family show called Jane By Design that will air in January. Jennifer has also been elected to the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600.

Alyssa Rodgers ’05, Vocal major, completed her Master’s Degree in Sacred Music at the University of Florida. While finishing her

degree, Alyssa assisted her professor with teaching sight-reading courses.

Julie Williams ’05, Dance major, is currently performing at Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan in the Universal Monsters Live Rock & Roll Show. Julie also dances and choreographs with the CooperMorgan Dance Theatre in Jacksonville.

Eric Bell ’06, Cinematic Arts major, is completing his MBA at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and working as the Social Media Manager for a Los Angeles manufacturing company.

David Price ’06, Cinematic Arts major, currently works as a video producer at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. A graduate of New College of Florida, David’s work varies daily: One day he might be interviewing a preeminent anthropologist, the next day he is editing video footage from a paleontological dig site.

Grace Fulmer,08, a senior at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, is working part-time with The Royalty Network, a music publishing company and independent record label in New York City. This past spring, Grace worked as an intern for The Jimmy Fallon Show.

Alexa Schmidt ’08, Dance major, was recently crowned Miss University of Central Florida 2012, and will go on to compete in the Miss Florida Pageant in July in St. Petersburg. In the talent portion of the competition, Schmidt danced to the song “Someone Like You” by singer-songwriter Adele. She also promoted the SMART Moves program she is involved in which is designed to teach children to say no to drugs, alcohol abuse and premarital sexual activity.

Jeremy Smith ’08, Instrumental Music major, is now a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in New Orleans, LA, where he is establishing his career as a jazz drummer with the Marine Corps band. Jeremy graduated earlier this year from the military music school in Norfolk, VA. He was a member of the 2006 Essentially Ellington-winning DA Jazz Ensemble that was featured in the movie, Chops.

Julianne McCarthy ’09, Vocal major, was recently cast in the lead of The Crucible in Peabody Opera Theater’s spring production at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. Since graduation from DA, she has also performed in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at the Teplice Opera House in the Czech Republic, studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and was personally selected by soprano Barbara Bonney to perform in a series of master classes.

Augustus Bennett ’09, Theatre major, was recently selected to serve on State Farm’s Youth Advisory Board. The board is charged with managing and distributing $5 million per year in service-learning grants to help communities nationwide.

Chase Finn ’09, Cinematic Arts major, is currently a junior attending Emerson College in Boston, majoring in Film Production. Last summer he interned in New York City for The Colbert Report. He has worked on a number of student films, and plans to develop his own production company after graduation.

Leah Stevens ’03, Vocal major, is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Music Education at Northwestern University in Chicago. Prior to enrolling at Northwestern, she was a middle school music teacher/chorus director in Polk County, and traveled and taught in Europe.

Colleen Jackson ’04, Vocal major, is a second-year graduate student in voice performance at the University of Northern Colorado, and is serving as the interim opera coordinator for the UNC Opera Theatre. In November, Jackson performed “Caro Nome” from Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Christina May ’04, Dance major, has joined the DV8 Physical Theatre Company in London, where she is appearing in Lloyd Newson’s Can We Talk About This? The production, which has toured in Hong Kong and Australia, deals with freedom of speech, censorship and Islam. DV8 (for Dance and Video 8) merges dance and documentary forms to confront the “taboos” of democratic societies.

Shawn Warner-Garcia ‘04, Vocal major, is pursuing his Ph.D. in Linguistics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He had previously earned his Master’s at the University of Texas at Austin.

Amy McClendon ’05, Dance major, has been cast as the resplendent “Peacock Goddess” in Cirque Du Soleil’s new international tour in 2012. She is contracted for a two-year run. Amy previously starred in Royal Caribbean’s production of Broadway’s Hairspray.

Tiffany Sullivan Fish

Jennifer Braddock

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Andy Leverett ’09, Cinematic Arts major, and

Henna Bakshi ’10, Creative Writing major,

Produce a cooking show on the University of North Florida’s Osprey TV Network called The Skillet. Hannah created the show as part of her food column that she started at DA. Andy has directed and edited six 24-minute episodes, and more are in the oven!

