The recent visits of singer/songwriter Rebecca Loebe and jazz musicians the Alvaro Bermudez Trio created hands-on experiences for Darlington students during the kickoff to Fall for the Arts 2014. While Tigers had the opportunity to hear several live performances on campus, it was the students themselves who took center stage when the artists worked alongside of them to help develop their musical talents and give insight into the recording industry.
“The kids are learning such valuable skills…I’m not sure they are even aware yet,” said Mr. Will Camp, director of instrumental music. “Most of them don’t realize that this type of education at the high school level is not commonplace. We are having a great time and we are all learning—students and teacher, both.”
A special recording session, led by Mr. Camp and Mr. Chris Holloway, director of wind and percussion (ELA-8), allowed students to gain technical experience—from setting microphones to editing and mixing live recordings. At the conclusion of this current phase, the students will sync it with video footage, and then catalog the performances on campus.
Mixing the talents of the visiting guests along with software already present on campus, the students were able to get a fresh, new perspective on resources with which there was previously a level of unfamiliarity.
“My favorite part was enjoying [the professional technology], and not having to personally pay for it,” said junior Martin Zhang. ”Darlington has a great collection of facilities and software for music this year.”
“My favorite part was the ‘improv,’ because that is when the drummer can really show how skilled they are, playing the rhythms that come to their head,” said 8th grader Nicolas Seijo.
The musicians took time with the shadowing students, discussing new concepts, technical skills, musical theory, tricks of the trade, group dynamics, and also engaged in informal chit chats about life in the industry.
“Music is a deep subject; no one knows it all. But, each musician knows something and has something to offer to other musicians,” said junior Daniel Morris.
Sophomore Palesa Molapo got to observe award-winning performer Rebecca Loebe when “The Voice” contestant met with Upper School fine arts students and performed during chapel.
“Ms. Loebe sparked an interest in me with pursuing theater...I’ve always aspired to be a Broadway actress and go to college at New York University; however, many people find it more practical to become a chemical engineer and go to college for six years,” said Molapo. “I have never felt more driven to ignore obstacles and work hard for my goals.”
“Bringing these artists on campus exposed me to a totally different environment,” said senior Destiny Sewell. “It also gives the fine arts classes more variety and an outside viewpoint to help us improve.”
“No words could explain how much music has brought me. I believe my experience at Darlington would make me a more professional musician when applying for colleges,” said Martin Zhang.
What students learned working together with the talented artists goes beyond tickling the ivories, playing riffs on the guitar or improvising. It translates into other transferrable and important life skills that are preparing these Tigers for life beyond the walls of Darlington.
“Each of the three members [of the Alvaro Bermudez Trio] have different strengths and weakness, like any team,” said Destiny Sewell. “They have to work together to become a well-oiled machine that functions as a whole.”
The visits of Rebecca Loebe and the Alvaro Bermudez Trio were part of the Darlington fine arts department's new 21st Century Artist initiative, funded by the school's Wood Faculty Professional Development Endowment Award.
To see pictures from the Alvaro Bermudez Trio concert at the Drummond–Johnson Amphitheater at Thatcher Hall, click here. To view photos from Rebecca Loebe’s chapel performance and work with Darlington students, click here.
