Guest Artist Series
The Fine Arts Department is proud to present this series of guest artists each year. We invite visual artists, dancers, 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.
FADE Students MUST be present (in-person) for it to count for FADE Colloquium attendance.
GUEST ARTISTS SERIES 2022-2023
The events below are the current planned events for the 2022-2023 School Year. Please check back often for updates.
- DuPont Brass - September 27, 2022
- Bridging the Gap - November 1, 2022
- As You Like It! - November 18, 2022
- Nova Y Payton - January 30, 2023
- FADE Senior Showcase - February 9, 2023
- Saz Ross - February 28, 2023
DuPont Brass - September 27, 2022
DuPont Brass - Unique Soulful Brass Ensemble from the DC Area
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
7:00 PM
BMHS Fine Arts Theatre
DuPont Brass is a unique, soulful, brass ensemble hailing from the D.C. Metropolitan Area. Originally composed of five music majors from Howard University trying to raise money for tuition during the Christmas season, they have now grown to an 9-piece ensemble consisting of brass section, a rhythm section, and vocalists. Gaining popularity from playing at local Metro stations, DuPont Brass started out professionally playing for weddings, banquets, and other private events in the surrounding area. Thanks to the foundation laid in their earlier years, DuPont Brass has had the opportunity to perform in conjunction with the D.C. Jazz Festival, The Washington Performing Arts Society, and on the prestigious Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. Through their training in both classical and contemporary styles, the rising supergroup has developed a sound that mixes varied genres of music, including jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. In their latest effort, Music Education, DuPont Brass shows us why they are qualified to excel in both the education and performance arenas of the music industry. Filled with a diverse arsenal of musical styles, they present a body of work made with every kind of listener in mind.
Website: https://www.dupontbrass.com/
Bridging the Gap - November 1, 2022
Bridging the Gap - November 1, 2022 in the Fine Arts Theatre at 7pm
Celebrating 25 years together, Bridging the Gap is the highly acclaimed string duo featuring violinist Peter Wilson and double bassist Aaron Clay. Hailed by The Washington Post for “superior arrangements and uncommon musicianship,” this unlikely duo offers a unique voice to a variety of musical genres. After developing a friendship as colleagues in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Wilson and Clay founded the duo in 1997. Their self-titled debut album, (available on Spotify, iMusic, and YouTube) received praise in Bass World magazine by Barry Green, who wrote, “the artistry and virtuosity of Wilson and Clay go a long way to enriching the soul of the listener!” In 2004, the duo received the Music Award by an Arts and Humanities Commission in their home state of West Virginia for “outstanding leadership and devotion to the enhancement of the arts.” For further information about Bridging the Gap, please visit https://peterwilsonmusician.
Peter Wilson is the former senior enlisted music advisor to The White House, where he led countless ensembles and performed as a Marine violinist for 30 years in direct support of five U.S. Presidents. An engaging and multifaceted violinist and conductor, Peter serves as Music Director of the Richmond Philharmonic and the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestras in Virginia as well as Artistic Director and Conductor of the American Festival Pops Orchestra in the National Capital Region. Aaron Clay distinguishes himself regularly as a uniquely versatile bassist. He commands great respect as a performer in both the classical and jazz worlds of bass playing. A former bassist with the U.S. Navy Band, Aaron currently serves as Section Leader and Principal Bassist of the U.S. Marine Band and has made regular appearances at The White House for nearly three decades. He is also Principal Bassist of the Alexandria Symphony and Fairfax Symphony Orchestras.
As You Like It! - November 18, 2022
University of Maryland
SCHOOL OF THEATRE, DANCE, AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES
FRI, NOV 18, 2022 • 10:30AM Kogod Theatre
Experience William Shakespeare’s classic As You Like It, adapted and directed by guest director Eleanor Holdridge, who returns to the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies after leading a workshop on Sarah Ruhl’s Orlando in 2021 and directing the production of The Call in 2016. What happens when Rosalind and her cousin escape into the forest to find her love Orlando? Disguised as a boy shepherd, the cheeky Rosalind convinces Orlando to woo her. Find out the hilarious consequences in this timeless tale of love and adventure.
