A SPIRATIONS A publication of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute, the non-profit partner organization with the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
EXPLORATION:
N O C C A’ S FOUNDATION
JULY 2015 DEAR FRIENDS DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 3
Dear Friends of NOCCA, HAMMER, NAILS AND A WHOLE LOTTA TECHNOLOGY Theatre Design students have not been the only ones on campus engaged in construction.
In the last four years, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and The NOCCA Institute have built a high school academic curriculum, a high school Culinary Arts program, and an arts “The artistic foundation that I and academic facility in a renovated cypress and brick warehouse. received at NOCCA helped me open my eyes to something crucial. The NOCCA Institute has also built a garden and outdoor There is artistry and creativity learning lab in the Press Street Gardens, an art gallery featuring everywhere. And, it’s often the work of alumni and faculty, and Press Street Station café to needed and found in the least generate long-term support for operations and programs. obvious places. “ Jackson Hill
Our goal is to provide students and faculty with the tools they Gary Solomon, Jr. need to excel in the best mentorship-based, fully integrated NOCCA Theatre Design Graduate, 2004 education anywhere in the world. President and Co-Founder, the Solomon Group 2015 Celebration Ceremony Speaker With a foundation stronger than ever, we cannot wait to see how new programs for students and the community will grow and flourish – joining those built by so many dedicated faculty and students over NOCCA’s first 40 years. Jackson Hill
This year, visit NOCCA! Student performances, Culinary Arts The year started simply. Flashlights, by Event Producers. The LED panels to craft highly movable costumes products, high school arts workshops, special garden and café hand-aged two-by-four wood slats, loaned by the Solomon Group filled for ballet, modern and jazz dance cooking classes all await. We give special thanks to all in the eight metal rails. It ended with 40 the back of the stage. performances. community who support NOCCA’s one-of-a-kind environment. digital LED panels and the latest video mapping technology. “This equipment embodied the most With more students than ever, Theatre Gratefully, sophisticated technology we have Design must balance production of The first set Theatre Design students ever used for a live production,” says eight to ten major shows per year built for Drama’s restaging of Se-Pa- Theatre Design Chair Dan Zimmer. requiring long after-school hours with Rate in October was no set at all. The “This technology is here and now and classroom fundamentals and the growth Joel Vilmenay Sally Perry minimal production purposely utilized Event Producers and Solomon Group of students as artists. The curriculum is President Executive Director just three props, relying on movement generously allowed us to incorporate it always changing because the technology and words to tell Homer Plessy’s story. into the curriculum to best train young is always evolving. production artists.” This mission of The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute is to support the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Louisiana’s arts conservatory for high school students. We invest in young artists, their mentors, “In Theatre Design’s high-stress and the community through programs that encourage educational and cultural innovation. When Drama’s adaptation of Little Women opened in March, Theatre Audio, lighting and costume design environment, it is exciting to see THE NOCCA INSTITUTE Kelly Brown Nicole Miller Regan Elizabeth Rack Ayman Jaber, Director of Finance & round out Theatre Design’s program. students develop the confidence that BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-15 Kia S. Brown Coleman D. Ridley Jr. Willa Slater Operations Design students had built the largest Anne H. Candies David Schulingkamp Monique Bloom, Office Manager single stationary set – based on Louisa For Big Fish, students built or fitted 283 they can solve any problem, at any PRESIDENT Lauren Cason Laura Sillars SELECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Katrina Weschler, Assoc. Director of May Alcott’s attic – that the department costumes and 87 wigs for the 38-member time and calmly,” says costume design Joel Vilmenay Daniel O. Conwill IV Gary Solomon Jr. George Denegre Jr. Development, Events and Programs cast. For Little Women, they built nine teacher Chris Arthur. Meghan Donelon Charles Teamer Sr. Richard Kirschman Marguerite Green, Press Street had yet attempted. OFFICERS Chris Haines Dana D’Anzi Tuohy Lee W. Randall Gardens Manager period dresses – all fashioned from one Joel Dondis, Vice President Terrence A. Humphrey Hugh Uhalt Joyce Schenewerk Amanda Cassingham-Bardwell, 5 Press Gregory Morey, Vice President Mark W. Jeanfreau Hartley Casbon Wasser Madalyn Schenk Big Fish, staged by Musical Theatre in basic pattern as historically would have For the June production of Brothers Gallery Manager Dana Douglas, Vice President Robert LeBlanc Robert Weinmann Anita Schon 2014-15 Service Corps Members & Interns: April, was all pieces and parts made been used by a 19th century family with from the Bottom, brought to NOCCA Anne E. Raymond, Secretary Terrence Lockett Pamela M. Williams Harrison Bass Elliott Robinson John Morton IV, Treasurer Pamela Lupin EX-OFFICIO of metal and hundreds of digital cues. limited means. by alumni Wendell Pierce, students David McCelvey HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS Kyle Wedberg, President/CEO Sharyn Booker Rachel Walker Theatre Design students first built 20- recreated a previously designed off- BOARD OF DIRECTORS Erika McConduit-Diggs Marion E. Bright Newsletter Editor, Design,Photography: Troy M. Andrews Linda Logan Monroe Ernest G. Chachere, Ph.D. STAFF Elizabeth McMillan foot tall textured flats from steel frames For Dance, design students switched Broadway set and lighting. Yet another Stephanie Barksdale Sakari Morrison Orlin Corey Sally Perry, Executive Director Photos as noted: Jackson Hill, and aluminum mesh. These were gears again, building fanciful costumes experience to end the year. Gayle Benson Debra Havens Patrick Shirley Trusty Corey Elizabeth McMillan, Director of Southern Lights Photography Rodney C. Braxton Marc Preuss Ellis Marsalis Development painted to reflect scenes projected from for the ballet Carnival of Animals, and Timothy Bright Christopher Price. Donald A. Meyer Richard Read, Director of Marketing $30,000 cameras loaned to NOCCA working with multiple choreographers EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION 5 “Graduates, NOCCA has helped ACADEMIC STUDIO: ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE you grow. And you have helped NOCCA grow. Most importantly, you YEAR FOUR have discovered that true learning is In May, the first class of Academic “By my senior project,” concluded asking the right questions, not simply In October 2014, NOCCA’s Academic Studio students graduated. They were Prinsey Walker (Musical Theatre), “I looking for answers. We trust that Studio – which does not screen for academic collaborators in developing a new realized more than ever how arts and your perception of the world and of achievement – earned its second “A” in your careers is a larger one because approach to mastering academics as academics complement each other.” As two years from Louisiana’s Department you have gone through our doors.” of Education, becoming one of the top they would master their art. Just as we Jimmerez Johnson (Drama) explained, programs in the state. spoke to them after their first year in “I became passionate about things they the new program, we spoke again as taught us in academics. Then I used Shirley Trusty Corey % of Academic Studio students passing at they prepared to move forward. They those topics in my arts.” Founder, NOCCA the levels of Excellent/Good in 2015: could not have made us more proud. 2015 Academic Studio Graduation Speaker NOCCA STATE CRITIQUE ▶ ARTISTIC VOICE ▶ ALGEBRA I (9TH) QUESTIONING ▶ CONNECTING “The real world is subjective. Learning 90% ART & ACADEMICS ▶ believes Payton, “we could bring our 54% how to be critical and to critique helps own histories to each discussion and “I was challenged to look beyond the hugely in life,” led Grayton Newman discover new perspectives. Through BIOLOGY (10TH) surface, to constantly ask questions and (Media Arts) as students outlined their our peers, we got to look through so to rarely settle,” began Mary Frances path of growth through the last four many different lenses.” 75% 58% Candies (Drama). Concurred Payton years. “Everyone is not going to think Smith (Drama), “faculty didn’t just we are perfect,” said Cece Varnado RESPECT ▶ GROWTH ▶ ENGLISH II (10TH) deposit information. We turned it (Culinary Arts). “Learning how to upside down.” receive and analytically respond to “Broadening our perspectives is 92% 72% criticism, how to formulate what to say invaluable to us as artists,” said Mary “Through debates, portfolios, group back in a respectful way has been as Frances. And respecting each others’ presentations, we have been able to learn essential as the hands-on learning.” opinions is essential in an environment GEOMETRY (10TH) about history, English and sciences not such as NOCCA’s that requires 79% only in an academic medium, but in an “Through the process of critique, significant risk-taking. “I learned to 59% artistic one as well,” stated John Michael you find your own voice as an artist,” take risks in my art and in academics,” Bradford (Jazz). “Incorporating our art furthered Grayton. “And because we articulated Cece. “I learned to ENGLISH III (11TH) into our learning is crucial because we were able to present work in our own challenge myself because when you do, can truly express our selves.” voice, in Drama and in academics,” you grow as a person.” 95% 62% “Here we are taught to invent, to create firmly believes. “There’s a element of WORLD HISTORY (12TH) new things, to build from scratch, not just art in everything,” Mary Frances among to replicate, which is easy to do” continued In collaboration with Press Street others articulated. “You cannot sacrifice 86% Charis Gullage (Musical Theatre). Payton Gardens, 11th grade Integrated 65% art and culture. Once it’s gone, it won’t Science students began a long- agreed: “It’s easier to keep doing the same term research project, seeding, come back the way it was” supported College scholarships earned by Academic thing, but are we looking to do what’s growing and transplanting native Charis. “New Orleans is culture.” Studio students: $6,541,084, a $148,661 easy or what’s better?” plants in eastern New Orleans wetlands. Utilizing their creative per student average. Eighty percent of It’s how we know, no matter where these skills, they designed a plant guide students graduated TOPS-eligible. RESPONSIBILITIES AS ARTISTS ▶ young artists travel, they will always to be expanded with each successive COMING HOME ▶ grade. Another Academic Studio come home. and Culinary Arts student and her faculty mentor used the green- These young artists are prepared to use “You walk into NOCCA and you already house to simulate how runoff such knowledge moving forward. water from compost and synthetic feel the happiness and joy. It’s like no “It is our responsibility to take fertilizer affects low dissolved other school,” believes John Michael. oxygen levels in the Gulf of Mexico’s care of our culture,” Nick Concluded Prinsey, “NOCCA is about dead zone – and subsequently our Baquet (Theatre Design) food sources and food culture. finding your best self. It’s insane.” ALUMNI ALUMNI 7
“First thing about New Orleans music, more than harmony, rhythm, form, more than anything – is joy. You have to know how lucky you are not only to be in this educational environment, but to be in this environment in New Orleans.”
Jonathan Batiste ( Jazz, 2004, above left) will be the new bandleader
for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert! Jon and his band Stay Human Goldring Erika are known for their “Love Riots” – impromptu street concerts featuring Harry Connick, Jr. ( Jazz 1985) and the production Jazz alumni including Troy “Trombone infectious music based on jazz and other music forms. In May, Stephen team from American Idol filmed a dynamic master Shorty” Andrews, “Big Sam” Williams, Colbert and Jon filmed a special segment with Music Chair Michael Pellera. class at NOCCA in September. Jonathan Batiste, Glenn Hall, Max Moran, Adding to an Joey Peebles, Sullivan Fortner, Khris Royal, Calvin Johnson and Michael Ballard exceptional 40th returned for a rousing performance at the annual Home for the Holidays fundraiser, celebrating the life of Visual Arts alum anniversary year, Daniel Price at the House of Blues in alumni came back December.
to NOCCA to share Terence Blanchard ( Jazz 1980) headlined the Big 4-Oh! Gala, inviting GRAMMY-winning Latin jazz artist Brandan Odums (Visual Arts, great news, their art Pedrito Martinez (on drums, left) to 2003) toured students through join him in christening Solomon Family his acclaimed public graffiti art and inspiration for Hall with hot vibes and soul-filled work, Exhibit Be, in Algiers. sounds. Ann Schwab the next generation.
