Eighth Graders Rock Out at Arts Expo

Student musicians, writers and artists took center stage on May 17 to present the Eighth Grade Arts Expo, a culmination of the grade's yearlong exploration and study of American rock and pop music from the 1950s to the present.

John-Alec Raubeson, middle school music teacher, explained the event that incorporates the students’ work from humanities, music and art classes is “a celebration of creativity, collaboration, hard work and daring!”

Eight student bands wrote and performed original songs, and displayed the band logos, event posters and album covers that they worked on in art classes. Students also shared original poetry, memoirs and speeches.

“Many of the performers are new to their role in their bands — singing and playing keyboards, drums, bass and guitar,” Raubeson added.

Raubeson relished the amazing growth he witnessed: “I love seeing the courage that students demonstrate, daring to be a little (or a lot) vulnerable and how they support and rely on each other,” he said. “They trust in the process and this empowers them to strive to achieve something that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Here’s a link to the program.

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