JANUARY 2021 If you would like to unsubscribe The BAVPA Beacon newsletter, please contact RON MANGUM ( [email protected] ) or RUSSELL LINK at ([email protected]). This letter is a great way to keep everyone informed about what’s happening in our lives; please help us to keep it going.
LATEST BAVPA ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
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Educator,C Saxophonist and Composer JAMES BRANDON LEWIS (2001) album Live in Willasau with Chad Taylor was named one of Downbeat Magazine’s Top Album of 2020:http://www.jblewis.com/.
ArrowsmithPress.comE article, Grocery Store Chronicles written by Lewis: https://www.arrowsmithpress.com/grocery- store?utm_source=Saxophonist+%7Ccomposer+++James+Brandon+Lewis+++News+%21&utm_campaign=eadd300624- EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_12_08_02_45&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a536d5a51c-eadd300624-212759441 M
ChicagoReader.com article, Brooklyn saxophonist James Brandon Lewis finds inspiration in DNA on Molecular: https://www.chicagoreB ader.com/chicago/brooklyn-saxophonist-james-brandon-lewis-finds-inspiration-in-dna-on- molecular/Content?oid=84057365.
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Check out Lewis’ CD, Molecular on Intakt Records ( http://www.intaktrec.ch/342.htm ), the recording features Brad Jones, Chad Taylor, and Aruan Ortiz.
Lewis’ CD, Live at Willisau (https://jamesbrandonlewis.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-willisau ) is on sale now.
Check out Orientation of We’s new album, Emergence with ( https://stilll-off.bandcamp.com/album/emergence ) with Max Johnson, Michael Irwin , Joe Hertenstein and JBL.
VICTORIA PEREZ (1997) is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Raices Theatre Company (www.raicestheatrecompany.com), SMIRNA MERCEDES-PEREZ (1992) and LISETTE DEJESUS are RTC members.
SCOTT “GUS” POITRAS (1992) is the advanced carpenter in the San Francisco, CA staging of J.K. Rowling’s stage play, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at Curran Theatre in San Francisco, CA:https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/san-francisco/.
SMH.com article, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s return to the stage is a true litmus test: https://www.smh.com.au/culture/theatre/harry- potter-and-the-cursed-child-s-return-to-the-stage-is-a-true-litmus-test-20201218-p56os3.html.
WinterisComing.com article, Universal: We’re “not done” building the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: https://winteriscoming.net/2020/11/17/universal-exec-not-done-building-wizarding-world-harry-potter/.
Poitras was production carpenter in the Broadway musical comedy The Prom ( https://theprommusical.com/ ) closed August 18, 2019.
The Prom related article, Celebrate Theatre With These 25 Lego Broadway Recreations: https://www.playbill.com/article/celebrate-theatre- with-these-25-lego-broadway-recreations.
Playbill.com article, The musical, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, opened at the Longacre Theatre November 15, 2018. https://www.playbill.com/article/celebrate-the-prom-with-a-look-back-at-its-journey-to-broadway.
The Prom’s Netflix official website, https://www.netflix.com/title/81079914.
Poitras was the Advance Flyman on Sara Bareilles’ penned musical Waitress on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theater ( https://waitressthemusical.com/), the production closed January 5, 2020 after 1544 performances.
Playbill.com article, Waitress Will Now Launch U.K. and Ireland Tour in Spring 2021:https://www.playbill.com/article/waitress-will-now-launch- uk-and-ireland-tour-in-spring-2021.
GABRIEL ROBERE’ (2005), JON CESAR ( 1989 ) and WGRZ-TV Channel 2’s CLAUDINE EWING (1988) appeared in the 2018 action/sci-fi horror film, The First Purge, ( https://www.uphe.com/movies/the-first-purge ) starring Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Oscar winner Marisa Tomei and Patch Dorragh.
JON CESAR (1989) will portray legendary recording artist, national lounge singer, radio personality and WNY icon, Lance Diamond biopic, Diamond in the Buff now in pre-production.
Author/Dancer/African Drum Instructor and Educator KRISTIN CRAGE’s (1988) publication, Woman to Woman-The Conversation, Part I is available for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/ Woman-Conversation-Part-I/dp/0692164618.
