F.A.D.E.

F.A.D.E. Senior Showcase 2025

Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement
(F.A.D.E.) Program

The Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (F.A.D.E.) program is unique to the Bishop McNamara High School Community. This program serves to refine students' talent and skill, cultivate a community of respect, appreciation, and understanding of the arts, and acknowledge students' dedication to the Fine Arts throughout their high school career.

Students who graduate with the Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement receive a notation on their transcripts, a special certificate at the Senior Honors Convocation, and a F.A.D.E. Honor Cord to wear at graduation.

The F.A.D.E. Program requires specific Fine Arts coursework as well as attendance and participation in school and community performances and art exhibits. The students are also required to attend the BMHS Guest Artist Series; each concert/show/presentation features artists of various Art forms. During their senior year, students of F.A.D.E. will share their individual talents with one another, the underclassmen members of the F.A.D.E. Program, and members of the BMHS community at the F.A.D.E. Senior Showcase.

Throughout the three years enrolled in the program, students take time to meet artists of all backgrounds, experience performances and exhibits of all genres, and learn from teachers and peers at BMHS, broadening and enriching their Fine Arts experience.

For program Requirements - go to BMHS Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement Program Requirements

Class of 2028: Please click here for the application! Deadline: Sept. 9.

2025 - 2026 Guest Artist Series Dates

DuPont Brass - September 22, 2025

DuPont Brass

Monday, September 22, 2025

6:30 PM

Fine Arts Theatre, Bishop McNamara High School

DuPont Brass, a dynamic ten-piece ensemble from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, originated from the musical halls of Howard University. Known for their unique "Eclectic Soul" sound, they seamlessly blend jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, creating an immersive musical experience. Their journey began with busking in Metro stations to fund their education, evolving into captivating live performances on prestigious stages nationwide. Their debut album, "Music Education," laid the foundation for their signature sound, showcasing their classical and contemporary training. Their latest album, "Professional Development," delves into themes of mental health, loss, and the pursuit of dreams, reflecting their multifaceted artistry and unwavering dedication to their craft. DuPont Brass channels the groove of The Roots, the energy of Earth, Wind & Fire, and the emotive essence of R&B and Hip-Hop icons, leaving audiences spellbound.

Click here for more info!

Maureen Umeh - October 16, 2025

Maureen Umeh

October 16, 2025

6:30 PM

Mona Center, Bishop McNamara High School

Maureen Umeh is a multiple-award-winning anchor, reporter, and host at Fox 5 DC, with over 30 years of experience in television journalism covering national, international, business, and political news. She is also the founder of Gabtics, LLC, a communications and consulting firm specializing in political strategy and media training, with clients ranging from U.S. congressional offices to international policymakers.

Maureen serves as Board Chair of the African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) and has held leadership roles on several boards focused on health, philanthropy, and women’s issues, including Sheroes International. Her work has earned her multiple Emmys, the Edward R. Murrow Award for Television Excellence, and the NAACP Leadership Award. She has collaborated with senior officials across administrations from President George H. W. Bush to President Barack Obama on media and African policy issues. A seasoned moderator, speaker, and emcee, Maureen is frequently invited to lead discussions on media, health, infrastructure, and education at national and international forums.

Wicked: For Good - December 2025

SOLE Defined - January 26, 2026

SOLE Defined

Monday, January 26, 2026

6:30 PM

Fine Arts Theatre, Bishop McNamara High School

SOLE Defined is a D.C.-based company that combines body percussion, tap dance, and sand dance to create immersive performances with original musical orchestrations, sound, and digital media technologies. The company is led by Ryan Johnson, a 2024 Guggenheim Choreography Fellow, and Ayodele Casel artist Quynn Johnson. Together, they create transdisciplinary evening-length performances and art education programs designed to captivate audiences and enhance learning for K-5 grade students. SOLE Defined has performed at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, Jacob’s Pillow, and The Lincoln Center, as well as in Canada, Peru, Mexico, and Italy. The company has received recognition and support from organizations such as the 2023 New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Project Grant and The John F. Kennedy Center’s Office Hours Residency, making it the first percussive dance company to receive this award.

Click here for more info!

F.A.D.E. Senior Showcase - February 5, 2026

F.A.D.E. Senior Showcase

Thursday, February 5, 2026

6:30 PM

Fine Arts Theatre, Bishop McNamara High School

This presentation will feature our current senior members of the F.A.D.E. Program as they showcase their primary focus in the arts. This is a wonderful evening to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and talent of our senior class. Enjoy a wonderful evening of Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre.

Kaisha S. Huguley - February 25, 2026

Kaisha S. Huguley

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

6:30 PM

Mona Center, Bishop McNamara High School

Kaisha Huguley is a New York-based multi-hyphenate: actor, host, and digital creator originally from Washington, D.C.

Kaisha’s creative career skyrocketed after winning an $80,000 wedding from Arena Stage. This win not only led to a beautiful marriage, but also sparked a bold career pivot into acting. Before stepping into the world of theatre, Kaisha worked in international exchange at the U.S. Department of State.

As a digital creator, Kaisha has collaborated with major brands and platforms and is an alumna of both the Disney Creator Lab and TikTok for Black Creatives. She creates content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube documenting her journey as a musical theatre artist and digital storyteller living and working in New York City.

Kaisha believes that no artist should have to starve to pursue their passion and is committed to helping creatives build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

Follow her @kaishacreates on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Fine Arts Calendar

Guest Artist Series

The Fine Arts Department is proud to present this series of guest artists each year. We invite visual artists, dancers, instrumentalists, singers, actors, and/or other artists to come and perform for and talk with our community. This series also serves as our Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement Program Colloquia.

This series is open and free to all members of our community. Each evening will consist of a performance, presentation, and/or discussion, followed by a question and answer period for our community.