Wendell Pierce (Drama 1981, below & center right) brought the off-Broadway production of Brothers from the Bottom for a four-week run at NOCCA’s Lupin Hall in advance of the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Students teched the play which gives voice to respecting all views when rebuilding community and family bonds after Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, ( Jazz 1978 - 1985), with Victor so much is lost. Goines, Don Vappie and Jason Stewart celebrated Ellis Marsalis’ 80th birthday with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Classical Music Chair Dr. Jee Yeoun Ko, Faubourg Quartet and jazz students performed as well. Ellis was also honored in concert by alumni at the 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. OF NOTE OF NOTE 9
Joining Alden and Emeril Lagasse and the THE EMERIL LAGASSE FOUNDATION CULINARY ARTS CENTER Emeril Lagasse Foundation in support of the Capital Campaign for the NOCCA Forum are “The growth of the culinary program at NOCCA has been remarkable. alumnus Gary Solomon Jr. and his family, We’re so proud to support such an incredible arts institution in this standing above in Solomon Family Hall. From city and be a part of the bright future of its students.” Emeril Lagasse THE CHEVRON FORUM AT NOCCA left to right, NOCCA President & CEO Kyle “Arts transforms STEM into STEAM, and Wedberg, EJ Lagasse and his sister Merit, allows creativity and critical thinking to Students won awards this year in the following prestigious national Alden and Emeril Lagasse, TNI Executive and regional competitions: Director Sally Perry, Gary Solomon, Sr., Gary walk parallel paths that lead to increased Solomon, Jr. Martha Solomon, Sam Mikal student achievement and innovation. ■ John Michael Bradford ( Jazz) and Nick Ramey (Cinematic Arts) were among 170 young artists selected nationally as winners of the Solomon and Conway Solomon. Chevron is proud to play a part in National YoungArts Foundation Award. establishing NOCCA’s Academic Studio.” ■ Emma Hoss (Musical Theatre) and Madeline Landry (Visual Arts) ■ ■ ■ Mike Illanne were Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Competition. ollowing a record nine-month renovation by MCC ■ Justin Sandoval (Musical Theatre) was recognized by the National F Group, students moved into the new Chevron Forum Hispanic Recognition Program. Media Arts’ Marco Colosimo (left) in November. In addition to a main kitchen, bake and The Chevron Forum at NOCCA is made possible through the support of MCC ■ 29 students received national honors and Gold Key recognition in and Nick Ramey (right) traveled to Real Estate, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Chevron, Solomon Family, Goldring butcher shops for Culinary Arts, the 60,000 square- the Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition. Carnegie Hall to receive National Silver Family Foundation, Woldenberg Family Foundation, Trafigura Foundation, foot Forum features research-caliber labs and flex- RosaMary Foundation, Zemurray Foundation, Edward G. Schlieder Foundation, ■ John Michael Bradford was selected as one of 32 high school musi- and Gold Medals respectively in Film ible classrooms for the Academic Studio’s Integrated Ella West Freeman Family Foundation, Selley Foundation, Libby-Dufour Fund, cians nationwide for the 2015 Grammy Camp - Jazz Session. and Animation at the 2015 Scholastic Eugenie & Joseph Jones Family Foundation, Gustaf W. McIlhenny Family Sciences and Integrated Humanities programs. Above, Foundation, and Ruth U. Fertel Foundation. ■ Trad Willman and Richard White (Media Arts) along with Jasper Art and Writing Awards. Both students’ Chevron Gulf of Mexico Vice President Mike Illanne Herrington (Drama) were awarded Honorable Mention in the 2015 films were finalists in numerous local, with students at the ribbon-cutting in March. White House Student Film Festival from over 1,500 entries. national and international film festivals. ■ ■ ■ ■ Mary Frances Candies (Drama) was one of just four students nation- Marco also won Downbeat Magazine’s ■ ■ ■ wide selected to the Director’s Program at Carnegie Mellon University. Performing Arts High School Outstanding ■ Ben Mader (Classical I pianist) placed 2nd in the South Central Music Engineered Studio Recording. Teachers National Association Junior Performance Competition.
■ ■ ■ In May, Jazz artist/teacher Michael Rihner (center Vocal students swept awards at the left) and the NOCCA Big women’s high school division of the Band (in rehearsal) pre- National Association of Teachers of miered Rihner’s Battle for Singing Southern Region Auditions. New Orleans: Score for From left to right, Imani Francis placed Unity marking the 200th first, Lindsey Reynolds second, and Anniversary of the Battle of Emily Sheets and Whitney Campbell New Orleans. It was spon- tied for third. Emily was also a recipi- sored by a grant from the ent of the 2015 Jack Kent Cooke Young National Jazz Historical Park Artist Award which included performing in New Orleans. on National Public Radio’s From the Top. FINANCIAL AID CULINARY ARTS 11
CHARIS GULLAGE REID WILLIAMS Musical Theatre Drama
“‘A “Hard work and hard play. I learned at NOCCA that these things go hand in hand. There is nothing more exhilarating. The moment of realization occurred during the production of Tartuffe. My drama teacher Mr. Cooper pulled me aside and asked if I was familiar with the cartoon character Pepe Lepew. Instantly I knew where to go. Learning from these moments have made me into the person I am today. Among the unending nuggets of wisdom I’ve received at NOCCA, the most prominent is this: It’s never about you. It’s always about the other person. In my case, it is not merely one but many people who have helped me, held me and guided me through this incredibly adventurous turmoil I call my life. I will strive to give that same light back. And I intend to do that the best way I know how: by playing.”