Woman to Woman-The Conversation, Part I Book Overview
This series is about the conversations we never had, need to have, and still can have. It’s about growing from girl to woman - living, loving and learning while finding self-worth and dignity in the face of serious setbacks and major challenges. This is the journey of releasing pain and anger, no judgment and no-holds-barred and finding the way to love. The Woman to Woman series is for every woman.
Woman to Woman-Part II Book Overview
Woman to Woman-Part II is the continuing series about the conversations |we never had, need to have, and still can have. It's about growing from girl to woman; living, loving and learning while finding self-worth and dignity in the face of serious setbacks and major challenges. This is the journey of all that is unspoken to find the way to love."
To order copies of the Woman to Woman books and her first publication,Between Humans And Animals, go to https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Kristin+A.+Crage?_requestid=2212812.
Singer, Multi-instrumentalist, Poet, Songwriter, Activist and Businesswoman ANI DIFRANCO (1987) to perform at the Peter Mulvey with SistaStrings in Minneapolis, MN March 9, 2021. For tickets and more information, go to https://www.righteousbabe.com/.
NoDepression.com article, Ani DiFranco on ‘Revolutionary Love’ and Tending to Wounds: https://www.nodepression.com/ani-difranco-on- revolutionary-love-and-tending-to-wounds/.
DiFranco’s new album, Revolutionary Love will be released January 29, 2021:https://righteousbabe.ffm.to/revlove-preorder.ofp.
DiFranco is an advocate for The Breathe Act ( https://breatheact.org ), a legislation that would radically transform the nation's criminal justice system by eliminating life sentences, retroactively expunging drug crimes, shutting down multiple federal agencies and permanently closing prisons and immigration detention centers, among other agenda items. For more information about the bill, go to link.
DifFranco portrayed the character of Persephone on the Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown concept album ( available now on Righteous Babe’s record label:https://www.righteousbabe.com/.
Scotscoop.com article, ‘Hadestown’ is a breathtaking journey to the underworld: https://scotscoop.com/hadestown-is-a-breathtaking-journey- to-the-underworld/.
Hadestown related article, Celebrate Theatre With These 25 Lego Broadway Recreations:https://www.playbill.com/article/celebrate-theatre- with-these-25-lego-broadway-recreations.
DiFranco’s memoir, No Walls and the Recurring Dream and audio recording are available for purchase: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/558143/no-walls-and-the-recurring-dream-by-ani-difranco/9780735225176/.
THE FLASH, RENT, LAW & ORDER, SEXUAL HEALING FILM AND TICK TICK…BOOM! NEWS
JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) pictured with actor Grant Gustin, portrays Central City Police Department’s Captain Joe West on the CW-TV ( http://www.cwtv.com/) superhero series, The Flash.
SpolierTV.com article, The Flash - Season 7 - First 5 Episode Titles Revealed:https://www.spoilertv.com/2020/11/the-flash-season-7-first-5- episodes.html?m=1.
SyFy.com article, FROM CRISIS TO FLASHPOINT: CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF THE FLASH: https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/from-crisis-to- flashpoint-celebrating-80-years-of-the-flash
ScrenRant.com article, The Flash Season 7 Will See the Return of Fan-Favorite Villains: https://screenrant.com/flash-season-7-villains-return- danielle-nicolet-tease/.
PopSugar.com-Rent related article, Vanessa Hudgens's New Tattoo Is a Sweet Tribute to a Late Playwright: https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/vanessa-hudgens-tick-tick-boom-tattoo-47977510.
Playbill.com-Rent’s Jonathan Larson related article, In the News: Tick, Tick...BOOM! Movie Wraps Filming, a Sneak Peek at Matthew Morrison's Grinch, More: https://www.playbill.com/article/in-the-news-tick-tickboom-movie-wraps-filming-a-sneak-peek-at-matthew- morrisons-grinch-more.
BAVPA ALUMNI (GRADUATION YEARS UNKNOWN) and MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Griselda Record’s First Lady ARMANI CAESAR stars in the record company’s first motion picture, Conflicted; the film’s scheduled for a January 15 release on Pay-Per-View: https://conflicted.uscreen.io/ .
TheSource.com article, GRISELDA RECORDS ANNOUNCE DEBUT FEATURE FILM ‘CONFLICTED’ STARRING WESTSIDE GUNN, BENNY THE BUTCHER, MICHAEL RAPAPORT AND MORE:https://thesource.com/2020/12/11/griselda-records-announce-debut-feature-film-conflicted- starring-westside-gunn-benny-the-butcher-michael-rapaport-and-more/.
