Cultural Arts Festival

5/4/2010

When the community assembled in Robb Hall for the start of the day’s activities, Head of School Jerry Ward delivered a somber reflection about Tyler, who had served as president of the school as a ninth grader. Mr. Ward said Tyler was dedicated to his responsibilities and that his willingness to embrace differences and to open himself to others reflects the benefits of programs like the CAF. He said he was convinced that Tyler would have liked the community to celebrate the day in high spirits and with focus.

Cultural Arts Day activities began with entertainment by a band composed of 9th graders Dylan Dove, Julian Baeza-Hochmuth, and Ben Andre. This was followed by a powerful performance by the CultureTones, a musical group organized for the event and made up of former and current faculty and staff members. The group performed songs from various cultures, including the U.K., Venezuela, and South Africa.

Students spent the rest of the day attending workshops led by faculty, parents, and invited guests. Some 35 workshops offered students opportunities to explore many cultures through the arts. They included fencing, Cambodian cooking, math games, Egyptian art, wonton making, yoga, Salsa dancing, a tour of Chinatown, Native American cooking, Bunraku puppet making, steel drums, the art of Haiti, Capoiera, and horticulture. One of the last workshops of the day, “Boys to Men: What Does it Mean to be a Man?” was student-led and well-received.

A Chinese buffet was served mid-day by Jerry Cabral, director of food services, and his staff.

The festival ended with a dazzling display of tap dancing and fencing in Robb Hall. Faculty member Jennifer Youk-See, who organized the event with Mr. Cobblah and faculty member David Duane, congratulated the students for their enthusiasm and dedication, which she said made the festival a resounding success.