February 2019 SPRING SEMESTER
C H R I ST IA N B R O T H E R S H IG H S C HO O L
E N T E R T O L E A R N , L E AV E T O SE RV E
FALCON FAMILY NEWS CB IS THE PLACE TO BE AN ARTIST DEAR FAMILIES: As Technical Director of the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center on campus, most of my time is spent in the theatre, watching students begin their journey in the audition process or taking their first theatre class. They are invariably nervous, excited and uncertain about what lies ahead. Over the course of a few months, a cast, orchestra and crew work together to create a high-level production, building friendships and confidence along the way. Everywhere I go on campus, I see the same passion and connection extending throughout the arts at CB. I see it in the instrumental students who pack their days with music, electing to play in the drumline at rallies or the pep band at basketball games, and consistently describing the band as a “family.” It can be found in the choir students of De La Femme and De La Dudes who make time in their busy schedules to choose and rehearse music on their own, often squeezing in time during Falcon Flex or the morning break. The talent and hard work of students, past and present, are on display in the visual arts rooms and around campus in display boxes, the Senior Wall, show posters and more. Just stop a group of students on the way to the kilns, fresh ceramics projects in hand, and they’ll talk about the frustration and joy of spinning clay or the much-needed stress release that art brings to their day. Check out the content produced by The Talon, KBFT, or the Talon Talk podcast and you will see media students fusing creativity with 21st century technology. Attend an Open Mic night and watch student talent that ranges from Taiko drumming, musical performances and stand up comedy, organized and hosted by a student-run club, with a supportive and enthusiastic audience. Of course, the kids don’t do it alone. Supporting them is a school administration with a strong commitment to funding and supporting arts programs, and teachers who are game for anything that encourages students to grow. A sports broadcasting class? Sounds great! You want to create a podcast? I’m in! You wrote an original one act play? Let’s do it! Parent efforts complete the community by working as box office staff for arts events, volunteering with Friends of the Arts (FOTA),
building scenery alongside students on Saturdays, attending events and applauding the students’ accomplishments. When I reflect on the profound impact of the arts at CB, I often think first of my favorite theatre ritual: The closing night preshow prayer at which each senior in the production offers a short message about what CB theatre has meant to them. They speak of finding a community – a place on campus where they fit. They speak about fun and joy, learning to push themselves and gain skills, or finding a new form of expression. Most of all, they speak about lasting bonds of friendship and the memories they will take with them. Five years ago, I returned to CB as a teacher, nervous, excited and uncertain of what lies ahead. What I found was a wonderful, thriving arts community and passionate, inspiring students. Every year, it keeps getting better. I hope this spring, you and your family will attend an arts event so you can see what makes CB the place to be an artist. Best wishes,
Heather Christianson ‘01 Technical Director, George Cunningham ‘40 Performing Arts Center Performing Arts Teacher
INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Counseling
• Athletics
• Media, Visual and Performing Arts
• Student Activities • 2019 Auction
• Campus Ministry • Christian Service
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | WWW.CBHS-SACRAMENTO.ORG
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