Nova Y Payton - January 30, 2023
Nova Y. Payton, Theatre Actress, Singer, BMHS Grad 1998
January 30, 2023
7:00 pm
BMHS Fine Arts Theatre
Chances are that you’ve heard the amazing soprano voice of Nova Y. Payton on with the internationally staged musical, 3 Mo’ Divas, on television, or in countless regional theatre productions across the country. Boasting a prolific catalog of artist collaborations, the former American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) student has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Levi Kreis, Bobby McFerrin, John Michael Higgins, Yolanda Adams, Betsy Wolfe, Michael Uris, Anthony Hamilton and Michelle Williams. She has also opened for heavyweights like Ashford and Simpson, Will Downing, Stephanie Mills, Melba Moore, The Chi-Lites and the Dramatics. Nova has performed in over 150 major cities in the US, as well as Canada, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Nova has been recognized with nominations and awards for her talents. Nova starred in a soul-stirring rendition of Effie White in Dreamgirls, which earned her the 2006 Barrymore nomination for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical. The DVD / CD for 3 Mo’ Divas received a 2010 NAACP nomination for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration. In 2012, Nova was honored as the Helen Hayes Award Recipient as the Best Supporting Actress in a Resident Musical for her portrayal of MotorMouth Mabelle in Hairspray. For her performance as Effie White in Dreamgirls during the 2012-2013 season at Signature Theatre, Nova was nominated for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical. In 2015, Nova was nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Musical) for her role in Elmer Gantry. She was also nominated in 2018 for Lead Actress (Musical) in Caroline, Or Change and Supporting Actress (Musical) in Ragtime.
Other honors have come in the form of singing for President Biden and Vice President Harris and performing the National Anthem at the dedication of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial live as the world watched on C-SPAN. Nova has also appeared on the Jimmy Fallon late-night talk show accompanying artist Glen Hastard. Most recently in 2022 alone, Nova starred in Grace The Musical, the Color Purple, and Into The Woods.
Nova serves as a cantor and an amazing lead vocalist directing her own choir, Favour, at her church, St. Martin’s Catholic Church. An entrepreneur, Nova founded Yashim Studios, musical theater troupe for youth, and has produced a number of productions with the next generation of budding stars.
FADE Senior Showcase - February 9, 2023
FADE Senior Showcase
Thursday, February 9, 2023
7:00 PM
BMHS Fine Arts Theatre
This presentation will feature our current senior members of the FADE 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.
Saz Ross - February 28, 2023
SAZ ROSS - February 28 in the Fine arts Theatre at 7pm
Saz has spent 12+ years working and thriving in the field of illustration and art education as an award winning artist and educator. She owns a freelance illustration/creative workshop business called Saz Factory Inc. and uses illustrative storytelling as a vehicle for unlocking and elevating the creative mindset. Her whimsical imagery has been seen on record albums, skateboards, billboards, product labels, murals, homes, and stores across the globe. She is inspired by nature, wildlife, humility, architecture and how the elements of our world co-exist.
Saz enjoys speaking and facilitating art workshops by using her own work to inspire people to live life in pen-where mistakes are embraced, never erased. Saz has led workshops for thousands of educators, students, parents, corporations, homeless/troubled youth communities, and non-profit organizations.
She has been featured on TedEx, Voyage Magazine, CanvasRebel Publications, Empowering Women in Industry, and on NBC News for her artwork, speaking, and creative workshops. She uses all her platforms to encourage people to take creative risks and STAND OUT to acquire personal and professional growth.
Saz now illustrates at her home studio in Hampden, Baltimore with her husband Dave, baby daughter Valerie, and many dead plants. Saz wants everyone to access their creative mindset by getting lost in creativity. Getting lost yields itself to life’s most inventive moments and if we can allow ourselves to navigate without a plan, we can be bold enough to take creative risks. Today, Saz continues to inspire people to use their stories as fuel for creativity, productivity, leadership, and community building in order to make positive and mindful changes in our world.