$259,796 earned in college scholarships Attending University of Hartford $214,000 earned in college scholarships Attending Loyola University BRAYDEN TURNER Jazz
GROWTH IN TERM-TIME FINANCIAL $147,000 AID AWARDS OVER LAST 6 YEARS $133,340
$101,585 $93,625 $86,435
$50,235
“NOCCA was a vital part of my development as a musician and the $28,435 NOCCA Institute helped me so much by enabling me to attend sum- mer programs where I could even further develop my craft and meet Projected new people who were seeking to do the same. My experience there 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 has opened so many doors for me and prepared me to continue studying at my dream school, the Berklee College of Music. Thanks The region’s creative young people are offered more opportunities for everything!” than ever at NOCCA. New arts and academic programs as well as record enrollment have significantly impacted Financial Aid. $230,000 earned in college scholarships Supporting students’ costs, such as department fees that are required NOCCA’S JOURNEY to enter, helps launch their journey. Attending Berklee School of Music CULINARY ARTS: FOUNDED JUNE 2007 GUEST ARTISTS DANCE 13
“Helen Gillet’s vis- it with our Media Arts classes was an eye-opening, interdisciplinary experience,” said Level IV student Marco Colosimo. “Her knowledge “Things I do today, I learned in this “Going to NOCCA is like having a of experimental classroom,” Vocal alumnus (2007) Joshua membership to the best gym in the world. music as well Stuart told students. Now based in Use all the great resources here,” Jazz as her mastery Germany, Joshua is performing in operas alumnus Joey Peebles (2003) and drummer of the cello across Europe and Asia. He worked with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and loop pedal exposed us to how music extensively with students on their shared with music students. “Imagination is performance can cross with the science of breathing, posture, vocal and performance Jackson Hill as important as knowledge. It is not always audio engineering to create a fascinating technique. “Singing needs to feel easy, like about playing music correctly. It’s equally art form.” important to inject a spirit of love and fun.” you are speaking. The joy the audience helen gillet ▲ gets follows the singer’s breath.” joey peebles ▲ joshua stewart ▲
A third group of Visual Arts students sampled techniques that will Jackson Hill be on the market Jackson Hill two years hence. Digital artist Chris Willey showed Meanwhile Todd Maggio helped another students how to Using ancient techniques and materials, group of Visual Arts students explore cur- use an Oculus artist and blacksmith Bill Price led a week- rent technology, leading them on a process Rift headset and long workshop with Visual Arts students. from 2-D digital design of objects through demonstrated a A professor at Memphis College of Art, Bill 3-D printing, stop action photography, and new software he is alpha testing which showed students how to carve in limestone finally animation of the objects via flip books. allows the user to paint in 3-D. and wood and to forge metal as humans Jackson Hill have practiced for thousands of years. todd maggio ▲ chris willey ▲ bill price ▲
Culinary Arts students Jackson Hill Jackson Hill greatly enjoy Jackson Hill meeting all of the local chefs who spend time “To see someone who was sitting in my “What reveals ourselves to ourselves? in NOCCA’s place now pursuing her dreams at the That’s the ultimate question for all of us in kitchens Metropolitan Opera was eye-opening!” this room,” Ken Burns told students in a far- reaching master class. With upcoming films furthering the high level of training – said Vocal student Lindsey Reynolds of on Vietnam, Hemmingway, Churchill and including a special class with La Petite alumna Lori Guilbeau’s master class. “We Grocery’s Chef Justin Devillier. more, he encouraged students: “In order can’t wait to have her back.” to grow you have to bite off more than you can chew.” justin devillier ▲ lori guilbeau ▲ Jackson Hill NOCCA’S JOURNEY ken burns ▲ DANCE: FOUNDED AUGUST 1974 40TH BIRTHDAY MEDIA ARTS &THEATRE DESIGN 15
KYLE WEDBERG, PRESIDENT & CEO THE NEW ORLEANS CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS
There have been many great years and great moments in the history of NOCCA, but this past year was one of the best. I could not be more proud of everything that the NOCCA students, faculty and staff accomplished.
From the student performance of the National Anthem at the Saints home opener, to an original adaptation of
SEPTEMBER Little Women performed by Drama Students, to the New Orleans Saints multi-media production of Big Fish, to the record sales National anthem at home opening game at the end of year visual arts show – the year was filled with highlights.
There are extraordinary partnerships with groups that helped us celebrate NOCCA’s growth as an institution over the last 40 years and to whom we are deeply grateful: The New Orleans Museum of Art, the Krewe of Orpheus, The Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation, and Wendell Pierce and the Billie Holliday Theatre for our repertory summer presentation with an all NOCCA student technical crew.
This was also a year of firsts. NOCCA bestowed its first ever diplomas to the first class of remarkable Academic Studio students to graduate. And we opened the new
OCTOBER Chevron Forum and hosted in its Solomon Family Hall our Celebration Ceremony with the largest senior arts class in the history of NOCCA in front of more than 900 New Orleans Museum of Art family and friends. Honoring Visual Arts Faculty and Alumni To this we add the incredible work of NOCCA alumni this year like Brandan Odums and his Exhibit BE and the announcement of Jon Batiste joining the Colbert Show as Bandleader.
Yet as great as this year has been, with everything I have seen from the NOCCA students, faculty and staff, I truly believe that our best is still ahead of us.
