The California Department of Education has proclaimed March 2009 “Arts Education Month”. The Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education recognizes that learning and participating in arts education (dance, music, theatre and visual arts) is an important part of the core curriculum for K-12 students. Recent events offered included:
• The continuation of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy Residency.
• Beverly Hills High School Performing Arts Department presented the musical “Ragtime”. Following the success of “How to Succeed in Business” and “Les Miserables”, director Herb Hall tackled another award-winning musical with the help of Josh Butchart, Producer; Joel Pressman, Musical Director/Conductor; Richard Farmer, Orchestra Director and Janet Roston, Choreography; and Annie Terry, Technical Director. ”Ragtime” is based on the E.L. Doctorow novel of the same name and explores the ethnic, political and social struggles of the early 20th century. The cast of Performing Arts students included several graduating seniors in their final BHHS performances.
• The K-8 BHUSD Art Exhibit “Celebrating Creativity” was held at the Beverly Hills Municipal Gallery. During the reception Beverly Hills City Council, Beverly Hills Unified School District School Board Members, BHUSD District Administration, School Site Administration, teachers, students, and parents helped celebrate all of the amazing art created by the four schools’ K-8 students. Vice Mayor Barry Brucker (former Mayor) stated, “The City works collaboratively with the Beverly Hills Unified School District on many different levels. The City of Beverly Hills is pleased to continue supporting the arts in the Beverly Hills Unified School District and we are delighted that this exhibition is here to showcase the artwork of the many talented students that attend our schools.”
