Home About Us Media Kit Subscriptions Links Forum
APPEARED IN


View All Articles

Download PDF

DIRECTORIES:

Job Opportunities

Tutors

Workshops

Events

Sections:

Books

Camps & Sports

Careers

Children’s Corner

Collected Features

Colleges

Cover Stories

Distance Learning

Editorials

Medical Update

Metro Beat

Movies & Theater

Museums

Music, Art & Dance

Special Education

Spotlight On Schools

Teachers of the Month

Technology

Archives:

1995-2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

APRIL 2003

Principal For A Day
by Sybil Maimin

It was a day of sharing at LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts as film and stage star, dancer, and choreographer Rosie Perez assumed the role of “Principal for A Day.” Accompanied by acting interim principal Kim Bruno, Perez was treated to the amazingly broad offerings of the school as she interacted with students in photo, advanced painting, and Honors English classes where events such as war, peace, racism, and relationships were being tackled. She watched dancers and was entertained with a variety of musical performances; she tapped her foot in a jazz class, heard part of Tschaikovsky’s Ninth Symphony played by the senior orchestra, listened to the senior chorus rehearse for a performance at Carnegie Hall, and ate lunch in the handsome art gallery surrounded by impressive student work and the sounds of the school’s chamber group. LaGuardia even has an instrument repair shop where three professionals take care of musical equipment and teach their skills to students.

Instructor Gary Fogel proudly showed Perez the state of the art recording studio where youngsters “get the whole recording experience,” make a CD, and can prepare college audition tapes. Fogel’s collection of old record players and equipment fascinated the star who reported her father was also a collector. A new major, Technical Theater, involves building sets. LaGuardia presents Off Broadway-quality shows and students, working with professionals, build full sets. “We teach them everything they have to know,” explains teacher Paul Eisenberg. “The kids bring Off Broadway energy.”

“They love you,” exclaimed a delighted Bruno, as Perez traveled through the school, hugging, shaking hands, asking questions, exchanging words, giving autographs, and posing for pictures with excited fans who were clearly thrilled to have this very special visitor and role model. Perez, in turn, was clearly impressed with student work and energy. She asked many questions, offered praise and encouragement, and remarked, “This school is amazing. It is a gem. Use it. Soak everything out of it you can.”

In a talk with drama students, she said, “Acting is make-believe, it’s a job. Set everything up and then let the magic happen.” She advised, “Learn your lines. You have no freedom if you don’t know your lines.” Additionally, “Reading is essential to acting. Don’t just read the text. Understand the subtext, the themes and subplots. You have to do homework to find techniques and tools. I had to learn this along the way. I didn’t have the privilege you kids have.” Giving special encouragement to young people of color, she said, “When you are a minority, you don’t have the liberty to be yourself. Others are quick to criticize. Don’t let them push you down so you become so angry you hurt your own career. You must keep pushing on and insisting, I’m going to be who I am.”

With about 2,360 students, 32 academic classrooms, and 80 specialty rooms or studios, LaGuardia is a very costly enterprise. Kim Bruno was pleased to share, celebrate, and show her school off. She also expressed concerns. “We are a public school and we need funds.” Generous alumni and corporate and foundation grants are critical. Sharing the role of Principal for a Day was Robert Hurwitz, chairman of Nonesuch Records/Warner Music Group. While good-naturedly allowing the more recognizable Perez center stage, Hurwitz showed keen interest in the students’ accomplishments and thoroughly enjoyed the day. His company has given a much needed grant to LaGuardia for which he was recognized in a ceremony of appreciation.#

 

COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

Name:

Email:
Show email
City:
State:

 


 

 

 

Education Update, Inc.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. © 2004.