The Brother Martin High School Fine Arts Department personifies dramatic talent and memorable performances. Led by Mr. David Joyner, Mr. Don Guidry, Mr. Kevin Caparotta, Mr. Chris Bailey and Mr. Dominick Caronna, this multifaceted organization offers our students many opportunities to showcase themselves at all times of the year and at a variety of venues. At no time of year has this been more evident than during the spring semester.
Our award-winning Chorus, led by Mr. Kevin Caparotta (Class of 1988), has captured more honors and has performed in more places than many in the State! Besides being our Chorus Director and Asst. Technology Coordinator, Mr. Caparotta serves as President of the Louisiana ACDA (American Choral Directors Association).
Led by Mr. David Joyner and Mr. Ryan Nocito (Class of 2006), the Brother Martin Dionysians have featured showstopping performances all year. A highlight of this Semester was the production of Godspell, directed by Mr. Nocito. From the colorful costumes to the intimate feel of the venue, the cast of Godspell brought forth the story of Jesus and His parables in their own unique way. Through song, dance, and imagery the cast showcased tremendous intensity in their delivery and enthusiasm. From the standpoint of what it takes to succeed in the Arts, this production underlined what it means to express the spirit of the aesthetic, regardless how individuals feel, how the audience feels, and whatever distractions might exist to stand in the way of the point being made. This production was a huge success. Bravo Dionysians!
Visual Arts at Brother Martin High School is led by Mr. David Joyner and Mr. Don Guidry. Instruction includes exploration of a variety of mediums and themes. Students receive a foundation in the fundamentals of drawing, design, printmaking, and painting, developing works that also express creativity and imagination. Advanced students compete in local and regional art competitions. The recent establishment of the Brother Martin Art and Design Club allows members of all grades to further experience mediums and themes including watercolor and sequential art.
Our Band Program, directed by Mr. Dominick Caronna (Class of 1985) and Mr. Chris Bailey (Class of 1986), has not only traveled far and wide in its mission to celebrate Crusader Music, but has showcased the talent of its members! After a highly successful fall semester the Band achieved Superior Ratings at District and State Assessments, had 68 of its members receive Superior Ratings in the LMEA Solo & Ensemble Assessment and repeated its New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition of marching in such parades as UNO’s Mascot Unveiling, Krewe of Alla, Krewe d’Etat, and the Krewe of Endymion. During the parades the Band showcased its new uniforms.
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uring the Band’s bi-yearly trip to Orlando, FL, it performed for thousands of international visitors in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom during Disney’s “Flights of Fantasy” Pre-Parade down Main Street U.S.A. The Band found it took longer to get the instruments out, warm up and get in uniform than it did to actually march the parade.
Certainly, a highlight of the semester has been our spring concert held at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, on Wednesday, April 26. Several Awards were given for Outstanding Musicianship, Merit, Seniority and Longevity, the Top Percussionist from District VI, for Musicianship and for Leadership. All awards individuals were listed on a previous website post. During the Concert the members of the Band, from the Novices and the Intermediates to the Advanced students enjoyed a first class experience in a state of the art venue before a crowd of over 500. The Band wants to thank our parents, in a special way, for their support throughout the year.
Band Achievements:
The Percussion and Stage Band Concert will be held on Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. in the Brother Mark Thornton Terrace. They will also be featured in the annual Marty Gras at Tipitina’s on Thursday, June 1.