In This Section
PREVIOUS GUEST ARTISTS - Archive
2021-2022 Archive
The events below are the current planned events for the 2021-2022 School Year. Please check back often for updates.
- Brandon Victor Dixon - Actor & Singer - October 4, 2021
- The Lyric Brass - Quintet - October 26, 2021
- Jaylyn Faith Malonté Neal - Actor, Dancer, Influencer - January 24, 2022
- FADE Senior Showcase - February 10, 2022
- JaLeesa Short - Disney Dancer - March 1, 2022
- Cheryl Foster - Visual Artist - March 23, 2022
Brandon Victor Dixon - Actor & Singer - October 4, 2021
Brandon Victor Dixon - Actor, Singer, Dancer
Monday, October 4, 2021
7:00 PM
BMHS Fine Arts Theatre
Streaming Link - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86918174471
Brandon Victor Dixon most recently starred as Collins in “RENT: Live” on FOX and as Judas Iscariot in NBC’s "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (Emmy, Grammy, Critics Choice and NAACP Image Award nominations).
On Broadway, he most recently starred as Aaron Burr in HAMILTON. Previous Broadway credits include: Eubie Blake in Shuffle Along (Tony Award nomination), Berry Gordy in Motown The Musical (Grammy and Drama League Award nominations), and Harpo in The Color Purple (Tony Award nomination). National tour: Simba in The Lion King. Off-Broadway: Rent and The Scottsboro Boys (Lucille Lortel, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Laurence Olivier Award nominations). Television: “POWER,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “One Life to Live,” “The Good Wife,” “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular,” Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It,” and Amazon Studios’ “Modern Love.”
He is the co-founder of Tony Award winning WalkRunFly Productions, and WeAre.org a 501(c)3.
Website: https://www.brandonvictordixon.com/
FALL 2021 Event Details
All events will occur in our BMHS Theatre with responsible distancing in place. Seating priority in the theatre will be given to BMHS FADE Students & Current Fine Arts Students. If needed, the event will be streamed into the Mona Center for overflow seating. The event will also be streamed online for friends, family, and community members to enjoy.
FADE Students MUST be present (in-person) for it to count for FADE Colloquium attendance.
The Lyric Brass - Quintet - October 26, 2021
The Lyric Brass - Brass Quintet
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
7:00 PM
BMHS Fine Arts Theatre
Formed in 1998, The Lyric Brass Quintet has established itself as an exciting ensemble dedicated to bringing the rich traditions of brass chamber music to new audiences and forging new ground in the area of concert performance. They craft programs of unique arrangements and original works for brass that connect with concert goers and always provide a memorable experience.
Individually, members have performed with, or been members of, the Baltimore, San Francisco, Harrisburg, Maryland, Acadiana (LA), Memphis, and New World Symphony Orchestras, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, the United States Navy Band, Eastman Wind Ensemble, and Darrin Atwater’s Soulful Symphony, among other prominent ensembles. Together, the ensemble’s debut CD, Daydreams, Desires and Diversions, was released in 2000 to critical acclaim. Their second album, Christmas Around the World, was released for Christmas 2002 and features unique and powerful arrangements of holiday music from all over the globe. The most recent recording is entitled Ancient Noëls. The Lyric Brass were winners of the 2001 Catch the Rising Stars Competition (Fairfax, VA) and, as winners of the 2000 Baltimore Chamber Music Competition, have repeatedly appeared as featured artists at ARTSCAPE (Baltimore’s Festival of the Arts). The Lyric Brass have held residencies at Carroll Community College and with the American Studio Orchestra. Ardent supporters of music education, they were featured performers at the 2005 MENC All-Eastern Conference and the Maryland Music Educators Association Conference.
Website: http://www.lyricbrass.com/
FALL 2021 Event Details
All events will occur in our BMHS Theatre with responsible distancing in place. Seating priority in the theatre will be given to BMHS FADE Students & Current Fine Arts Students. If needed, the event will be streamed into the Mona Center for overflow seating. The event will also be streamed online for friends, family, and community members to enjoy.
