The only art showing that occurs during the spring semester at Bob Jones is stunning. It occurred on May 12, 2016, and featured students across Madison City Schools. Not only is this event an amazing art show, but the 2015-2016 year has brought lots of change to the community. Many students participated in this event, whether through visual arts, chorus, band, drumline, and winter guard.

Many of the art pieces featured from the advanced art students depicted “either social, moral or political problems,” explains Ms. Lakso, one of the art teachers at Bob Jones. This year of art classes has differed from previous years because there was a new workshop where “students had a Skype workshop on oil painting portraits from Mr. Overcash at JC” which was a great opportunity for all the students to learn more, added Ms. Lakso.

One of the most high-achieving students in visual arts that attends Bob Jones is Sammy Shin, a senior taking AP art, who won the State Superintendent’s Art Show. Sammy states, “I was humbled at how many great pieces of art there were and mine was chosen as the winning piece.” In the art show, there were art pieces featured from students in elementary schools, Discovery Middle School, and Bob Jones High School.

As a fifth grader in the Madison City Schools, Vivian Wu, revealed that “I felt appreciated that my teacher liked my art.” Her art piece, and many other young artist’s art were displayed throughout the commons area at Bob Jones.

Some more advanced art students “completed Scholastic portfolios in which 5-Donald Rizzardi, Abbey Ford, Leah Hong, Kayla Buckelew and Sammy Shin-were Gold Regional winners” which was a huge accomplishment for them and our school, reported Ms. Lakso.

The visual art was not the only aspect of our community featured at this showing. The band program has had many great performances this year. This year of band actually differed from previously because, Ms. Thomas, Bob Jones Band Director, explains, “For me, it has been different taking on the role as director rather than assistant director. It has been neat for me to take a step back and oversee all aspects of the band program. Mr. Smart has done a fantastic job taking over the concert band and percussion programs. It has also been a treat working with my college friend and colleague Mrs. Merritt at DMS. We have created a new bond between the two band programs, so I’m excited to see that grow.”

The band often works with the winter guard team, and this year they performed “Danger Zone” and “The Plan” both wonderfully choreographed and composed. Ms. Thomas adds that “the concert band surprised the audience with “I am the Doctor” from Dr. Who.  The wind ensemble collaborated with the choir to close out the concert with an extremely difficult piece, “Perseus” by Satoshi Yagisawa.  The percussion ensemble played a collegiate level piece called “Promise Music.”  Jazz Band B played the “Early Morning Before School Rehearsal Blues,” in dedication of all the early morning rehearsals this semester.  Jazz Band A performed “You Make You Feel So Young” and “At Last” with senior vocalist Leah Boyd.  The flute choir and saxophone quartet also played selections.”

If you were not able to come to this year’s Spring Art Show, don’t worry because in the fall, there will be a Fall Art Show featuring all new art pieces from the visual arts department, all new music from the band, and all whole new dance routine from the color guard.