Seniors Show Passion for Arts, Music at Baccalaureate 2020

Members of Bronxville High School’s Class of 2020 celebrated their talents in the performing and visuals arts during the annual baccalaureate on June 19. Livestreamed via YouTube, the event featured a combination of prerecorded and live musical performances, as well as remarks from Advanced Placement Art and Design students who shared their body of work. 

The event began with opening remarks by Courtney Alan, a visual arts teacher and curriculum leader, who described the accomplished group of seniors as incredibly special, talented and versatile. 

“They have lived through multiple historical moments and it is evident in their work,” Alan said. “This group of students has demonstrated that they have unique voices and are dedicated to their craft. This year, visual arts students investigated topics of identity, oppression, action and memory. They used their skills to make meaning out of experiences and express their vast knowledge. The musicians pondered some similar concepts. Their work strives to create community and affect change, not an easy task.” 

The program consisted of: 

•    Sabrina Mellinghoff (cello) performing “Concerto in b, Op. 104, first movement” by Antonín Dvořák. 
•    Eileen Marshall (piano) performing “Fantasie in D Minor” by Wolfgang A. Mozart.
•    James Hennessy (voice and guitar) performing “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan.
•    James Apostolatos (viola), Justin Barr (viola), Jackie Coquillette (violin), Jed Hodulik (cello), Sasha Paradise (cello), Angelina Pearson (violin), Masha Popovic (violin), Claire Rich (cello), Ellie Russo (cello), Amanda Troy (violin), and Eco Valdes (viola) performing “Secrets” by OneRepublic/Christopher Hutchins. 
•    Ava Gaston (voice) performing “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins.
•    James Ferguson (French horn), Alana McGinness (baritone), Grace McSherry (clarinet), Sabrina Mellinghoff (cello), Jack Moore (tenor saxophone) and Sofia Ricciarini (violin) performing “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders.
•    Anabel Maldonado (voice and guitar) performing “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver.
•    Christopher Hutchins (violin), Sabrina Mellinghoff (cello), Sofia Ricciarini (violin) and Sarah Whitney (violin) performing “Quartet #12 in F, Op. 96 (American), fourth movement” by Antonín Dvořák. 
•    Sofia Fenner (voice) performing “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin.
•    James Ferguson (French horn) and Alana McGinness (baritone) performing Ten Duos, No. 2 by Franz Schollar/Uma Karkala.
•    Alexandra Bruno (voice) performing “On My Own” from “Les Misérables” by Claude-Michel Shönberg. 
•    Theodore Liao (voice and guitar) performing his original “‘Til Someone Cares.”
•    Sofia Ricciarini (voice) performing “Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere” by Gaetano Donizetti.
•    Alice O’Connell (voice) performing “A Change in Me” by Alan Menken. 

AP Art students who shared their body of work included: 

•    Peter Ackerman – Sense of Place.
•    Harry Charlton – Setting Portraits of Family.
•    Molly Denning – Narrative Hands.
•    Emma Estes – Dear Oppressor/Human Action.
•    Emma Geer – Feeling Negates Physicality.
•    Ruby Howell – Memories.
•    Alisa Kanganis – Explorations and Innovations.
•    Anabel Maldonado – Cover-ups in America.
•    Eileen Marshall – Clouds.
•    Cassidy Mullen – Triplets.
•    Emily Perry – Opportunity in Landscape.

Social studies teacher Bill Meyer provided the baccalaureate address, reflecting on the power of meditation and encouraging the students to be present in the moment. 

“As you go forward on your own path, remember to be present,” he said. “Be an advocate for change and for the dignity of all.” 

Principal Ann Meyer provided the closing remarks, expressing her gratitude toward the Class of 2020 for sharing their talents with the community. She also acknowledged the staff members and parents who partnered to put together the baccalaureate. 

“We celebrate each of you and the unique individuals that you are,” she said. “We hope that you continue to pursue the arts throughout your lives and offer your talents and perspectives to others.” 

To view the entire baccalaureate, visit https://youtu.be/4oTvLq125-Y.