ChiArts Zine: 10th Anniversary Edition

Issue 01 | Fall 2019

ChiArts Zine 10th Anniversary Stories on how Chicago’s first public arts high school came to be, who it’s reached, and why it’s here to stay.

THE CHICAGO HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

AFTER 10 YEARS

O F P R E - P R O F E S S I O N A L A R T S T R A I N I N G & C O L L E G E P R E P E D U C AT I O N

880

Academics & Arts Training

graduates

Since 2009, applications have increased by

80

5 Arts Conservatories Honors classes, all subjects (at least)

2 AP options, all subjects

%

We stand strong by our mission of providing equity and access in the arts to all 50 wards. Every year, approximately 65% of students accepted are novices.

Produced over

Celebrated first

500

arts conservatory showcases

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Annual Summer Camps

Expanded community programming by offering summer arts classes to elementary students, and pre-professional training to middle school students.

10

Alumni hired

in teaching artist and full-time support staff roles

100

%

graduation rate in 2018!

Each graduate has received 2,500 hours of arts training.

Collaborated with arts partners for special

99

events, guest speakers, & masterclasses.

On average, 7,500 audience members visit ChiArts each year.

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Nine Stories of Impact: Humans of ChiArts interviews inspired by photoblog, Humans of New York

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Efrem Blue, Senior Security Officer

Dr. Heather McCowen, Post-Secondary Adviser

Victor Garcia, Scholar-Artist, Visual Arts

“When I first came here five years ago I saw kids with pink hair, orange hair, yellow hair, everything. Where I grew up kids with differences were really shunned, they got picked on. The students at ChiArts taught me that no matter what your differences are, you’re a part of this community. That’s the key to this community, that’s why this community is as awesome as it is. It’s so diverse, accepting, and there’s nothing like it anywhere.”

“I went to a traditional high school and had a fine counselor. But, it was my bassoon teacher that helped me do all of this stuff and really talked me through everything.

I decided that I wasn’t going to let any of our students flounder like that. They were all going to get the elite private school kind of service, but here in a public school.

They deserve to have the same kind of service. I was also determined to demonstrate that it is about equity, access, and putting systems into place to make sure that every single student has access to college counseling.”

“My life would be completely different if I didn’t come to ChiArts. I was interested in art, but never thought about pursuing visual art seriously until I came here.

Also, it’s shaped my identity. Before I came here I was closeted, I was very in denial of who I was. Coming to ChiArts and embracing the community here and how accepting it is has really been rewarding. Now I try and cultivate the same in my life. Because I feel like if the community here helped me become who I am, then I can help someone become who they are.”

John Jarosz, S c i e n c e Te a c h e r

Tr a c e y F r a n k l i n , Dance Instructor & Assistant

Dwayne Jervier, Human Resources Manager

“One of the most impactful things for me is the autonomy the teachers have, and knowing that we’ll be supported. The natural engagement I have with my students is so important, and there’s plenty of curriculums that don’t harbor that engagement. The ability to have the freedom to teach what’s relevant for our students is the best thing we can have here.”

“When I think of special moments from the years I’ve been at ChiArts, I think of a student I’ve started to mentor. She’s now understanding her gift. She came back this school year, skipped levels, and she’s only a sophomore! I told her this is going to be your way to school, this is how you’re going to get out of that neighborhood that may not be the best for you, this is going to be your ticket. I tell you, she’s breathtaking. She literally just started dancing last year.”

“On my first day at ChiArts as an employee, I went into the Black Box Theatre and they were showing a film about ChiArts students. I was floored, it had a great impact on me. I remember leaving work that day and going home to my 16-year-old and 11-yearold saying you guys gotta get with it, these students are already beyond what they’re expected to do!”

Meg Arbeiter, E n g l i s h Te a c h e r

Aileen Duran, Scholar-Artist, Music

“After our first Socratic seminar last year, a student wrote on their exit survey, this is the first time I listened to understand and not to respond. Witnessing that shift in the second week of their senior year made me think immediately, this work matters, this work really does matter. This isn’t just about creating safe and brave spaces here in a classroom, but now how they practice creating these spaces in our world.”