Jackson Hill FEBRUARY
Orpheus Parade New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Celebrates NOCCA Riding in the Dolly Trolley
APRIL MAY NOCCA’S JOURNEY THEATRE DESIGN: FOUNDED JANUARY 2001 MEDIA ARTS: FOUNDED AUGUST 2001
THANK YOU JAZZ 17
The NOCCA Institute is honored to recognize the following support, memorials and gifts through June 2015. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
CAPITAL EXPANSION IN-KIND Ms. Katherine McClure MCC Real Estate Mr. Charles Hamilton III Mr. Lincoln Paine Emeril Lagasse Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Desmond Perschall The Solomon Family MARY-KATE and TOM TEWS ARCHIVE Mrs. Judy Brooks Reed Mr. Clarke Reed Jr. Chevron Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rosenfeld RosaMary Foundation COMMUNITY PARTNERS New Orleans Ballet Association Mr. William Ryan Trafigura Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael Semmes New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Fdtn. Libby Dufour Fund Ms. Heidi Lee Sinclair New Orleans Museum of Art Goldring Family Foundation Ms. Patricia Stokes Woldenberg Family Foundation New Orleans Opera Association Mary and Bill Stroker The Selley Foundation Parkway Partners Amb. & Mrs. John G. Weinmann Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation Plessy & Ferguson Foundation Ms. Brandy Whisnant Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kirschman Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival Frances and Michael Winters WWOZ Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Young FINANCIAL AID In memory of Donald Harlan Chevron “A Taste of NOCCA” Ms. Laura Bergeron Trafigura Foundation Participating Restaurants: Mr. Andrew Connally Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists Angeline Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Harlan Mr. and Mrs. Warner Williams Barrel Proof Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jannelli Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation The Boxcar Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moss-Vreeland GPOA Foundation Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop Ms. Judith Parker Schon Charitable Foundation Coquette Mr. and Mrs. Howard Solomon Ingram Lee Foundation Eat Mr. and Mrs. William West Emeril Lagasse Foundation Emeril’s Delmonico Byrde Berenson Haspel Donor Advised Fund Emeril’s New Orleans In memory of Paul Candies Leonie Davis Rothschild Endowed Fund Feelings Cafe Dr. and Mrs. Quentin Falgoust Ms. Michelle Daigle The Foundation Room at House of Blues Dr. Ellen Golodner Horn’s In memory of Kendall Daigle Melinda Sothern, Ph.D. Marti’s Dr. and Mrs. Richard Karlin The Patrick and Phyllis M. Taylor Fund Meauxbar In memory of Jack Davey Ms. Sally Perry and Mr. Oley Sassone NOLA Restaurant Ms. Candace Davey Van Der Linden Family Foundation Patois Ms. Bonnie Raitt Press Street Station In memory of Joseph Del Papa Slim Goodies Ms. Sally Perry and Mr. Oley Sassone ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE Sylvain Helis Foundation Taceaux Loceaux In memory of Ronald Katz New Orleans Theatre Association Vacherie Ms. Sandra Levy Melinda Sothern, Ph.D. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Fdtn IN MEMORY In memory of Ralph Lupin Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Schwarz In memory of Louis L. Frierson, Jr Mrs. Pamela Lupin
Ms. Holly Abbott PRESS STREET GARDENS In memory of Milton W. Means Ms. Florence Andre Trafigura Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Monroe, Arthur B Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andry blue moon fund Monroe Family Fund In memory of Francoise Billion Richardson New Orleans Town Gardeners Ms. Helaine Benjamin Mr. William A. Fagaly Garden Study Club of New Orleans Ms. Elizabeth A. Boh New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Mrs. Julie Breitmeyer In memory of Dr. Samuel A. Scarnato Mr. J. Michael Carbine Whole Foods 5% Day Mr. and Mrs. Orlin Corey Mascara Relay Mr. James Churchill Mr. Robert Coyle In memory of Billie Smardon Ms. Jean Deckert ACADEMIC STUDIO Mr. Patrick Dunne, Lucullus, Inc. Chevron Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Doody Ms. Ernestine Eckstein Ruth U. Fertel Foundation In memory of Mary Weaver Dr. and Mrs. Gregor Hoffman Mr. Joshua Smith DEPARTMENT SUPPORT Mrs. Harley B. Howcott, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Van Horn Ms. Claudia Kelleher In memory of Lois Jean Weinhold Mr. and Mrs. H. Merritt Lane, Jr. Quark Entertainment LA, LLC Ms. Alicia Ault M. W. Murphy Foundation Ms. Jacqueline Lawrence CENTER STAGE Mr. and Mrs. Michael Marsiglia NOCCA’S JOURNEY Mr. and Mrs. C. James McCarthy III Ms. Jane P. Stewart South Arts JAZZ: FOUNDED JANUARY 1974 FRIENDS OF NOCCA VOCAL & CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL 19
With gratitude, we acknowledge our Friends’ support and dedication to educational and artistic excellence. (Donors at the $100 level and above as of June 30, 2015) We apologize for any errors or omissions.
$2,500 + Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Mayer Mr. and Mrs. D. Blair Favrot Mr. J. Keith Veizer Mr. and Mrs. Paul Candies II Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Menard Mr. Larry P. Ferguson Ms. Debbie Vivien Mr. Sean Cummings Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Meyer Ms. Anne Fitzhugh Dr. and Mrs. Rand Voorhies Mr. and Mrs. George Denegre Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Murphy Mr. Bart Folse Mr. Michael Wallace Danny Gottsegen Fund Drs. Joy and Howard Osofsky Ms. Eneid A. Francis Ms. Fontaine Wells Ms. Cathy Norman Penland Mr. and Mrs. Paul Frank Ms. Lynne White $1,000 + Mr. Calvin Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Britton Galloway Mr. and Mrs. H. Hunter White Ms. Charlotte Bollinger Ms. Sally Perry and Mr. Oley Mrs. Janet Gisleson John C. Williams Architects, LLC Mr. R. Carey Bond Sassone Mr. Kirk and Dr. Holly Groh Mr. and Mrs. R. Bruce Worley Cahn Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Reily Jr. Mr. and Mrs. David Halpern Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Young Mr. and Mrs. Orlin Corey Ms. Joyce Schenewerk Mrs. Maurice Handelman Mr. and Mrs. John A. Frazee Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schenk Dr. and Mrs. Richard Hesse IN HONOR Mr. and Mrs. Paul Harrison Ms. Erlen Patricia Skelly Mr. and Mrs. Shane Hodgson In honor of Whitney Brown Mr. Brian Lawlor and Ms. Eleanor Mr. and