Children’s book illustrator/Educator and Musician SHANE W. EVANS’ artwork is featured in Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa written by Donna L. Washington.
Spokesman.com article, Water Cooler: Holiday kids reads: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/dec/15/water-cooler-holiday-kids-reads/.
BuffaloRising.com interview featuring Drummer DAVID JONATHAN, https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/12/interview-david-jonathan-playing- through-transitions/ .
Author A.A. LEWIS wrote the Buffalo-Based 90’s urban novels, The 716 Back to Business, The 716 Love & Consequences and The 716 Ladies First are available for purchase: https://dspublishing.net/.
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DR. SILVIA LLOYD wrote two publications, Pandemic Preparedness Guide for School Administrators: Policies, Practices, and Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic (Coronavirus Crisis in Our Schools) and The 21st-Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Silvia-Lloyd/e/B08M27GW73%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share.
CRISANTA MELENDEZ was the visual effects coordinator for the upcoming military science fiction action film, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins; the film opens nationwide June, 2021.
EW.com article, Snake Eyes star Henry Golding points to samurai film influences on character-driven story: https://ew.com/movies/snake- eyes-henry-golding-samurai-film-influences/.
KEN C. SAYRES is the author of the marriage publication, Love is Not Enough: But with God: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-is-not-enough-6.
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A SHEA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
Experience the true meaning of the holidays with your family and enjoy a livestream production of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL, unlike any other—past, present or future. The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge has been given new life.
Staged exclusively for this production and captured live with breathtaking clarity, this must-watch streaming event conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theatre home for the holidays. This production stars Broadway’s Jefferson Mays ( I AM MY OWN WIFE, GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE), starring in 50 roles of a lifetime. Tickets are on sale now for this Christmas Classic for $50.00 per household: http://bit.ly/sheaschristmascarol.
The production will be screened virtually through January 3 worldwide; to order tickets go to https://www.onthestage.com/show/geffen- playhouse/a-christmas-carol-51574/tickets/5f970970218fd70004803ce3.
BAVPA FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
KELLY BEUTH is a BAVPA Theatre teacher and CAROLINE SANDERS-PARZY are members of the Brazened Faced Varlets Theatre Company: http://www.varlets.org/. BFVTC presents My Left Breast written by Susan Miller featuring Lara Haberberger March 19-April 2, 2021.
Actor, Director and Acting Instructor JOSIE DIVINCENZO ( http://www.josiedivincenzo.com/ ) conducts film and TV acting classes. For more information, see poster or go to link.
DiVincenzo appeared in the 2020 Christian sci-fi apocalyptic motion picture, G.O.D. ( Givers of Death) directed by Addison Henderson; the film made its world premiere and received the 24th Annual American Black Film Festival's award for Best Screenplay.
SAUL ELKIN is founder of the Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY (http://jewishrepertorytheatre.com/) and Shakespeare in Delaware Park: http://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/. JRT presents Exquisite Potential January 7- January 27. For tickets and information, go to JRT’s link.
STEPHEN MCKINLEY HENDERSON to star in the sci-fi classic remake, Dune ( https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/dune ) directed by Denis Villeneuve; the film is slated for an October 1 release.
SANDRA LEE FOLEY-HITCHCOCK is the creator of The BAVPA Beacon’s newsletter header, BAVPA Class of 2016 logo who also designs graphics and websites. Hitchcock designed the BAVPA 41 Years strong logo honoring the past and present school colors.
For more information about Hitchcock’s work, go to www.warandra- productions.com/Website_ Hosting_and_Design.html.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BAVPA BEACON’S RUSSELL INK
Dear BAVPA alumni Georgian Voters, don’t forget to vote for Reverend Raphael Warnock in the upcoming January 5, 2021 Senate Runoff Election:www.warnockforgeorgia.com.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED
BAVPA was mentioned in the BuffaloRising.com article, 2020 Giving Guide | Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra: https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/12/2020-giving-guide-bpo/.
BuffaloNews.com-BAVPA related article, Buffalo School Board prevails in court over complaints about music and arts curriculum: https://buffalonews.com/news/local/buffalo-school-board-prevails-in-court-over-complaints-about-music-and-arts- curriculum/article_4845f9b6-3bd0-11eb-8f13-9f38985252c0.html.