“My proudest moment in the music conservatory was when I made principal oboist for district orchestra for Illinois Music Education Association. I had never made it before, and the fact that my junior year I was able to not only make it, but get the highest chair available to me? It was just unbelievable.

I gotMaAsolo 3 F O O DY G | Icadenza S S U E 0 1at the beginning of the concert and it was my golden birthday that day! It’s certainly something I’ll never forget.”

Natalie Chami, Vo c a l D e p a r t m e n t C h a i r “I’ve been here since the beginning. This was my first fulltime teaching job outside of college and knowing that I’m still growing as an educator is so important to me.

It’s incredibly valuable to see how ChiArts is constantly researching, implementing restorative practices, and changing my views on education. When I first started teaching, I thought oh I’ll be here for a couple years...and here I am ten years later. I got my dream job, I feel so lucky.”

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A Letter to My Eighth-Grade Self Senior Jayda Perry reflects on her journey in the Dance Conservatory of ChiArts

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Start of “Scholar-Artist”

The summer before ChiArts opened, academic teachers and arts faculty devoted many weeks to develop curriculum and core values. Founding English Teacher Meg Arbeiter shared that ChiArts should encourage students to embrace their identity as scholars and artists.

It was then that she coined the term “scholar-artist.”

Creative Writing Founded

Underwritten by the Zell Family Foundation, Creative Writing was created as the fifth and final arts conservatory, joining Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

Publishing a Children’s Book

Generously sponsored by State Farm, Anita Finds Her Magic tells the story of creative teens in Chicago seeking a place to learn and practice their art.

Inspired, written, and illustrated by an alumni and current student in 2016/17, this book shows how the city’s arts scene is flourishing with the diversity of artists who were given a voice through arts education.

IHSA Music Championship

ChiArts Music Conservatory made history as the first Chicago Public School to win first place in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) statewide music competition.

20 09 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 19

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Iconic ChiArts Moments

First Graduating Class

Our first class of scholar-artists graduated at the Harris Theater with Herbie Hancock as the keynote speaker. The Class of 2013 was made possible by the support of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

ChiArts Goes Viral

Shea Glover (Theatre ‘15) created the viral video “People react to being called beautiful” for her ChiArts Integrated Arts class. The video gained over 21 million views on YouTube. Because of how big it became, Shea was asked in 2018

by Samsung to co-direct a new short film.

Compassion Comes First

In 2017, Compassionate ChiArts was implemented as a comprehensive professional development program serving as a framework for responsive arts and academic education for staff and students.

Based on ChiArts’ core values, professional development trainings focus on traumainformed, anti-racist, and restorative practices.

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Six Alumni to Watch Professional Musician, Composer, & Educator

Joel Ross Music ‘13

To be able to expand the knowledge of my craft in high school?! It was mind-boggling to me at the time. The idea of ChiArts was so much more than I could have ever imagined.

...I was excited! I was most obviously

I have always loved musical theatre. I was

interested in jazz at the time as it was still idiom for a few years. I grew from playing and

practicing with my peers at ChiArts, as well as the different musical opportunities that we were fortunate enough to experience. And as a result of those opportunities, I was able to meet a lot of the musicians who I still currently play with in New York and around the world, who are also some of my closest friends.

a theatre kid at heart, and knowing that

New York, new album, newfound passion: I’m currently living in Brooklyn, and have

I would have the opportunity to major in

been in New York going on five years.

to was astounding. ChiArts pushed me to

I’ve been playing and traveling the world

be the best artist that I could be. I was given

professionally, leading various groups

opportunities to perform, as well as grow

as well as being a sideman to a lot of

academically so that I could be prepared

different groups here in New York. I

with whatever college had to throw at me.

recently released my first album as a

ChiArts also helped me to properly use my

leader on Blue Note Records entitled

time as an artist. I don’t feel the pressure of

“KingMaker.”