Mrs. Dave Sotak Prof. and Mrs. Oliver A. Houck Mrs. Alfred W. Brown Jr. DeCourey Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Stouse III Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Jaffe In honor of Will Byram Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Levine Dr. Nia Terezakis Mr. and Mrs. Keith Jarrett Mr. Edward Patin, Lions Inn Mr.and Mrs. David Little Waggonner and Ball Architects Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Kahn Bed & Breakfast Mr. Patrick Dunne, Lucullus, Inc. Mrs. Claire Whitehurst Mr. and Mrs. Morton Katz Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Mrs. Margery Kirschman In honor of Catherine Claire Conwill McCormack $100 + Mr. Wilfred M. Kullman Jr. Drs. Joy and Howard Osofsky Mrs. Ellis Mintz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andry Ms. Ellen Lee Moffett Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bagwill Ms. Saundra Levy In honor of Alice Covington Mr. R. Carey Bond Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Monroe, Mr. and Mrs. N. Buckner Barkley Jr. Mrs. Pamela Lupin Arthur B Monroe Family Fund Mr. Michael Bartee Dr. Thomas and Charlotte Mabry In honor of Nan Wallis Galloway Mr. and Mrs. David W. Ms. Robin Becker Dr. and Mrs. Joel Mague Mr. and Mrs. H. Hunter White Oestreicher II Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bonavita III Mrs. Helen J. Malin Dr. and Mrs. Steve F. Price Jr. Kerry and Tiffa Boutte Mr. and Mrs. Donald Marshall In honor of Marguerite Green Mr. and Mrs. Lee W. Randall Mr. and Mrs. Phelan Bright Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Marx Mr. and Mrs. David Hebert Mr. and Mrs. John Regan III Mrs. Alfred W. Brown Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Sandford Maslansky In honor of Wilfred Kullman Jr. Ms. Gillian F. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mazur Ms. Frances Wolff $500 + Ms. Sheryl Brown Ms. Linda Logan Monroe Mr. and Mrs. James A. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Cadow Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Nead In honor of Elizabeth McMillan Burkedale Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Russell Carll Ms. Rita Odenheimer Virginia McMillan Tidwell Ms. Candace Chase and Mr. Dr. Warrick Carter Ms. Elisabeth Perino Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McMillan Richard Levich Ms. Lauren Cason Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pulitzer In honor of Sally Perry Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Corbin Dr. and Mrs. Ernest G. Chachere Mrs. Elizabeth Rack Mrs. Glennadora W. Perry Karen and Ollie Edmunds Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Cohen Ms. Kelly Richert Mr. and Mrs. Robert Florence Dr. and Mrs. Edward S. Connolly Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Rouen In honor of Valorie Polmer Dr. and Mrs. Gene Geisert Mr. Sam Corenswet Jr. Ms. Rosemary G. Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Andy Polmer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Herman Mr. Brian Dassler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sands Kirschman Foundation for Health Ms. Candace Davey Dr. and Mrs. John C. Scharfenberg In honor of Kathy and Lee Randall and Education Mr. Richard Deno Mr. and Mrs. William Schwartz Entergy Services, Inc. Mr. Fred Poitevent Lions Inn Bed & Breakfast Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Donegan Shlenker Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James Monroe III George Dunbar and Louisette Dr. and Mrs. Charles C. Smith III In honor of Richard Read and Mr. Gregory Morey Brown Stephen L. and Caroline W. Matt Hassebrock Mr. Barre C. Tanguis II Dupuy Storage & Forwarding Corp. Sontheimer Fund Mr. George Dansker Mr. Paul Varisco Jr. Ms. Lin Emery Mrs. Anne R. Sutherlin Ms. Mary K. Zervigon Mr. William A. Fagaly Ms. Lizbeth Turner and Mr. In honor of Madalyn Schenk Dr. and Mrs. Quentin Falgoust Clarence Wolbrette Mr. and Mrs. Michael Marsiglia $250 + In honor of Inez Lori Smith Ms. Marion N. Amber Ms. Wendy T. Steib Ms. Cheryll Cash Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. In honor of Leslie Stokes Ms. Tina Freeman Mr. and Mrs. David Stokes Mr. Craig Guidry and Mr. Gary In honor of Marie and Bob Wolf Wheat Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Slater GW Fins Ms. Sandra P. Heller In humor of Nicole Wright Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Herman Ms. Janet Murry Susan and Bill Hess NOCCA’S JOURNEY John C. Williams Architects, LLC In honor of Ward and Melanie Dr. and Mrs. Richard Karlin Hebert Wyatt VOCAL AND CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL: FOUNDED JANUARY 1974 Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wyatt DESIGNATED SENIOR AWARDS DRAMA 21
2014 SENIOR AWARDS Designated Student Awards The Helen A. Mervis Award for artistic and academic achievement and community service - Arieanna Joe W. and Dorothy D. Brown Foundation R. McKnight Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists The Lisa Marie Catalanello Memorial Scholarship for visual arts achievement and generosity of spirit Ingram Lee Foundation - Armand Louis DeLaureal Denise Germer Dr. Ellen Golodner The Daniel Price Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Young Artists - Madeline Ann Landry ASCAP Foundation/Mrs. Gia Prima Seth Daniel P. Memorial Award for multi-disciplinary artistic accomplishment - Alexander Reid Wendell Pierce, The Cinque Group, Inc. Williams Emeril Lagasse Foundation Christoph Andersson, Whitney Stewart Ellen H. Golodner M.D. Jelly Roll to Jam Scholarship in Jazz - John Michael Bradford & Hans Andersson Lisa Marie Catalanello Memorial Fund Emeril Lagasse Foundation Scholarship for achievement in Culinary Arts - Chayil A. Johnson Mark Cortale/Extraordinary Talent Productions Terri A. Bartlett Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Drama students Mary Frances Candies, Blodie Entertainment, LLC Genevieve Taylor Farbe, Jimmeraz Johnson, Ian Morris McCarthy, Lily MadÉlynn MorÉt-Kittok, Milly & George Denegre, Jr. Payton Elizabeth Smith and Alexander Reid Williams Moses Hogan Award in Classical Music Hurst Recordings Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Audio Production - Grayton Zande Jackson Hill in honor of Willa Slater Newman Freda M. Lupin Memorial Fund Make It Funky! Film Producers ASCAP Foundation Louis Prima Award presented by Mrs. Gia Prima - John Michael Bradford Mystic Krewe of Satyricon John A. Otte Memorial Fund Wendell Pierce Scholarship in Drama - Jada Alston Owens Jackson Hill Sally Perry New Orleans Rotary Club Scholarship - Grayton Zande Newman and Amelia Craver Seth Daniel P. Memorial Fund Kathy and Lee Randall Mickey Gil Satyricon Award in Musical Theatre - Sarah-Anne Margaret Martinez Madalyn and Robert Schenk Broadway @ NOCCA Scholarship in Musical Theatre was awarded to William Knox Van Horn and Daniel Price Memorial Scholarship Fund Virgina Marion Strauss Crescent Bank & Trust, John August Otte Memorial Award in Visual Arts - Aly Jeanette Najera Mr. and Mrs. Gary Solomon Dr. Andrew Orestano Ingram Lee Foundation Scholarship in Culinary Arts - Arieanna McKnight Jackson Hill
