spring/summer 2008 - Juan Diego Catholic High School

photos this page: Yearbook staff
Arts
Kassandra Harrison at Diego Poets'
Society reading
Diego Poets’ Society
it started out as a marketing ploy.
Debbie Francis was trying to develop
the Gathering of Roses literary
magazine and created a club modeled
after the “Dead Poet’s Society”
of Robin Williams fame. Lo and
behold, a steady membership of
35 people formed the Diego Poets’
Society. Francis wanted to add activities
to keep the members engaged,
and learned about poetry “slams”
from a woman who started the bohemian
event in Chicago. Juan Diego
students held the first Poetry Slam
competition with 100 entrees in the
Little Theater, complete with lava
lamps and lounge chairs to create
a ‘60s ambiance. Music instructor
Dave Faires asked if the newly formed
Jazz Band could play between rounds,
and the “Slam & Jam” was born.
Jazz Band plays for Slam & Jam
Music
At a recital in April, the Symphonic
Band, Percussion and
Saxaphone Ensembles, Jazz
Band, Concert Choir and Chamber
Choir performed a melange of compositions
that spanned five centuries.
The xylophone set the beat as guests
clapped to Stars and Stripes, raising
patriotic spirits. From a cantata in
Latin to the rousing Billboard March, it
was evident that these musicians have
the ability to carry the musical torch
of history forward.
The Music Dept.
ended the semester
with “Dessert Pops”
featuring melodies
from the 1970s
Disco era (now
referred to as “the
Oldies” by this new
millennial generation).
26
Dance Concert
in April, the Dance Department
presented Live in Color, a dance
concert in dramatic Technicolor.
Students had the opportunity to work
with two guest choreographers: Caine
Keenan from Ririe-Woodbury Dance
Company; and Alan Salazar, a wellknown
hip-hop choreographer. The
pieces showcased a variety of styles
ranging from modern, jazz, hip-hop,
contemporary, lyrical, and Tango. In
addition, students choreographed a
couple biographical narratives – some
without music.