Art from the Heart at Posnack School

Posnack Jewish Day School has always shown its pride through its extensive arts programs. This year a return to live performances and gatherings has paved the way for long-awaited musicals, band concerts, and art shows.

Performing Arts:

First, we had the musical Mamma Mia in January. Both students and teachers put in a lot of hard work to make the musical happen.

Junior Max B. shared his thoughts on the play. “Over a few weeks, you get familiar with lines and start getting into character. While it was stressful, everyone was in the same boat, and the teachers were understanding about it. It was rewarding, creating something everyone was proud of.”

Senior Deborah C. talked about her emotions during the shows. “It was always stressful before and during the play. It was hectic. It was kind of like everyone was running around. I was always in the wings getting ready, singing along, and practicing with my friends.”

She also expressed her feelings about this being her last Posnack School performance. “It is sad knowing you are done with the show after a lot of hard work. I have enjoyed being a part of the Posnack School Theater Department, and it won’t be the same without the shows and the people I’ve met.”

The show would not have been possible without the dedication of Abraham Acay, Roxanne Charette, Performing/Visual Arts (PVA) Director Didi Moses, the stage crew and the cast.

Visual Arts:

Meanwhile, students have created and shared award-winning pieces in photography and art, guided by Mrs. Judie Jackowitz, Mr. Michael Bauman, and the other art teachers.

In art, students have been focusing on topics of their choice, such as the changes in our world today. Some students have also been painting from sources such as the Torah.

One of the exciting developments has been art competitions, such as the Congressional Art Competition and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Students have been entering these competitions throughout the year and expressing their passions through their pieces.

Freshman Gabriella S. explains the exciting things happening, such as competitions and inventive photoshoots. She shares, “We have been submitting photos to competitions such as the Scholastics Art and Writing competition and the National Portrait Gallery for teens. We submit the right photo for the specific competition. The photo is also submitted with an artist statement, which explains what our photo is about, or how we want the viewer to look at our piece. Sometimes the artist leaves details out of their artist statements so that the viewer can interpret the photos any way they want.”

In class, students have been busy experimenting with different photography styles, such as self-portraits, and they have been coming up with their own ideas to photograph.

Gabriella also says, “When I shoot, I get creative and use emotions to bring color, tone, and feel to my art. Photography is not just taking a photo. It is a form of self-expression shown through the click of the camera.”

Students displayed artwork at Posnack School Art Walk 2022 at the end of April. The artists also had the opportunity to enter a logo contest for Art Walk, with the theme being revival. The winner of that contest was junior Sierra S.

Band:

Another area where students have been shining is the Posnack School band. Whether in the marching band or the more classical band, there have been exciting moments throughout the year.

To begin with, the marching band played songs from Mamma Mia during morning dropoff before the show. They also received new uniforms to display their school pride. In the classroom, students practiced songs by themselves and their classmates.

Sophomore Sarah M., who is in the band, shared that it was challenging to make sure that everyone was on the same page, but it was a good experience for the musicians. Students also had the opportunity to perform in the Winter Concert at Posnack School.

Freshman Eva K. spoke about her experience. “It was amazing to have the opportunity to perform since Covid has slowed down. Once we got the news about the concert, we started choosing the songs we would be performing. After a lot of practice, we were finally ready. It was nerve-racking, but needless to say, we all rocked it! It was a night that I will never forget.”

Charles McKay, Zohar Shahar, and Nathan (Gadi) Cohen deserve a big thank you for helping the students grow this year through their music.

The PVA faculty, combined with a return to live performances, made this year in arts incredibly special. Art will always be from the heart here at Posnack School!