What’s recently happened?
The eagerly anticipated winter holiday celebration, Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts (HAPA) Holiday, hosted by Morton High School (MHS) showcased the Hammond school district’s vibrant arts sector on December 7. From rock bands to traditional ensembles, the event embodied a diverse and inclusive spirit aiming to spread holiday cheer and nurture students’ artistic talents and musical growth.
The Hammond district was set to come alive with the joyous melodies of the season as HAPA geared up for its annual winter concert and festival. HAPA Holiday guarantees an evening of diverse performances featuring the talents of the band, orchestra, choir, dance, and drama departments. Beyond the arts, the event also hosted vendors, adding a touch of holiday shopping to the festivities, as well as displayed works from MHS and Hammond Central High School’s (HC) visual arts department.
The HAPA orchestras tuned up to enchant the audience with a selection of classics, from "Jolly Old St. Nicholas” to "O Holy Night." Meanwhile, the HAPA high school bands delivered captivating renditions of pieces like "African Noel" and "Fantasy on an English Carol."
HC's Rock Band started off with a performance of “Baby Please Come Home” and ended with a medley of Spanish songs.
HC Dance Teacher Aarynn Bernard featured her Ballet One class with Lindsey Stirling's "Carol of the Bells," a contemporary ballet piece.
Bernard conveyed appreciation for HC's HAPA program, acknowledging it as a priceless chance for students to explore the performing arts beyond a singular class, nurturing development and a strengthened bond within their chosen fields.
“It is an opportunity not just in dance but in all of our different performing arts for students to study beyond a single class. It’s an opportunity to serve as an academy and for them to grow,” Bernard said.
What’s coming up?
With the Winter Formal just around the corner on January 20 at HC, the anticipation is building for an enchanting evening filled with mystery and glamor. This year's theme, “Masquerade,” was carefully chosen by the yearbook students to infuse an element of fun that resonates with the entire student body and led by the sponsor of the yearbook, Teacher Amari Norwood.
Students should expect a very formal setting with a touch of cinematic flair, all within school-appropriate boundaries. The committee aims to craft an ambiance that mirrors the elegance of a movie while maintaining the essence of a school event.
This year, a special addition to the Winter Formal will be a student from the Hammond Area Career Center (ACC) capturing the event through videography. This unique touch aims to add a dynamic and memorable aspect to the evening.
Recognizing a lack of school spirit, the committee hopes this event will be a catalyst for positive change and something students eagerly anticipate each year.
The feedback from previous events played a crucial role in shaping the Winter Formal experience. The committee analyzes what worked well, gauges student reactions, and identifies areas for improvement to enhance the overall event.
“High school is four years that will fly by and soon become memories. Attending events such as Winter Formal will allow you to look back and relive some of those memories. Your teenage years are meant for fun,” said Norwood.
As January 20 approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be a memorable Winter Formal, where elegance, inclusivity, and a touch of mystery will converge for an unforgettable night.
Staff spotlight:
In the heart of HC is Aarynn Bernard, a devoted, multifaceted dance instructor. With a diverse range of dance styles in her repertoire – including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap, and Caribbean dance – Bernard adopts a versatile approach to teaching
Bernard’s journey with dance began at the age of 2 1/2, paving the way for an illustrious career that included dancing with various companies and even overseas. Her passion for teaching in public schools is rooted in her desire to make dance accessible to all, irrespective of financial constraints. Bernard envisions offering students the tools to pursue dance beyond high school, inspired by her own experiences.
“The reason why I want to teach in public schools, or just in schools in general, is because of the cost of dance studios and how classes are. To be able to offer it in an institution for free and be able to give those students tools outside of when they finish high school, to me, is just priceless,” said Bernard.
Addressing challenges in her dance career, Bernard candidly discusses the racial issues she encountered, particularly being a person of color in ballet. She recounts an incident where a company's prejudice led to the entire company quitting because she was chosen as the lead. Despite such setbacks, Bernard's determination remains unshaken.
“Being a little brown girl in ballet was a challenge,” said Bernard. “They hired me to be the lead, and there was no doubt that I had the technique and had what was needed to be the lead. However, the company didn't agree to that. They didn't want that, so the entire company quit.”
Carrying this memory with her, Bernard was able to use this experience to better the way she conveys herself to her students.
“Even if my students aren't students of color, I want them to understand that, as they go in their dancing career, they need to welcome everyone into their space because everybody has an opportunity to teach. That's one of the things that I make sure they understand,” said Bernard.
Bernard’s ultimate goal is to inspire students to carry dance into their lives post-graduation. Whether they become teachers, work in dance companies, pursue different careers, or simply enjoy dance as spectators, she hopes they maintain a lifelong connection with the art form.
Student spotlight:
In the vibrant halls of HC, Isabella Batchelor, a talented musician and dancer, stands out as a prominent member of the Rock Band and HAPA Dance Department.
Batchelor, known for her prowess with the guitar, tambourine, and vocals in HC’s Rock Band, has been with the group for nearly two years.
Beyond the Rock Band, Batchelor has also been a dedicated dancer for three years in the HAPA Dance Department, exploring various dance styles and contributing to the artistic diversity of the school.
Batchelor's connection with music runs deep thanks to her family who exposed her to diverse musical genres. Ultimately, it was rock and roll that captured her heart from a young age. Legends like Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Van Halen, and Joan Jett inspired her, and she knew she wanted to be a rockstar guided by the influence of her best friend and musical mentor, her father.
“I would say that my love for rock and roll music videos or even just the beauty of the guitar itself was what really made me fall in love with music. Music hasn't just been my way of expressing; it has saved my life in so many aspects. I don't know where I would be today without it,” Batchelor said. “One day, I decided to join the Rock Band to finally have a place where others share that same passion. My musical inspiration was honestly my father. He's my best friend, truly, and everything I have learned as far as music has been from him.”
Batchelor is passionate about amplifying the voices of young women in music. Expressing her concern about the fading voice of women in today's young generation, she advocates for giving them a more resonant presence in the industry. She dreams of a rock and roll revival, ensuring that kids rediscover the love for genuine music.
“I know women have been in the industry for so many decades now, but that voice has kind of faded in today's young generation. Kids rarely have that love for real music, real rock and roll, and I would like to see rock have its peak again. There's no shame in new legends. If anything, it's so important to remember those famous names,” said Batchelor.