“Wow!  I’m so surprised….did you see Henry……did you hear him?  Yes, but what about Tess, Ruth and Robert—they totally shocked me…just didn’t expect that from them…NO WAY!  I would not have believed it if I had not been there to see it myself…I’m so impressed…where did you say this happened?... at Booker T. Washington High School of course!

These were the remarks of students, faculty, administration and parents who attended the Spring Piano Recital presented by the Fine Arts Department at Booker T. Washington High School under the direction of Mr. Olander Robinson.  A presentation from piano students playing music from the masters like Beethoven and Bach, to the Blues, traditional Spirituals, and even original compositions were the highlight against a backdrop of beauty, discipline, order, and a strong will and determination to excel.  In addition to the technical skill displayed on the piano, students wrote personal quotes about what the art of playing the piano and music means to them.

Music and the Arts at Booker T. Washington High school are a tradition of excellence.  From its beginnings, Booker T. Washington has touted many talented arts’ professionals among its faculty with talented students fulfilling the school’s motto:  Rising to Meet the Challenge.  Through the years, students who have participated in the arts programs (band, choir, drama, visual arts) have excelled in other academic areas as well.   We are proud that many of the valedictorians, salutatorians, class queens, SGA Officers have come from the ranks of band and choir.

Over the past ten years of accountability reporting, our nation, our state, and our county have focused on the core academic areas that are assessed:  English Language Arts/Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.  In fact, we are at a crucial point in time as our educators fight to increase academic rigor in our curriculum.  It is critical that we prepare our students to compete in a global society.  But just as important as it is to teach them to read, write, compute and become critical thinkers, it is also vital that we ensure an appreciation of the beauty of and in life; enlighten the mind for creativity, exploration, invention; and increase aesthetic awareness in our students.

 We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Robinson and his piano students.   We are so proud of you!