Benjamin Logan’s second annual Music and Art Festival Saturday showcased the talents of all students with choir, band, jazz band, and A Capella performances along with artwork on display in all three buildings.
The event was originally set to be outdoors, but the potential for high winds and storms caused the district to plan for an indoor event instead. Several area food truck vendors still set up in the bus circle for families to purchase food throughout the day.
“I was absolutely blown away by such an impressive art and music show put on in all three buildings,” Superintendent John Scheu said. “Kudos to the students and staff responsible for such a tremendous display of talent — both art and music.
“There are so many people to thank, but a special shout out to our BL Art and Music teachers. The talented artwork throughout all three buildings was something to behold.”
Elementary Principal Colleen Bodin shared, “I cannot express how awesome our art and music show was this year. Mr. (Darrin) Reese had the largest amount of artwork that I’ve ever seen him exhibit….very quality, creative pieces.
“The entire commons was covered in 3D pieces and the halls had artwork covering each area. I was proud of our students and Mr. Reese, lots and lots of hours goes into making this a success.
“Mr. (Tyler) Young had students singing catchy, upbeat songs. The audience smiled, clapped and cheered for the performers. When the power went off resulting in a lack of computers (and all of his music), Tyler calmly switched to plan B and the event went on without a hitch.”
Several outstanding students were recognized for their talents and commitment during the high school and middle school performances:
High school awards — Darby Eades Memorial Band Award and John Philip Sousa Band Award, Taylor Lafferty; Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, Brice Shump; Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award, Averi Lane; Semper Fidelis Award, Grady Algire and Hannah Gallimore; The Director’s Award for Chorus, Ezrah McGue and Isabella Gonzales; and National School Choral Award, Emma Gradias.
Middle school awards — The Woody Herman Jazz Award was created in 1988, shortly after Herman’s death, to honor outstanding jazz students. BLMS awarded Ethan Van Winkle with this honor; the Director’s Award for band goes to one outstanding eighth-grade student in honor of their hard work and dedication to the band program. The 2022 BLMS recipient is Taavo Simovart; 8th Grade Choir Outstanding Student Director’s Award was presented to Bre Allen and Paxton Henry.