BAVPA Senior ISABELLE CARTER has been accepted into the Speech and Hearing Sciences Program at Edinboro University, where she will pursue her dream of developing new ways to help young people with disabilities. Congratulations!
Patch.com-Carter related article, Mayor Byron W. Brown Announces Important Updates To Buffalo's Response To COVID-19: https://patch.com/new-york/buffalo/mayor-byron-w-brown-announces-important-updates-buffalo-s-response-covid-19-2.
Artist VALENTINO DIXON was featured in the WKBW-TV’s Eyewitness News report, Michelle Obama buys Valentino Dixon's artwork as Christmas gift to Former President Obama: https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/michelle-obama-buys-valentino-dixons-artwork-as- christmas-gift-to-former-president-obama.
BAVPA alumna SIDNEY FLANIGAN (2016) appeared in the critically acclaimed and award winning indie film, Never Rarely Sometimes Always: https://www.focusfeatures.com/never-rarely-sometimes-always.
Golderby.com article, Why ‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’ star Sidney Flanigan could be a stealth Oscar contender for Best Actress: https://www.goldderby.com/article/2020/sidney-flanigan-never-rarely-sometimes-always-oscars-best-actress/.
Purchase JAY DREF’S (2009) latest CD Carol of the Drum ( https://carolofthedrum.com/jay-dref/ ) and check out Dref’s last album, Drifting: https://open.spotify.com/album/5EDm1O5wfTdZMGTMvE0bzV .
Celebrity Make Up artist SIR JOHN BARNETT (2000) was hired by Mattel Inc. Toys to do the makeup of the new multi-ethnic Barbie Doll collection.
US.Hola.com-Barnett related article, BARBIE HIRED SIR JOHN AS HER NEWEST MAKEUP ARTIST: https://us.hola.com/celebrities/gallery/20201217fu2j50chp3/sir-john-barbie-makeover/1
Artist JULIAN MONTAGUE (1991) was featured in the NY Times article, 5 Art Accounts to Follow on Instagram Now: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/arts/design/instagram-art-accounts.html.
Former BAVPA Theatre Teacher MARGO DAVIS appeared in the 2019 film, The True Adventures of Wolfboy distributed by Vertical Entertainment: https://www.vert-ent.com/.
IndieWire.Com-Wolfboy related article, The 20 Overlooked Indie Movies from 2020 You Need to See: https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/most- overlooked-movies-2020/.
BAVPA MUSICAL FLASHBACKS & FUTURE MAJOR MEDIA PRODUCTION NEWS
The BAVPA Kenny Award nominated musical Les Mise’rables was performed in 2019, BAVPA MATTHEW WILSON (who portrayed Jean Valjean in Les Misérables), represented WNY at the 2019 Jimmy Awards ( https://kennyawards.weebly.com/2019-kenny-awards.html ) held in NYC.
Les Miserables 2019 ( French version ) film website:https://www.amazon.com/Mis%C3%A9rables-Damien-Bonnard/dp/B082K8GY9N.
BAVPA presented Dreamgirls directed by ANDREW KOTTLER, KAREN SAXON in 2015; the stellar production featured numerous and talented BAVPA alumni, staff and faculty.
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BAVPA staged the Kenny Award winning musical West Side Story in 2016; the original BAVPA production performed at the former Pfeifer/ Center Theatre in Buffalo’s Theatre District in 1999.
BAVPA staged West Side Story at Pfeifer Theatre in 1999.
CheatSheet.com article, ‘West Side Story’: Natalie Wood’s Ghost Singer Can Be Heard In Several Classic Films: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/west-side-story-filming-was-so-grueling-the-dancers-burned-their-kneepads.html/.
West Side Story related article, Celebrate Theatre With These 25 Lego Broadway Recreations: https://www.playbill.com/article/celebrate- theatre-with-these-25-lego-broadway-recreations.
BAVPA and Raices Theatre ( https://raicestheatrecompany.com/) staged) West Side Story ( 2016, 1999) and In the Heights ( 2020 & 2018).
