by Dr. Julianne Del Sal
Director of Visual & Performing Arts

It is spring in Colorado—I think. I walked across campus one morning after a rousing rain the night before, careful not to irritate the geese or even make eye contact, and was treated to a choral rendition of Barry Manilow’s One Voice as I entered Schotter’s Music Center. I stopped in the doorway to listen, and observed these gracious young people as they began one more week of school (they are counting by this time) with a sincerity and focus that often belies students who have more on their plates than any previous generation. Their attention was outward on their teacher, Ms. Cindy Jordan, as she conducted them in a rehearsal of this piece, music poised before them, personal belongings strewn among the risers, and, at this given moment, there was nothing else they needed to do but sing.

 

This year, I have truly enjoyed catching students in these seemingly personal but communal moments of making art happen in all the pockets of Colorado Academy, moments of nothing else where their focus and enjoyment was full and singular. These include students intent on their paintings while listening to the guidance of an artist in residence; actors rehearsing a scene in the theater lobby; and the energy of the Middle School musical theater cast rehearsing the finale from Thoroughly Modern Millie—talk about a transformative moment! Senior gallery shows have made every Thursday US lunch far more engaging; the fetching debut of Kindergarten and first grade “opera bugs” filled Froelicher with more energy than seems legal; recitals, photographs, films, sculpture, dance and student written scripts all are a part of the collective studio of Arts moments at Colorado Academy this year. They have given our students and our community shape, definition, and dimension, and we are the richer for our participation.

 

As summer approaches, I urge us all to seek those opportunities that allow us to sample the nectar of having nothing else to do, of unbridled moments that remove us from routine and the compromising chore of multitasking. As our students sign up for camps, intensives and workshops, we owe it to ourselves as adults and life long learners, to find those instants that not only challenge and direct us forward, but also allow us the freedom to fully put our attention on just that one thing and to luxuriate in the experience of having to do nothing else for a little stretch of time.

 

We are, after all, the poets of our own destinies. So whether you travel far or enjoy the arts of Denver local in the upcoming months, happy summer to you all, and thank you for welcoming me to Colorado Academy.