A lot of the music was

deadlines and audition dates because I am

written while at ChiArts, or directly inspired

prepared. I have the audition materials that

by friends and family during that time.

I need, as well as the knowledge and power

I’ve found a passion in composition and

that I have when it comes to my academics.

have been fortunate enough to have been commissioned to present new Joel playing alongside Herbie Hancock at his graduation in 2013.

pieces of music in the past few years.

Miss Alabama State University, Nonprofit Founder, & College Student

something that I wanted to devote my life

Future on stage, film, and TV: Currently, I attend North Central College where I major in musical theatre. The film I am in, Beats on Netflix, has received a lot of positive responses, and in the winter of 2019, I will be in DANCE NATION, which will have its Chicago premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre. Soon after, I start THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS which will be at the Court Theatre in May. The pilot of a series I am in, Dearly Departed, aired just a few months ago too!

Ariana in the Goodman Theatre’s production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Professional Dancer & Apprentice

Alex Roy Dance ‘17 On courageous spaces and confidence: I knew ChiArts would be a place I could go

Jhaianne Cooper Dance ‘15

and I wouldn’t have to worry about being

Lessons learned from ChiArts: When I came to ChiArts in 2011, I was very

Ariana Burks Theatre ‘17 Balacing the arts and academics:

On being a member of the first class:

fairly new to me and I’d only been playing the

Stage, Film, Television Actress & College Student

excited and interested in growing as a

My studies, dreams, & community impact: I currently attend Alabama State University

dancer. I was also nervous about being

in Montgomery, Alabama. I serve as the

surrounded by so many talented students

80th Miss Alabama State University and

and wondered if I would fit in. I soon realized

I’m majoring in Rehabilitation Services

that I was in an encouraging environment

with a minor in Dance. I aspire to become

and everyone was very accepting. I enjoyed

a chiropractor specializing in therapy

being around such a diverse student body.

for professional athletes, dancers,

ChiArts allowed me to grow as an artist,

and gymnasts. In 2017, my dream of

and my technique in multiple genres of

founding my own nonprofit, Radiant

dance greatly improved. I was challenged

Souls Community Service Organization,

overall in the arts and academically. This

became a reality. We provide free services

allowed me to develop self-discipline and

in hair, barbering, beauty, and clothing

I learned to balance a heavy work load.

to underserved citizens of Montgomery.

picked on for dancing. As a young artist

Representing ChiArts in Colorado:

it’s so important to feel confident in what

Currently I am an Apprentice at

you are doing. ChiArts not only allowed

Colorado Ballet in Denver, Colorado. I

me to be confident but also surrounded

feel extremely blessed and proud to be

me with people who would support me.

able to represent ChiArts as an alumnus.

Professional Actor, College Graduate, Volunteer Educator

La’Charles Trask, Theatre ‘14 Los Angeles & unexpected inspiration: I graduated with my BFA in Film Production, from Santa Fe University of Art & Design. I currently live in Los Angeles, where I’ve been for almost two years. I have an amazing team of agents and a manager, and most recently wrapped Finding myself at ChiArts:

my tenth television booking. I’m also currently a

This decision to attend ChiArts was my first

volunteer at a middle school, teaching fifth and

major move towards bettering my career

seventh-graders theatre three days a week.

and life, and it was a privilege. Attending

Never in a million years did I think I would be

any other high school at the time would

teaching in my spare time. My experiences in

have been a very different experience,

life, and in particular with these students, have

not to mention it would have put me on a

opened my heart to a whole new level making

different path. I definitely would have been

my acting performances even more truthful. The

Growing as an artist at ChiArts:

written off as the troublemaker at any

best actors are the ones that make you feel

The days were long, which provided us with

Painting & desiging for Louis Vuitton:

other school, but the ChiArts community

something, right? You can have the career, the

time at the end of each day to focus on art.