FADE Students MUST be present (in-person) for it to count for FADE Colloquium attendance.
Jaylyn Faith Malonté Neal - Actor, Dancer, Influencer - January 24, 2022
Jaylyn Faith Malonté Neal - Actor, Dancer, Influencer
Monday, January 24, 2022
7:00 pm
Virtual Zoom Event at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/ 87211079984
This virtual event will feature guest artist Jaylyn Faith Malonté Neal. Jaylyn, a McNamara graduate of 2011, is an actor, dancer, and influencer.
About the artist: Jaylyn Faith Malonté Neal
Faith Malonte is known for Los Angeles Kidnapping (2017), A Rich Christmas (2021) and TMI Hollywood (2012). Rising actor Faith-Malonte’ starred in Double Cross on the UMC network, and has starred in Je’Caryous Johnson hit stage play Redemption of a Dogg with star actors Snoop Dogg, Demetria McKinney, Omar Gooding and Tamar Braxton, as well as, Set It Off the stage play starring Da Bratt. Coming from Washington, DC to Hollywood with an MFA degree in Acting for Film and BA in Mass Media Productions he has worked on numerous television, commercial, and theatrical productions with credits such as Dreamcatcher, Fences, Hurt Village, Seven Guitars Detours and more. Faith had a special guess appearance on ABC 7 “Let’s talk live.” and has also been on shows like HBO’s Insecure and Ballers, CW’s All-American,The Ricky Smiley Show, SWAT, and Lucifer. Adding to his credits, he’s appeared on the big screen in movies like “A Christmas Blessing, Her Only Choice, When it All Falls” and more including music videos with Kanye West, Wale, YG, Da Baby, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, French Montana, Ty Dollar $ign, and Meagan the Stallion. Faith-Malonté is also a stand-up comic who is hilarious in the romantic comedy Picture Perfect, which premiered at Warner Bro’s Studios along with a film drama he wrote, produced and starred in called Heartbeat.
FADE Senior Showcase - February 10, 2022
FADE Senior Showcase
Thursday, February 10, 2022
7:00 PM
BMHS Fine Arts Theatre
Senior FADE students and their 2 guests will be able to attend this live performance. For everyone else, it will be a virtual event.
Senior Showcase VIRTUAL LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83116511913
Click here: 2022 FADE Senior Showcase Program
This presentation will feature our current senior members of the FADE 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.
JaLeesa Short - Disney Dancer - March 1, 2022
JaLeesa Short, Disney Dancer
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
7:00 pm
VIRTUAL Colloquium
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83286078233
About the artist: JaLeesa Short, Disney Dancer
A Maryland native, JaLeesa grew up having a great love for dance and Disney. She pursued an education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Dance. During her senior year, she was hired to be a “Disney Pro Dancer” for the ABC 6 and IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade and it was at this moment she realized she could professionally combine her two passions: dance and Disney. JaLeesa auditioned for and accepted a role as a Character Performer/Featured Dancer for Disney Cruise Line. After sailing for two years aboard the Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy JaLeesa’s love for the company led her to the Walt Disney World Resort where she joined the Entertainment family as a full time Character Performer, performing in Shows and Parades across property. In addition to multiple trainer and facilitator roles within Entertainment, JaLeesa furthered her passion for the magic and Disney heritage as a 2017 Traditions Assistant. Her enthusiasm for education and the arts led her to roles as a Guest Talent Coordinator with Disney Performing Arts and a Facilitator with the Youth Education Series and she gained a broader understanding of the business side of entertainment as an Entertainment Front Desk Administrative Coordinator. Upon reopening the parks after the 2020 closure, JaLeesa was part of the opening Cast creating and delivering a never before seen, new style of entertainment offerings for our Guests. JaLeesa most recently became a Guest Experience Manager at Hollywood Studios where she manages performers from the Entertainment Base. JaLeesa is honored to represent the Cast Members of the Walt Disney World Resort during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” and carry on the legacy and heritage of the Walt Disney Company.