Lisa Marie Catalanello Scholarship Fund Joseph M. Simon Award in Jazz - Roberto JosÉ Bravo Mr. and Mrs. William Catalanello Blair Floyd Giffin Corey & David Rittvo Award of Excellence in Culinary Arts - Cierra Varnado Jackson Hill Ransford Richardson Blodie Entertainment Scholarship in Classical Music - Hoyt Parquet Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Spain Blodie Entertainment Scholarship in Jazz - Brandon Miles Shelton Seth Daniel P. Memorial Scholarship Arlene and Ron Poticha Lee and Kathy Randall Outstanding Graduate Award in Creative Writing – Alexandra Gracen Hendon Mr. and Mrs. Richard Womack Milly and George Denegre Outstanding Graduate Award in Dance – Katherine Lucille Labadie President Honors Helen Hill Memorial Outstanding Graduate Award in Media Arts – Nick Ramey Michelle and Kyle Wedberg Make It Funky! Outstanding Graduate Award in Jazz – Brandon Albert Carcamo
Glennadora & James H. Perry Outstanding Award in Vocal Music – Whitney Campbell
Moses Hogan Outstanding Graduate Award in Classical Instrumental in honor of Willa Slater – Hunter Gierhart
Freda M. Lupin Outstanding Graduate Award in Musical Theatre – Charis Michelle Gullage
Kuumba-Keener Outstanding Graduate Award in Drama – Payton Elizabeth Smith
Madalyn and Robert Schenk Outstanding Graduate Award in Theatre Design – Victoria Alesandra Jackson Hill Borja
The NOCCA Institute Collection Award (Visual Arts Purchase, left) – Armand Louis DeLaureal, Visual Arts Level IV, Light and Moments, fiber based film photograph NOCCA’S JOURNEY DRAMA: FOUNDED JANUARY 1974 BIG 4-0H! GALA 2015 MUSICAL THEATRE 23
The NOCCA Institute and Friends of NOCCA celebrated the new Chevron Forum at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and NOCCA’s 40th Birthday at this year’s Big 4-Oh! Gala, held May 17. Solomon Group provided the special lights and staging for the joyous occasion. Other major sponsors included The New Orleans Advocate, the Arlene & Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation and the Patrick Family Foundation.
Spectacular food and drinks were prepared by Bacchanal, Bittersweet, Brigtsen’s, Commander’s Palace, Emeril’s, Frankie & Johnny’s, La Petite Grocery, Meauxbar, Mondo, Patois, Pralines by Jean, Press Street Station, Swiss Confectionery, Sylvain, The Balcony Ballroom and Willa Jean. Filling Solomon Family Hall and the Press Street Station cafe was entertainment by NOCCA students from the Classical, Jazz, Vocal, Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance and Creative Writing departments; Jee Yeoun Ko and Michael Pellera; the Young Alumni All-Stars; the Alumni All-Stars; and GRAMMY-winners Terence Blanchard and Pedrito Martinez. The silent and live auction featured vacation packages, artwork, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Highlights included a ride in the Orpheus parade, a beautiful set of earrings from Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers and a night of food and music provided by NOCCA faculty members Michael Pellera and Chef Dana D’Anzi Tuohy. Jackson Hill The NOCCA Institute gratefully acknowledges all the sponsors, patrons and guests of this year’s Big 4-Oh! Gala, with special thanks to Gala Co-Chairs Robin Burgess and Terence Blanchard, Alumni Committee Co-Chairs Celeste Marshall and Vanessa Van Vrancken, and The NOCCA Institute Board Members.
Jackson Hill TITLE SPONSOR CHARTRES STREET SPONSORS Robin Burgess and Terence Blanchard Friends of NOCCA Entergy New Orleans, Inc. James P. Raymond, Jr. Foundation NOCCA STAGE Gregory Morey and Scott James Joyce Schenewerk SPONSORS The Solomon Family Arlene & Joseph Meraux Pamela & Warner Williams Charitable Foundation PERRIER STREET SPONSORS The Patrick Family The Balcony Ballroom Foundation Bellus Construction LLC & Anytime Fitness- Harvey Marion and Pepper Bright EVENT PRODUCTION Brothers from the Bottom SPONSOR Joseph M. Bruno Chevron Solomon Group Orlin and Shirley Trusty Corey Milly and George Denegre MEDIA SPONSOR Terence and Henrietta Hall Higher Ground Jackson Hill The New Orleans Advocate IBERIABANK The Kirschman Family PRESS STREET SPONSORS Liskow & Lewis First NBC The MCC Group J. Edgar Monroe Foundation The Lupin Foundation Postlethwaite & Netterville Otto Candies, LLC Nicole and John Regan David Schulingkamp Mit Seiler and Marshall Lee Hugh Uhalt The McDonnel Group The Berger and Tiller Families Whitney Bank NOCCA’S JOURNEY MUSICAL THEATRE: FOUNDED JANUARY 2001 Jackson Hill VISUAL ARTS CREATIVE WRITING 25
excerpt from the wind Elias Carrier Creative Writing, Level III
The wind, the wind. One could say it tilted the man. Even worse, for he was having one of his fits. He was at the will and bend of the ele- ments. His fit caused all control that was his own to go inwards, and he was left motionless and voiceless like a still strand of wheat. Until the wind blew, or the wind, well, just was; the wind, the wind. No one could say what caused or even initially triggered these fits of his (he had gone and spoken to many professional people of his fits; he had described the symptoms and emotions, and the guilt he had, always, in hindsight; looking back, an intense pain, and intense nakedness took over, and before long he could no longer think of the matter; he thought of himself as a boy). One thing alone the man was certain of: once under the spell of these fits, and at the mercy of the wind, he was forced to look inward to understand his innards, and he would claim to his professionals that he had seen his own heart beating many times, and that all around, astonishingly, his inside was covered in shadow. He had expected some light, as if from a lamp. He had expected a light hailing from the direction of his head, or his neck. There must be light coming from there.