Currently I live in Brooklyn, New York. I have

of teachers recognized my potential and

agents, the money, but at the end of the day

Having that time five days a week to focus

a small studio in my apartment, I try to paint

steered me in the right direction, a more

what feeds your soul? I think right now that’s

on one thing is very conducive to growth, I

there at least 3 days a week. I also work part

focused direction. Through practice, strong

what i’m striving for… creating meaningful

was able to try a lot of different mediums, 12 F O O DY M A G | I S S U E 0 1 learn different techniques, overall, looking

time as an Artisan for Louis Vuitton, mostly

work ethic and lots of patience, I went from

art and using my platform to build others in

painting/customizing different items in their

an insecure thirteen-year old to knowing

my community. ChiArts helped me build this

back, it really helped me grow as an artist.

store as well as occasionally designing items.

exactly who and what I wanted to be.

foundation, and for that I am forever grateful.

Painter, College Graduate, & Artisan for Louis Vuitton

Harlan Ballogg Visual Arts ‘13

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Five Leading Women Tina Boyer Brown, Creative Writing Head & Managing Director of the Arts Conservatories 10 years at ChiArts

“One of the most remarkable things about ChiArts is how the building feels on the first day we return from a break. The students are exuberant. They celebrate being here, seeing their friends.

Joy rings out, and how could teenagers feel that way about school? But they do. The other part of my job that has always made ChiArts special is the opportunity I’ve had to be part of the founding of the school. I’m invested in the mission and the day to day work to make the mission real for all of our students, faculty, and staff.”

“ChiArts has reminded me how important the power of

Greer Reed, Dance Head

1 year at ChiArts

Betsy Ko, Music Head

10 years at ChiArts

representation is--how much the kids need and desire to be heard, have a level of freedom, need tough love, and thrive with structure. ChiArts has given me the safe space and freedom to be great simply as a person and leader.”

“Our students grow in so many ways over four years...artistically, intellectually, and personally. The most special part of my job is those unexpected moments when you catch a glimpse of the adult that a teen will someday become. You never know when these will occur and they are almost always fleeting. But they give me great hope for the future and are a big reason why I teach.”

“Some of my most treasured moments are conversations had

Annie Calhoun, Theatre Head 2 years at ChiArts

around the snack box in my office. It is here that students come and share struggles, growth, and challenges they’re fighting to overcome. It is in these small moments of trust building that I get the privilege of participating in the positive change occurring in our students. The risks they then take onstage or in classroom performances are the evidence of this.”

“It’s thrilling to see the alumni go out into the world and make space for their voices. Now that ChiArts has been here for ten

Whitney Bradshaw, Visual Arts Head 7 years at ChiArts

years, we have had the opportunity to see what our students are doing five years after they’ve graduated, and we’ve even welcomed many of them back into the family, but this time as instructors or Teaching Assistants. What we do here is truly special.”

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2

W

All photos were taken during the first day and board meeting of ChiArts, 10 years ago

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Four Founding Milestones

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The founding board, culture, our mission and vision statements, and the creation of “ChiArts.”

ChiArts would like to express enormous gratitude in this milestone year to our five founding board members who are still on the board today: Sandra Guthman, Jim and Kay Mabie, Betsy Holden, and Sondra Berman Epstein. ChiArts would like to also thank the Polk Bros. Foundation, The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, and The Elizabeth Morse Genius Trust for laying the groundwork for our school.

1- Opening New Doors for Arts Education The founding Board of Directors after the opening day of ChiArts in Bronzeville.

2- José Ochoa with Founding Board Members Sandra P. Guthman, Kay Mabie, and James W. Mabie ChiArts would not exist without the incredible leadership of Sandy Guthman, Kay Mabie, and Jim Mabie. Sandy Guthman recruited the founding board and Kay and Jim Mabie instilled the family board culture.

3- Founding Board Member Betsy Holden with former board members Jim Alexander, Jim Gandre, Armando Almandarez, and Marge Collens (deceased) We are truly grateful for Betsy Holden’s support since opening day of ChiArts. She not only created the vision statement for ChiArts, but the mission statement as well.

4- José Ochoa with Founding Board Member

Sondra Berman Epstein Sondra Berman Epstein has been incredibly integral to the growth of ChiArts. She even coined the abbreviation “ChiArts.”

