Nov. 14, 2024
East Bay Arts High School’s “Fall Showcase” on Nov. 8 opened the San Lorenzo Schools’ fall performance program by literally showcasing students’ growing confidence and abilities as performers.
Twenty-five students, primarily from EBA but also from San Lorenzo High School, worked with EBA music/health teacher Gretchen Baglyos to plan and present the one-night show in San Lorenzo High’s theater. EBA, which offers a focus on visual and performing arts within a college prep curriculum, is co-located on the SLzHS campus.
"Showcase" will be followed by winter and spring EBA performances, as well as concerts and theater across all levels of district schools.
“This is really an opportunity for students earlier in the year to show some of their artistic passion and talents,” Baglyos said. “It’s always fun when they come out to auditions because a lot of the times, there might be a student who’s singing something and then we realize there’s a student who really wants to play guitar – and all of a sudden there’s a duet.”
“Showcase 2024” featured about 15 vocal, instrumental and dance performances, including both solo and ensemble work and in some cases students’ original music.
Student performers emphasized “Showcase” as a setting where the desire and willingness to perform on stage is of greater importance than the mastery of the performance.
“You can go up there and be yourself and do what you want to do, and no one’s going to judge you for that,” said EBA 10th-grader Jacob Huffman.
EBA senior Angela Trejo, who sang “Havana” by Camila Cabello in a duet with student Leo Chapilliquen Castillo, agreed that the school’s supportive and inclusive culture helps define “Showcase.”
“Knowing that it’s a school full of love and no judgments, I definitely have influenced a lot of people – especially last year – to get yourself out there,” Trejo said.
“Showcase” provides a chance for ninth-graders to get their first experience performing at EBA, with four taking part this year, Baglyos said.
“This is sort of a way to break the ice,” she said. “It’s always interesting to see which of our ninth-graders come forth to participate.”
Students who serve on the stage crew and lighting likewise gain experience and confidence, Baglyos said. This year’s student director was Rio Arrington, who also performed a pair of solo dance routines.
Baglyos received additional help in coordinating “Showcase” from “EBA Arts Team” colleagues Sarah Sundermeyer, who teaches visual arts and social science, and Rachita Upadhya, who teaches math and a crafts elective.