Cheryl Foster - Visual Artist - March 23, 2022
Cheryl Foster, Visual Artist
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
7:00 pm
In Person Colloquium
Fine Arts Theatre
About the artist: CHERYL FOSTER, VISUAL ARTIST
Shortly after birth, art chose to be Cheryl Foster’s close and constant companion and has always been by her side, providing comfort and distraction. She is a multimedia, visual artist whose large-scale public art can be seen in exterior and interior environments across the country. Her materials range from sparkling, stained glass to soft oil paintings and the subject matter always involves everyday people doing everyday things. Imagination and flexibility serve her well as an artist and arts educator and she can be found knee deep in color in classrooms throughout the nation serving as an” artist in residence”.
2020-2021 Archive
The events below are from the 2020-2021 School Year. Please check the top of the page for our upcoming events.
- Karla Garcia - Dancer & Choreographer
- John Donato - Fine Artist & Muralist
- Stacey & Teddy Newton - Production and Animation
- Zola Williams - Dancer & Actor
- FADE Senior Showcase
- The String Queens - Music Trio
Karla Garcia - Dancer & Choreographer
Karla Garcia - Dancer & Choreographer
October, 2020
Originally from Oxon Hill, Maryland, Karla Garcia made her Broadway debut at age twenty in Hot Feet, a dance musical directed by Maurice Hines. Garcia went on to perform in the national tours of Wicked and Addams Family followed by other Broadway performances such as West Side Story, Gigi, and Hamilton: An American Musical. Karla made history as the first Filipina cast member in Broadway's Hamilton.
She was a top 7 female television finalist on FOX's So You Think You Can Dance Season 5, and a principal dancer for 9 episodes of NBC's Smash, Season 2. Garcia was one of six 'Broadway Bound choreographers' selected to present at 2018 Dance Break Showcase. She is currently a choreographer of a brand new show Other World, written by Hunter Bell, Jeffrey Bowen, and Ann McNamee. Karla is also the Associate Choreographer for an upcoming Broadway show Days of Wine and Roses. She has presented work for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for numerous years and is the theater faculty at Broadway Dance Center.
Website: https://www.karlagarciadance.com/
John Donato - Fine Artist & Muralist
John Donato - Fine Artist & Muralist
October, 2020
John Donato is an accomplished and celebrated American fine artist and muralist. John is best recognized for creating large-scale community murals and widely collected whimsical works of fine art on canvas and wood. Whichever size or material, John's creations are uniquely styled, fun, engaging and inspiring.
John's art is often described as having "smile impact" - irresistible compositions that capture attention, induce smiles, and nudge observers towards a more joyful mindset.
John works on communities, schools, non-profits, and businesses. A well-known community collaborator, John develops and facilitates large and small art projects which help communities, children, teachers and administrators reinforce educational and social goals. The programs offer community, employee, or student participation and transform interior and exterior into stunning public artwork.
Donato's ability to transform spaces into inspirational and uplifting learning environments is having a measurable positive effect on the communities ans schools that host him. The style and process has resulted in common response from students, teachers, community members, and the public; describing persistent gravity pulling them into the artwork each time they see it and continuing to influent and challenge them to advance their own perspective and awareness.
Website: https://www.artsmack.com/
Stacey & Teddy Newton - Production and Animation
Stacey & Teddy Newton - Production and Animation
November, 2020
Stacey Newton, a creative film producer, specializes in story development, animation process, and pipeline management. During her 12 years at the Pixar Animation Studios her love for story grew. There, she worked with the development team on Ratatouille, Wall-E, Inside out, and Finding Dory. Her strength is bridging the ambiguity of the creative process with the reality of production deadlines. She helps storytellers get unstuck while inspiring authenticity in their work.