Tiffany Gray ’10, Musical Theatre major, starred in the Los Angeles production of Rent. In the role of Joanne, Tiffany was honored by Stage Scene LA in the category Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. A reviewer wrote: “Gray gives a consummate and impassioned rendition of Joanne that is full of profound emotive detail and obvious empathy. She is an uninhibited performer with a beautifully full and exhilarating voice that blankets the entire audience with sonorant warmth.”

Aetna Giving Campaign

American Medical Partnership, Inc.

Eleanor & Garnett Ashby / Roberts Charitable Trust

Elizabeth & Joe Augustus

Linda Alexander

American Medical Partnership, Inc.

Jon Arnold & Andrea Conover

Ann & Ted Baker

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Baker

F.H. & Daryl S. Barker

Reed Barrett

Ms. Lu Ann Bear

Patricia Paul Bent

Carol Boyd

Debbie & Bruce Broder

Carolyn & Christiana Broughton

Robert C. Broward & Myrtice Craig

Mr. & Mrs. J.F. Bryan, IV

Maryann & Shepard Bryan, Jr.

Barbara & Danny Burns

Virginia G. Buttles

Marilyn & Pete Carpenter

Ronni Chandler

Dr. & Mrs. Mark Cheiken

Merle & Ron Cherry

Susan Cherry

Betty & Joe Chornyei

Linda Cliff & Joel Mott Charities

Jane Condon & Dan Selhorst

Ruth P. Conley

Jackie & Carey Cornelius

The Honorable John Crescimbeni

Isabelle & Robert Davis

Suzanne & Stephan Day

Jack C. Demetree

Dr. & Mrs. George Dorion

Barbara Drake

Jennifer & Joe Duke

Jeff Dunn

Iris Eisenberg, MD

Randy & Lynn Evans

Linda & Nathan Franzblau

General John & Mrs. Carol Fryer

Flavel & John Godfrey

Dr. Christine & Mr. Gary Granfield

Constance S. Green

Sonya & Mickey Greenfield

Barbara Gubbin

Sallie Larkin Hall

The Larkin Hall Family Fund

Ms. Judy K. Hammer - Knisely

Preston & Joan Haskell

Holly & Ken Hess

Shanda Hess

Ann & David Hicks

Connie Hodges

McGlade & John Holloway

Donna & Mark Hulsey

The Honorable Kevin Hyde

ISP Enterprises, Inc./ Mr. and Mrs. Dana Moran

Monica & Bob Jacoby

Amy & Andy John

The Honorable Stephan C. Joost

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Joseph

KBJ Architects, Inc. / Tom Rinsing

Linda B. King

Jan & Don Knab

Mrs. Donna Barnett Knauer, Jr

Joy & Howard Korman

Joy & Bronson Lamb, Jr.

Helen M. Lane

In Memory of James Lehosit

Catherine & George Leverett

Amy Lingren

Dr. Lawrence & Emily Lisska

Doris Locke

Betsey Lovett

Dianne & Gary McCalla

Sally (Sara) McCue

McCue Living Trust

Philip & Wendy McDaniel

In Honor & Memory of Nancy M. McDonald

Teresa & Arthur Milam

The Estate of Ken Moore

Leigh & Ed Moorhouse

Joannie & Russell Newton

Mr. & Mrs. Nightingale

Susan & Duane Ottenberg

Thomas T. Phillips, Jr. Foundation, Inc.

Publix Supermarket Charities

Regions Bank / Marty Lanahan

Diane & Donald Raines

Lee Ann & Peter Rummell

Sheena & Henry Rupert

Roslyn Russell

Konika & Eric Schallen

Sissy & Robert Schmidt

Marty & Joy Schultz

Gert & Becky Schumann

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sherin

Marie, Marisa & Mike Shipley

Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Sick, Jr.