JOSEPH MAHFOUD (1984) portrayed the lead role of Conrad Birdie in the BAVPA 1985 production, Bye Bye Birdie, directed by CLAUDIA MARSCHALL. The production featured JESSE L. MARTIN (1987), played Albert Peterson ( Conrad’s record company president andinformally his agent); GINA DORMER (1986) played Rosie, Peterson’s secretary (and girlfriend); JAMES WALKER (1987) portrayed Mr.McAfee; DENA MURRAY played Mrs. McAfee; CRYSTAL SYMS (1985) played Kim McAfee,JAY INGERSON (1987) played Randolph McAffee; the late KENNETH DOYLE (1987) played Hugo ( Kims’ boyfriend) and numerous BAVPA alumni.
BAVPA presented the 1984 production Our Town ( directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI ) featuring JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) as George Gibbs, CHRISTINA MARIE BYKOWICZ (1985) as Emily Webb and numerous BAVPA alumni; DAVID FENDRICK ( who portrayed The Narrator), passed away in 1988.
BroadwayWorld.com article, Howard Sherman's ANOTHER DAY'S BEGUN, Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN in the 21st Century, to be Published ANOTHER DAY'S BEGUN will be published on January 28, 2021: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Howard-Shermans-ANOTHER- DAYS-BEGUN-Thornton-Wilders-OUR-TOWN-in-the-21st-Century-to-be-Published-20200923.
Playbill.com article, Multilingual Version of Our Town Now Available for Licensing From Concord Theatricals: https://www.playbill.com/article/multilingual-version-of-our-town-now-available-for-licensing-from-concord-theatricals.
A Buffalo production of Runaways was directed by FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI, featured BAVPA alumni. The production was performed at Center Theatre (now Town Ballroom in downtown Buffalo in 1982; ELIZABETH SWADOS ( who created the musical), attended one of the performances). Runaways was staged again at Artpark in Lewiston, NY in 1983; Swados passed away January 5, 2016. Swados won an Obie Award for Best Director.
Wikipedia’s Runaways musical web link, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaways_(musical).
Pantochino’s acclaimed Teen Theatre company/theatre workshop in West Haven, CT presents Runaways January 2-February 8 as it’s Winter 2021 project. Featuring book, music and lyrics by Elizabeth Swados, the show is a collection of songs, dances, and spoken word pieces about young people who have run away from their homes. Initially created from interviews with homeless children and those in orphanages, Swados weaves songs about personal struggle and the world at large through the eyes of youth in New York City in the ’70s. The show blends different musical styles, from pop to hip-hop and jazz to reggae. To register ( limit 30 students), go to http://www.pantochino.com/teen-theatre.
Swados related article, The Dybbuk – Theatre for the New City/New Yiddish Rep, New York City: https://www.thereviewshub.com/the-dybbuk- theatre-for-the-new-city-new-yiddish-rep-new-york-city/.
UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS
BAVPA 2020-2021 VIRTUAL PRODUCTIONS
This year, our production calendar will not take you into the galleries and stages of our school, but rest assured, our BAVPA Arts educators are dedicated to promoting the essential role the arts play in fully educating our students. In all our virtual art studios, students are being encouraged to make connections to the world around them to produce works of creative self-expression.
The dance department will soon release 'My Name, My Identity', an original dance production. The dance students' creative exploration incorporated their reflection of who they are and what they want to be with dance movements. Look for more information on our website about this dynamic production which highlights the importance and effectiveness of an arts education experience.
In the theater department, Ms. Beuth’s 8th, 10th, and 12th graders are producing an original podcast that will air on our school’s YouTube channel. This work is a celebration and exploration of the lives and accomplishments of John Lewis and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.‘T oday We Mourn, Tomorrow We Fight: May Their Memory Be A Revolution’ will showcase student monologues that express how these two great heroes affected student’s lives.
The media department students are producing a series of short films reflecting their time in quarantine. "Coming of Age in 2020" will air on our Instagram channel in November. The media students will be collaborating with other departments to assist in producing virtual productions.
Check back to our school website ( http://www.buffaloartsacademy.org/ ) and social media platforms to find updated production information.
BAVPA YEARBOOK SALE
BAVPA yearbooks are on sale for the following years while supplies last. 1984, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Yearbooks are $20.00 each or three for $50.00 and at the school. For more information, contact Sheila at [email protected].
Call (716) 816-4220 or go to ( http://www.buffaloartsacademy.org/ ) for more information.