Over the last fours years her feature development partners include, Andrew Stanton, Glen Keane Productions, and Teddy Newton. Stacey also develops and consults for many clients ranging from TV, to video game, to AR projects. Stacey recently produced the Academy Award winning animated short film, Hair Love. She is presently, developing Rich Moore’s next animated feature at Sony Pictures Animation.
Teddy Newton’s unique sense of humor mixed with his ability to whip out characters with only a few strokes of a pen, gave rise to his career in the animation field.
Teddy has contributed as a designer and story artist to many of the top animated films in the industry, including: The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Toy Story 3, Incredibles 2, as well as many Pixar short films, such as, Presto, Jack-Jack Attack, Your Friend the Rat, Partly Cloudy, and Day & Night, which he also wrote and directed. The film played theatrically with Toy Story 3 and was nominated for an Academy Award. It won both a VES and an ANNIE award for outstanding short film of 2010. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two kids, making art and developing animated projects.
Zola Williams - Dancer & Actor
Zola Williams - Dancer & Actor
January, 2021
Zola Williams is originally from Bowie, Maryland, where she started dance at age 5. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, Zola remained a competitive dancer, competing at multiple regional and national dance competitions, winning many titles.
After graduating from high school, Zola matriculated to Towson University in Maryland. A year later, she transferred to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she received her BFA in dance performance, specializing in Ballet.
Soon after graduating college, Zola joined the Las Vegas company of The Lion King. For two and a half years she graced the stage with this company. After the show closed, Zola toured on-and-off with The Lion King, eventually becoming Dance Captain.
Zola then made the move to Los Angeles, where she had the pleasure of working with many great choreographer's such as Stacey Tookey and Peter Chu for Season 10 & 12 of So You Think You Can Dance? She danced for the princess of Dubai's Royal Wedding, Art on Ice, Shia LaBeouf Live and more. Zola also has made a few videos with her dance partner, DJ Smart Jr, one of which has over 4 million views!
You can also find Zola in Marvel's Black Panther and Avengers:Infinity War as Dora Milaje, and the opening sequence in Ted 2. Keep your eyes open, because you will definitely continue to see Zola on the small and big screen!
FADE Senior Showcase
FADE Senior Showcase
This event virtual presentation will feature our current senior members of the FADE 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. Virtual Presentation will be shared at a date to be determined on the Guest Artists Page.
The String Queens - Music Trio
The String Queens - Music Trio
March, 2021
Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine!
With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age and into today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that transport audiences through time and a multitude of musical genres.
Based in Washington, D.C., TSQ members have been featured in famed performance venues across four continents including: Carnegie Hall, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Howard Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Shanghai Grand Theatre, The Moscow Conservatory, and Blues Alley, to name a few.
TSQ members have collaborated with artists throughout the music industry, including Ledisi, Solange, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Common, Andra Day, and the late Aretha Franklin, among others. As chamber and orchestral musicians, TSQ members have performed under the batons of legendary musical directors Ray Chew, Adam Blackstone, and many more.
Recognized by D.C.’s leading news network WUSA9 as “school teachers by day and concert performers by night”, TSQ is excited to launch a series of concerts and education outreach programs with Washington Performing Arts as the 2019-2020 Ensemble-in-Residence for their signature community engagement initiative titled “Mars Arts D.C.”.
In late 2019, TSQ premiered their debut album at legendary jazz venue Blues Alley. The album is now available for purchase on the TSQ website and all major digital outlets. Additional information about their debut album can be found here.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestringqueens/
Website: https://www.thestringqueens.com/
2019-2020 Archive
The events below are from the 2019-2020 School Year. Please check the top of the page for our upcoming events.
- RHYTHmaya Dance - Indian Classical Kathak & Bollywood
- Casey Kaleba - Stage Combat Choreography
- BRAHIM! Featuring BMHS Alum Tyrone Allen '13
- Cindy Berry Sullivan - Artist
- FADE Senior Showcase
- Alisha Peek '14 - Dancer for Alvin Ailey II & BMHS Alum
RHYTHmaya Dance - Indian Classical Kathak & Bollywood
RHYTHmaya Dance
September, 2019
Our Managing Director, Sheila Oak Maggin, will be providing an interactive dance presentation about India and its celebratory culture highlighting music and dance. We will do a brief introduction of India explaining how each different region varies with languages therefore the dances also vary. We perform and compare each form. We will also engage the audience to teach actual steps so everyone has an opportunity to dance!