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We asked scholar-artists and staff...

What 3 words mean ChiArts to you?

c o m passion g i f t energetic S t e a d f a s t i n s p iring c i m a n y love ibrant D opportunity v collaborative life-giving e v i t a passionate e Cr evolving home

inclusive

n r o c i n u

miraculous future ent m t i m com

vision expressive fun freeing

growth -orien

ted

tran intense sform ative 15

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AN INTERVIEW WITH FOUNDING PRINCIPAL, TERRI MILSAP

Balancing Two Programs: Academics & Arts

ChiArts founding and current Principal, Terri Milsap talks to us about her journey at ChiArts, the power of equity in the arts, and balancing both an academic and arts education.

Why ChiArts?

Being the founding principal of ChiArts is my greatest accomplishment as an educator. Not only do I feel incredibly proud of the work that we’ve done, but it’s absolutely near and dear to my heart. Opening up the doors on the first day of school is one of my proudest moments. There were so many challenges before opening regarding the location, enrollment, and making sure parents and students really felt comfortable coming to ChiArts, even though we didn’t have an address (laughs). When our first class of 2013 walked across the stage, I also felt the same feeling of pride.

Class of 2013 before ChiArts’ first commencement How did your role as founding principal impact ChiArts?

When I first started working for ChiArts in 2008, José and I were the first employees and my main focus was planning for the school, mostly on the academic end, but I also spent a lot of time learning about pre-professional arts training so that I would be prepared to be responsible for all learning in the building. I was definitely able to put in place a very strong academic and college-preparatory program. I’d been a high school English teacher for 11 years and also a principal on the West side of Chicago. I had the experience and understood how to plan for the academics, but it was incredibly important to ensure the academic program would compliment the pre-professional arts training. Figuring out the puzzles of schedules and the type of support we needed to have in place for the students was a big part of my work and what I felt passionate about.

Scholar-artist rehearses before first audition in 2009 16

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José Ochoa & Maggie Daley cutting the opening day ribbon

José Ochoa & Terri Milsap after first board meeting The balance between academics and arts is both challenging and rewarding. How did you find a balance in leadership between both programs?

One of the challenges between balancing academics and arts was making sure the academic staff felt as valued as the arts staff. Ensuring that everyone understood that even though we were an arts school, the academic staff is just as important to our students. I worked hard to balance that. As the founding principal, I gave enough time to the arts staff to make sure they also knew I valued them in the same way, even though I didn’t have a strong arts background. I learned so much from the arts heads, as well as the arts teachers. My leadership skills grew from providing support for both teams, and I was really proud when the arts and the academics staffs grew closer, supported each other outside of education, and realized that they could enhance the learning on both ends by understanding each other.

Why is accepting novices so integral to ChiArts?

We wanted to provide services to students who needed it the most. José and I felt really strongly about that. We of course appreciated the students who came in with training and watching them grow even more at ChiArts.

But, in our hearts we really wanted to provide for the students from all over the city who couldn’t afford the training, or didn’t have the opportunity, or didn’t even know they had a gift, but definitely had the desire and passion to become an artist. It was important, and we were very strategic in our recruitment process and in spreading the word about ChiArts through our arts partners to make sure everyone knew what we were able to do for young scholars. When we first opened, we would go to all these eighthgrade open houses, and so many parents would say, well my child has no training, or I don’t know if my child can apply. We wanted to make sure that we got the word out that you didn’t have to have a particular talent. The most important thing was that you had the dedication and desire to grow.

There is Only One ChiArts

2009: First day of ChiArts

A letter dedicated to the past and future by Executive and Artistic Director, José Ochoa

There is only one ChiArts; a place for learning, creating, performing, and discovering one’s potential. It is the only public high school in Chicago dedicated to the arts. While a lot has changed since we welcomed our first freshman class in 2009, our mission to develop the next generation of diverse, artistically promising scholar-artists remains the same.