Judy & Earl Silas

Catherine & James P. Smith, Jr.

Dr. Nancy & Judge Howard Snyder

Francis & Bob Soper

Nancy & Joseph Spadaro

Terri Stahlman

Brooke & Hap Stein

Jay & Deanie Stein

Linda & David Stein

Stellar Foundation

Drs. Barry & Rori Stevens

Rose & Roy Stone

Richard Suddath

Mr. & Mrs. J. Frank Surface, Jr.

Dorcas Tanner

Mrs. C. Herman Terry

Dorothy & Lee Thomas

Mary Jane & John D. Uible

Janelle Wagoner

Martin Wander

Michael Ward

Delores & Wayne Weaver

David & Susan Wilkinson

The Wingood Foundation

James H. Winston

Winston Family Foundation

Julie Young & The Aetna Foundation

Zimmerman Family Foundation

CoNtINUEDPAtroNS PAtroNS

Kimberly Paige ’10, Piano major, is a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee, where she attends Belmont University. She is thrilled to report that she just signed a publishing deal with Ramblin’ Music, so “I now write songs for a living.” Says Kimberly, “I am a huge fan of Douglas Anderson. I find myself, everyday, bragging about DA. The school changed my life and I can’t wait until the day I can give back.”

Kailey Greene ’11, Dance major, received an apprenticeship with nationally-renowned Co. Dance to work with their training faculty. She recently signed with Clear Talent Agency in Los Angeles to pursue her professional dance career.

Thanks for all you do!The following patrons have contributed to the education of our Arts students during the past year. We thank you for your generosity.

aLumni

Kailey Greene

Tiffany Gray

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Alyce Walcavich, Visual Arts instructor, attended a Summer Workshop at Wildacres Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The classes included Journaling and Photo-Journalism.

Bonnie Harrison, Theatre Department instructor, published an article (Spring 2011) in the national publication, Our Canada. In the “Canadians Abroad” section, Ms. Harrison wrote about the traditional “Canada Day” lesson she teachers annually to her DA students. Ms. Harrison explains: “Inspired to share my love of my ‘home and native land’ Canada, I hold a ‘Canada Day’ in one of my classes each year. I ask questions about our neighbors to the north and provide Canadian-themed prizes for those who have the correct answer, or at least get it in the ball park (or hockey rink as it were).”

Dr. Phyllis Penney, Dance Department chair, studied with Ballet Folkloric in Lima, Peru. Established in 1991, Ballet Folkloric Peru is one of the few presenters of “authentic” Peruvian dance that is rich in tradition and culture throughout the Amazon, Andes, and coastal regions of South America.

Linda Jenkins, Dance instructor, attended the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s Summer Intensive on classical ballet technique.

Debra Webb Rogers, Dance instructor, has begun her second book in Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. After completing San Marco, a photographic history of that area, Webb Rogers is accumulating photos for a similar book about Jacksonville’s Southside.

faCuLtY BravoS

Ms. Swartz and her seminar group visit an abolitionist church in Brooklyn that was called the “Grand Central Depot” of the Underground Railroad.

Lumpkin in Japan

Alison Swartz, a Social Studies teacher, was awarded a fellowship to the prestigious Gilder Lehrman Summer Seminars at NYU. The week-long workshop, which focused on Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation movement, was facilitated by two leading Lincoln scholars, James Oakes and Matthew Pinsker.

John Lumpkin, Jazz Band II and Electronic Music instructor, went on tour with Japanese artist Hornobu Saito and his jazz quartet. “We played in jazz clubs such as the Blue Note, Jazz Inn, Mister Kelly’s and even some Buddhist temples,” says Mr. Lumpkin. “I try to pass these experiences onto my DA students: No matter where you are or what language you speak, people will always pick up on your heart and character. They can sense passion, desire, will, and peace.”

oF tHe

YearteaCHer

Elizabeth Flaisig, Creative Writing chair, traveled to Great Britain last summer for “a writer’s pleasure and exploration.” Says Ms. Flaisig, “My journey began on the southern coast of England in Portsmouth, known for its naval role in World War II’s D-Day. I toured Glastonbury to experience sites still mired

in King Arthur’s legend, and onto Bath to visit Jane Austin’s home and the Roman Baths. I then took a memorable side trip to the hauntingly beautiful Stonehenge.”