Sheila Oak Maggin, is a classical trained dancer in the Northern Indian Classical form of Kathak which dates back to 500 BCE. She was the first noted dancer to complete her formal graduation on the entire East Coast of this unique dance form in 2002. Sheila is also a noted Bollywood, Middle Eastern, and Hip Hop trained dancer and received her minor in dance from George Mason University. She currently is a finance professional and also manages all 150 students in the Kathak and MD Bollywood branches of Rhythmaya. www.rhythmaya.com
Casey Kaleba - Stage Combat Choreography
Casey Kaleba - Stage Combat Choreography
October 2019
Casey Kaleba has coordinated violence for opera, television, music videos, and more than 500 productions with professional, community, and academic theatres. That work includes arranging fights at the Guthrie Theatre, Spoleto Festival USA , Ford's Theatre, Folger Theatre, Signature Theatre, Round House Theatre, Wolf Trap Opera, and Olney Theatre Center. Casey has staged fights for knights, musketeers, princesses, zombies, wolves, pirates, ninjas, and at least one alien tentacle. Recently he has served as the audition choreographer for Marvel Universe Live and worked for several years smashing things with swords on the YouTube show Men At Arms: Reforged.
www.toothandclawcombat.com
Tweet me @ToothClawCombat
BRAHIM! Featuring BMHS Alum Tyrone Allen '13
BRAHIM! Band - featuring Tyrone Allen (BMHS Class of 2013)
January, 2020
Formed in Rochester, NY, BRAHIM! is a fusion octet. The music includes as much improvisation as composition, not limited to vocals, DJing, horns, rapping, and or the band’s two drummers. Abe Nouri fronts the band while singing, playing trombone, and the occasional synthesizer. BMHS alumni Tyrone Allen plays bass, synthesizer and contributes compositions to the band. After graduating from BMHS, Tyrone went to Eastman School of Music where he met most of the members of the band.
Tyrone graduated from BMHS in 2013, and went on to study classical and jazz bass at Eastman. From there he received his Masters degree from the Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Tyrone now resides in Brooklyn, NY where he is a full-time musician.
Cindy Berry Sullivan - Artist
Cindy Berry Sullivan - Artist
January, 2020
There is an energy I hope to convey in my paintings and drawings that I imagine is similar to the energy musicians hope to convey to their listeners. Much of my work is created with a soundtrack for the piece as inspiration.
Each painting is begun with an urge to physically interpret the visual and the emotional through the materiality of oil paint. Each mark on the canvas, whether controlled or accidental, is met with a countermove based on the outcome.
Though born with a hand tremor I have learned to use my hand movement FOR me to support my expressive style and intuitive use of color. I hope the work "moves" you!
www.cindyberrysullivan.com
FADE Senior Showcase
Alisha Peek '14 - Dancer for Alvin Ailey II & BMHS Alum
Alisha Peek - Alvin Ailey II & BMHS Alum
February, 2020
Alisha Rena Peek '14 of Upper Marlboro, Maryland is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program in Dance. She began her formal dance training at the Washington School of Ballet and later went on to train at Dance Theatre of Harlem Kennedy Center Residency, Kirov Ballet Academy, and The Art of Technique with Troy D. Brown.
As a scholarship student, Ms. Peek attended summer intensives at American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Boston Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and The Ailey School. She also appeared in the new FX series Pose and has worked with choreographers such as Robert Battle, Uri Sands, Marcus Jarrell Willis, Bradley Shelver, and Darshan Bhuller. This is Ms. Peek’s second season with Ailey II.
Since Alisha has left Bishop McNamara she has not only been touring with Ailey II, but she has been giving back to her community by teaching workshops when she is home. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of dancers to shoot for the stars, because anything is possible.