looking for god Felicity Lartique, Creative Writing, Level IV
You are large, cold. I used to understand what made you such a mountain. I used to carve myself with thick blades atop altars for you, deeming myself a sacrifice to please you. You deserved that then. I prayed in dark wood churches for you, filled up my lungs with smoke for you. Summer came, and the snow on your peaks melted, you, barren and hard, began to fall into other mountain ranges. I was determined to keep you holy, but you were fiendish and difficult to hold on to. I crumbled for weeks, thought maybe I was the one made of rock. I considered that you were not the One I thought I knew, but no, you are exactly the serpent I expected.
NOCCA’S JOURNEY NOCCA’S JOURNEY VISUAL ARTS: FOUNDED JANUARY 1974 CREATIVE WRITING: FOUNDED AUGUST 1977 JOIN US JOIN US 27
Come visit one of New Orleans’ newest eateries! PRESS At Press Street Station, Chef James Cullen serves seasonal, hearty meals in a sunlit dining room, using PRESS STREET ingredients hand-picked from Press Street Gardens, STREET STATION one block away. GARDENS CAFE Press Street Station is designed to generate long- term financial support for programs as well as further learning experiences for Culinary Arts’ young chefs.
Come by for our all-day breakfast, lunch, weekend jazz brunch featuring alumni, special pop-up dinners and adult cooking classes!
For more information and the seasonal menu visit:
PressStreetStation.com + Facebook.com/ PressStreetStation + Twitter.com/PressStStation
5 Press Street 8 am - 4 pm, seven days a week 504 249 5622
MARKETPLACE
Also shop NOCCA Marketplace at Press Street Station for art and student-crafted sweets and savories such as jams, sauces, vinegars and dog treats in our NOCCA Marketplace. Press Street Gardens is open! Visit our new half-acre urban farm and outdoor learning lab designed to serve Culinary Arts, arts, academics and the community. While culinary students gain extensive growing experience, science students design hands-on experiments and arts disciplines Visit NOCCAInstitute.com for special holiday treats enhance skill development, the gardens also offer produce, workshops and weekend programming for the public. Check out workshops on: and Pie of the Month Club! • propagation • cut flower growing & arranging • outdoor cooking • dye-making from plants • natural fertilizer production • growing tropical foods • preserving • seed saving For hours, information or to volunteer visit: PressStreetGardens.com + Facebook.com/PressStreetGardens + Twitter.com/PressStGardens
Press Street Gardens are made possible through the support of blue moon fund, Trafigura Foundation, Coypu Foundation, Garden Study Club of New Orleans Inc., New Orleans Town Gardeners, Edward Wisner Donation, Keller Family Foundation, 10% off Next door to the cafe is 5 Press Gallery, a New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, United Healthcare and Whole Foods 5% Day. at Press Street Cafe, Press Street Gardens & professional art gallery with a special focus on work 5 Press Gallery for Members by NOCCA alumni and faculty. The gallery features Be a builder of educational opportunities for creative young people by becoming a Friend of NOCCA today. original works of art, as well as prints, bowls, vases, and other items that make great, affordable gifts. ☐ $50 ☐ $100 ☐ $250 ☐ $500 ☐ Other 5 PRESS GALLERY Stop in during our regular business hours or during Name (as you would like it to appear in print) ______Date ______the St. Claude Avenue Art Walk, held 6pm to 9pm on the second Saturday of every month. Address ______
Phone (h) ______Phone (w) ______Email ______5PressGallery.com + Facebook.com/ PressStreetStation + Twitter.com/PressStStation Please ______Find my check enclosed in the amount of $ ______
______Charge my _____ Visa _____ MasterCard _____ American Express in the amount of $ ______5 Press Street 10am - 4pm, Tuesday - Saturday Card Number ______Expiration Date ______504 249 5624 Signature ______
Looking for a venue for small gatherings to large- ______Call me with further information on the programs marked above. scale events, or to book the Boxcar Food Truck for off-site catering, contact Katrina Weschler at 504 Mail to: The NOCCA Institute, 2800 Chartres Street, New Orleans LA 70117, or fax to 504 940 2870. 940 2851 or [email protected]. For further information, call 504.940.2900, or visit our website at www.NOCCAInstitute.com. THE NOCCA INSTITUTE 2800 Chartres Street Non-Profit Orgn. New Orleans, LA 70117 U.S. Postage PAID NOCCAInstitute.com New Orleans, LA Permit # 583
With special thanks for program and expansion leadership to: Over $17,200,000 MCC Real Estate in college scholarships and Emeril Lagasse aid was earned Foundation by NOCCA graduates Chevron in 2015, a $126,000 per Solomon Family student average. RosaMary Foundation
Goldring and Woldenberg Family Foundations
Trafigura Foundation
blue moon fund
The Selley Foundation
Helis Foundation
For more information on auditions and applying to NOCCA, go to NOCCA.com.