BAVPA ALUMNI EDUCATORS
STEVE APPLER (1981), Visual Art Teacher, Amherst High School
KAREN TOMZAK (1981), Program Director of Dance at Western University, Cullowhee, North Carolina
DEBORAH LIPA-CIOTTA (1982), Tapestry Charter School, K-4 Dance Teacher
ARLENE SHORT (1982), Patient Health Navigator, Buffalo
OMAR CARTER (1984), Arts Teacher, Philadelphia, PA
CAITLIN BAUMLER-COLEMAN (1984), Tapestry Charter School, K-8, Grade ½ Teacher
TRACEY HOLT-COFIELD (1984), Principal, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DONNA KERR (1984),City Honors Music, Buffalo
MICHAEL STARZYNSKI (1984), Waterfront School, 1st Grade Teacher
ARTHUR PERRY (1984), Crossing Guard, Volunteer Librarian Aid, Clear Creek Elementary School, Kileen/Temple, TX
TINA “CHRISTINA” WALKER-BYKOWICZ (1985), Nursery School and Elementary School Educator
JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD (1985), Retired Tapestry Charter High School, Music Teacher
GEORGE DAVIS (1986), BAVPA Arts Vocal and Music Teacher
ROMONA THOMAS-REYNOLDS (1986), Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Institute, Public School #39
JAY INGERSON (1987), BAVPA Arts Theatre Instructor
ORNIECE HILL (1988), Principal BPS School #43
JODY COVINGTON (1988), BAVPA Principal
KU’WONNA MAHONE INGRAM (1988), University of Phoenix Adjunct Instructor and Principal at Lee County Youth Development Center, AL
LISA HANNA-MATHEWS (1988), Ethics and Project Management Professor, Georgetown University and University of Maryland
HOLLY QUICKSEY (1988), Ph.D. Assistant to the Dean & Assistant Director of MECHS Programs, SUNY Buffalo State College
MARC RUMMENIE (1988), The Gow School, South Wales, NY
LESLIEANNE BIRD (1990), Teaching with Orff Music and Movement Educator, North Olmstead, OH
ORNIECE HILL ( 1990), Assistant Principal, South Park High School, Buffalo
JOSEPH MOBERLY (1991), House Electrician at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
MICHAEL WEIDRICH (1991), Executive Director, Young Audiences of WNY
SEAN CLEMENTS (1992), Bronx, NY
DAVID PATERSON (1992), Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, P.S. #22, Queens, NY
MATTHEW HURLEY (1994), Middle School Teacher, Raleigh, NC
JESSE MANK (1994), Tapestry Charter High School, English Teacher
LIZ YOUNG (1995), Professor of Graphic Design and Illustration, Pace University, NY
PATRICIA ENFIELD (1996), Elementary Education
TAMMY GAGOLA (1996), Elementary Education
NICOLE JONES (1996), BAVPA Dance
ERNEST KEEN (1996), Physical Education, Rochester
LISA SANTIAGO (1996), Vocal Music
LUCY ALTIERI (1997), Visual Arts
MICHEL DEVANS (1997), Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
TANDY GREEN (1997), Elementary Education
EMILY BALL, LMT (1997) HEAT Center ( http://www.heat.center/ ) Founder, Massage Therapist; Reiki, Energy & Spirit Work Educator/Mentor
GINA DORMER 1986 Music, School #81, Buffalo
PAUL M. SIEKIERSKI (1999), Music
MARIA INTORRE (2000), Elementary Charter School
DENNIS YACOBUCCI (2001), Brooklyn Special Education
CHRISTOPHER RUDROFF (2002), Music
SHAWN M. ISAACS (2004), Assistant Director of Life Residence at Alfred University
JYESHA CLARK (2005), Founder of Ms. Jye’s Music Corner
CONNOR GRAHAM (2011), Graduate Teaching Assistant/Graduate Student at Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre
LIZ BAILEY (Unknown), Todd County Middle School, Elkton, KY
LISA BAINES-DANIELS (Unknown), BPS Adult Education Division
MICHELE DEVANS, 1st Grade Teacher at Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DARREN BROWN (Unknown), BPS Chief of Staff, Buffalo
YOLANDA FIELDS (Unknown), Buffalo Garden Walk Chairperson
RONDA GORDON (Unknown), President of the Forsyth County Association of Educators, GA
MARIA INTORRE (Unknown), BPS System
DONNA KERR ( Unknown ), Olmstead Kensington
JAMES.KREATE (Unknown), Furniture and Arts and Crafts Store
DAVE RIFFLE (Unknown), BAVPA Media Communication Arts Teacher
DR. TARYN SPENCER, M.D. (Unknown), UB Medical Instructor, Internal Medicine/Preventive Medicine
ELIZABETH YOUNG (Unknown), President/Creative Director at Studio L
OTHER BAVPA ALUMNI VOCATIONS
AMY (CROOKS) SCANLON (1981), Senior Lead Professional Development Trainer, MAXIMUS, Inc.
