Thanks for taking some time to learn more about Baltimore School for the Arts and this blog. As Director of this vibrant and exciting school, I am deeply engaged in the arts and in education, thinking locally about how to provide our students with a foundation and opportunities that will lead them to success in careers and in life, and thinking globally about the constantly changing environment in which we live and learn. I am delighted to share my thoughts with you, and I hope you will help me by sharing your comments and joining the conversation.
About Baltimore School for the Arts
Founded in 1980, the Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) is a four-year high school with a unique mission: to provide young people who aspire to a career in the arts with intensive, pre-professional training in the arts combined with a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum. Students at the school pursue one of four disciplines – the visual arts, music (vocal or instrumental), theatre (acting or theatre production), and dance – along with a challenging academic curriculum.
The school also provides free after-school instruction to more than 700 Baltimore City elementary and middle school students from across the city, as well as a variety of other community programming.
It’s a dynamic place – an arts school, an academic high school, a family arts center – a wonderful center of energy, ideas, and talent. I invite you to visit http://www.bsfa.org to learn more about the school, its students, and our programs.
About me
I was named Director of BSA in April 2011 but I’ve been at the school for far longer, beginning as a saxophone instructor in 1981, then becoming instrumental music coordinator and later Music Department Head in 1992.
I’m a saxophone player. I’ve completed degrees with Dr. Michael Nacimben (BM- University of Texas/Austin), Dr. John Sampen (MM- Bowling Green State University) and Mr. Reginald Jackson (DMA- University of Maryland/College Park). I completed further studies with Mr. Jean-Marie Londeix at the Conservatoire National de Bordeaux under the auspices of a Fulbright Fellowship. Upon my return to the U.S., I won the East-West Artists Award and presented a solo recital in Carnegie Recital Hall. I’ve also performed as a saxophone soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, the Delaware Festival Orchestra and the American Chamber Orchestra, and taught on the faculties of Peabody Conservatory, St. Mary’s College. Towson University, Goucher College, the Levine School and Loyola College (Baltimore).
On the arts and education 