Theresa Gage, currently an adjunct teacher in the Math Department, was named the 2010-11 DA Volunteer of the Year prior to being hired on staff this school year. Donating her time, Ms. Gage would come into the school every day to help with copying, transporting of books and equipment, handling orientation tasks, and tutoring students in math and science.

Nolan O’Dell, an instructor and set designer in the Theatre Department, spent his 14th season as the resident designer for the Porthouse Theatre outside of Cleveland in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This past summer, he designed the scenery for Hello, Dolly!

Barry Wilson has been a winning teacher for twenty-one years. And now he is being rewarded.

He is the recipient of the Gladys Prior Award for career teaching excellence and is the Douglas Anderson Teacher of the Year for 2011-12. Representing the school, he will next compete for Duval County distinction.

Most days Barry is busy teaching printmaking, drawing and painting, and he involves his students in lots of innovative collaborative community art projects. For years his art students have collaborated in the New View partnership with the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. One collaboration resulted in a 30-foot mural of the Harlem Renaissance, on permanent display at the Clara White Mission.

Almost every afternoon Barry can be found working on what is perhaps his most visible contribution to Douglas Anderson. The breathtaking gardens that he and his students have installed in the areas surrounding the school serve as a beautiful reminder of the muse of the natural arts.

“I want the exterior of our campus to reflect the creativity, imagination and artistic spirit that goes on inside our classrooms, performance halls and galleries.

“I hope the garden can become an outdoor visual arts, creative writing and science classroom, and a place of tranquility for the neighborhood to enjoy.”

BArry wiLSon Teacher of the Year 2011-12

hello Dolly! set designed by O’Dell

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2012performanCe SCHeDuLe

JANUARY5 Student Choreography Dance Concert Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

16 Vocal Performance Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Times-Union Center 6 p.m.

26-27 Children’s Dance Concert DA Theater, 7:30 p.m.

29 Piano Recital Friday Musicale, TBA

FebRUARY1-4 Theater Production –7-8 Almost Maine DA Black Box, 7:30 p.m.

18 Extravaganza 2012 (Reserved Seating) Moran Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

24 Great Guitar Gathering Florida Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

28 Senior Orchestra Recital Friday Musicale Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

For more information, check the

school website: da-arts.org

or call 346-5620, ext. 109Admission, dates and times are subject to change. Call to confirm a performance or to obtain ticket information.

MARCH1 Band Concert with LaVilla DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

3 12th annual DA Writers Festival UNF Student Center, 8:30 a.m.

6 Piano Recital Jacksonville Public Library Main Branch, 6:30 p.m.

15 Visual Arts Gallery Opening Rising Stars DA Art Gallery, 5:30 p.m.

17 Swingin’ with the Band Dinner-Dance Duval County Firemen’s Hall, 7:00 p.m.

ApRil16-17 Creative Writing Senior Recital DA Recital Hall, 7:00 p.m.

19 Visual Arts Gallery Opening Senior Show DA Art Gallery, 5:30 p.m.

21 Vocal Department Cabaret Nite 2012 DA Theatre, 6:00 p.m.

26 Spring Band Concert DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

27 Spring Orchestra Concert DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

MAY2-3 Children’s Theater Production The Monkey King DA Black Box, 7:30 p.m.

4 Spring Dance Concert DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

11 Spring Vocal Concert St. John’s Cathedral, 7:30 p.m.

18 Spring Film Festival DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

29 Songwriters’ CD Release DA Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

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Douglas Anderson School of the Artspresents:

A Night of Artistry & entertainment

Moran Theatre, Times-union CenterArt Exhibit, 6:30 pm; Performance, 7:30 pm

Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com

February 18, 2012

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