ANDY MCCLAIN (1981), Owner of Treats Unleashed, Amherst, NY
PETE GALLIVAN (1983), WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Daybreak Co-Anchor
NANCY WILLAMS-NETTLES (1984), Crisis Counselor at the YWCA of Nashville and Middle TN
UMAR ADEYOLA (1988), President and CEO, H.E.A.R.T. Foundation, Buffalo
KRISTIN CRAGE (1988), West African Ivory Coast Drum accompanist, Alvin Ailey School of Dance
PASTOR GARNEY DAVIS, JR. (1988), Founder of Impacting Love Global Ministries and CEO of Impacting Love, Inc.
CLAUDINE EWING (1988), WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Reporter/Anchor
VINCENT MARASCHIELLO (1989), Systems Administrator, PureRED Integrated Marketing Atlanta, GA
STEVEN MARCHIONE (1989), Francesca’s Restaurant, Buffalo
REGINALD BURKE,SR. (1990), Founder of Bay Area Hoops, Tampa Bay, FL
CHAD JAKUBOWSKI (1991), Personal Trainer, Buffalo
STEFAN MYCHAJLIW (1991), Erie County Comptroller
JOSHUA P. SMITH, PHD (1996), Owner,Sato’s Japanese Restaurant, Buffalo
LUCILLE ALTIERI (1997), Presto Restaurant, Buffalo
AMANDA RAYBURG (1998), Massage Therapist at HEAT Center/Holistic Healing Center, Buffalo
KAMERON D. WOOD (2011), Director & Production Assistant
RICKY WHITCOMB (2004), Tour Manager, StarQuest International
CRAIG PRIDGEN (2002), Pastor and M&T Bank Analyis
RYAN APONTE (Unknown), Owner of Energy Art LLC, Buffalo
APRIL BASKIN (Unknown), Erie County Legislature Majority Leader
CHARLOTTE CARWELL (Unknown) Founder, P.O.C.E. Dance & Art Institute, Buffalo
LAKEISHA CARTER (Unknown), Dance Choreographer Dance Incorporated Center for the Fine & Performing Arts, Sickerfield, NJ
STEPHANIE CALHOUN (Unknown), Assistant Attorney General, NYS Office of the Attorney General
DANIELLE CATONE (Unknown), Danielle’s Dance and Fitness School
JESSIE FISHER (Unknown), Executive Director, Preservation Buffalo Niagara
TAMMY GAVIDIN (Unknown), Dance Instructor Tonawanda Dance Arts Faculty, Tonawanda
KRIS HOLLIE (Unknown), Personal Physical Fitness Trainer for Impact Training 716 and Ascend to Greatness
KIMMY JANE (Unknown), Kimmy Jane Tattoo & Artwork, Buffalo
AQUIL JONES (Unknown), Videographer, Krump Dancer and Founder of Legacy Visions Production
MELODY JONES (Unknown), Audio Technician
CHANON JUDSON, Associate Artistic Director, Urban Bush Women Dance Company
GINA MARTINEZ (Unknown), Dance Instructor at Broadway Dancesations, Lutz, FL
EBONY PACE, Against Destruction Theatrically Founder
DAVID RIFFEL (Unknown), Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s documentarian and arts collaborator, Niagara Falls, NY
KAT WHITEFIELD (Unknown), Photography Assistant at Locust Street Art, Buffalo
ELIZABETH YOUNG (Unknown), President/Creative Director at Buffalo Studio Labs, Buffalo
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Please visit BAVPA Memories, a photo website devoted to BAVPA’s past, present, and future. To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if you have questions, go to the site link (www.bavpamemories.com) and check out the BAVPA Memories PDF.
“To follow site postings, make suggestions, or if you have questions, go to the site link and check out the BAVPA Memories posting (below).”