As ChiArts’ founding Executive & Artistic Director, I am profoundly grateful to be celebrating 10 years of tuitionfree education, centered on rigorous college-preparatory academics and pre-professional arts training. Every day I am inspired by the commitment and raw talent of our scholar-artists, the passion and dedication of our faculty and staff, and the generosity of our supporters. Starting a new school is hard. Starting a new arts school is infinitely harder, and more expensive. It is humbling to reflect on the collective efforts of our community, and the tremendous investment of time and resources put forth by all.

ChiArts is much more than a school, it is a catalyst for change. This idea— that the doors to an education in the arts should be thrown open and made accessible to any child with the talent and drive to pursue it—has grown from a dream to a reality, and has left an indelible fingerprint on the city of Chicago and the lives of more than 800 graduates, 600 current students, and all of their families.

Each graduating class is an inspiration to the next. Alumni have gone to colleges such as Julliard, Columbia New York, Carnegie Mellon University, and Morehouse College, as well as local schools including Northwestern, DePaul, Columbia, and SAIC. They are working as artists all across the country at organizations such as The Ailey School, Netflix, Atlantic Records, NBC, and Steppenwolf.

Some have returned to ChiArts to teach, while others have pursued professional careers outside the arts.

ChiArts is much more than a school, it is a catalyst for change.

I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished in our first 10 years.

I also acknowledge there is more work to be done, but remain optimistic about the future. Our community of scholar-artists, families, trustees, alumni, teachers, staff, and supporters is growing every year. Our foundation is strong and our commitment to arts education in Chicago is unwavering.

2019: 10th first day of ChiArts There is only one ChiArts. Thank you to everyone who has believed in us, supported us, and made a tuition-free public arts high school a reality in our city. Here’s to the next 10 and beyond!

Sincerely,

Executive and Artistic Director, José Ochoa 17

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1

José Ochoa & Maggie Daley cutting the opening day ribbon

There is Only One ChiArts

2009: First day of ChiArts

A letter dedicated to the past and future by Executive and Artistic Director, José Ochoa

There is only one ChiArts; a place for learning, creating, performing, and discovering one’s potential. It is the only public high school in Chicago dedicated to the arts. While a lot has changed since we welcomed our first freshman class in 2009, our mission to develop the next generation of diverse, artistically promising scholar-artists remains the same.

As ChiArts’ founding Executive & Artistic Director, I am profoundly grateful to be celebrating 10 years of tuitionfree education, centered on rigorous college-preparatory academics and pre-professional arts training. Every day I am inspired by the commitment and raw talent of our scholar-artists, the passion and dedication of our faculty and staff, and the generosity of our supporters. Starting a new school is hard. Starting a new arts school is infinitely harder, and more expensive. It is humbling to reflect on the collective efforts of our community, and the tremendous investment of time and resources put forth by all.

ChiArts is much more than a school, it is a catalyst for change. This idea— that the doors to an education in the arts should be thrown open and made accessible to any child with the talent and drive to pursue it—has grown from a dream to a reality, and has left an indelible fingerprint on the city of Chicago and the lives of more than 800 graduates, 600 current students, and all of their families.

Each graduating class is an inspiration to the next. Alumni have gone to colleges such as Julliard, Columbia New York, Carnegie Mellon University, and Morehouse College, as well as local schools including Northwestern, DePaul, Columbia, and SAIC. They are working as artists all across the country at organizations such as The Ailey School, Netflix, Atlantic Records, NBC, and Steppenwolf.

Some have returned to ChiArts to teach, while others have pursued professional careers outside the arts.

ChiArts is much more than a school, it is a catalyst for change.

I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished in our first 10 years.

I also acknowledge there is more work to be done, but remain optimistic about the future. Our community of scholar-artists, families, trustees, alumni, teachers, staff, and supporters is growing every year. Our foundation is strong and our commitment to arts education in Chicago is unwavering.

2019: 10th first day of ChiArts There is only one ChiArts. Thank you to everyone who has believed in us, supported us, and made a tuition-free public arts high school a reality in our city. Here’s to the next 10 and beyond!

Sincerely,

Executive and Artistic Director, José Ochoa 17

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