“The communal nature of music making has been missed the past few years. I think that aspect of music class this year has been especially rewarding and engaging for many students. One student in particular wrote a graduation message that reflects this. The student stated that, "Music heals and brings people together. This class has left music forever in my heart.”

- Lee Petruzzelli, Band Director at 141

JHS 144 worked with Bronx-based artist Yazmeen Collazo on an interactive, multi-sensory music room mural. Students utilized science and tech skills to install Bare Conductive technology behind the painted mural. Upon touch, the mural emits sound (created by the music students).

Facilitated by Community Word Project, this PD invited all 131 teachers to learn about the quantitative data of SEL arts practices and participate in a hands-on art-making experience.

Workshops from visiting artist Claire Jamison on acting technique helped students prepare for auditions and build knowledge for rehearsals. Performances for neighboring elementary schools helped to engage more folks & encourage future enrollment. Connections with neighborhood businesses & invitations to local representatives & provided cast family meals.

Broadway Jr. students, families and teachers attended a performance of & Juliet on Broadway on June 25, 2023. This was to celebrate the work of students throughout the year and demonstrate opportunities in theater for families.

A group of students spanning 6th-8th grades met weekly to learn the tech & artistry of music production from Building Beats to craft their own record label and album name/cover.

In a session called “Seeing in Pictures” over 35 staff made connections been ELA and visual literacy skills, as well as learned the basics of photography and film. School staff member Dandri Carrasco invited teachers to utilize the tech available in their media room (cameras, mixing and music software, podcast booth & MSTA News) and combine creative strategies from Nelle.

SBAAM was able to purchase microphones, lighting equipment and storage to expand their production quality. Teachers were mentored by Darryl Montgomery from Bronx Arts & Letters & will train with him in 23-24.

Lightning Dances in the Dark was a production documentary by Media Arts Essentials students and written & performed by SBAAM students.