Lee Commander, director of Leon High School’s Marching Redcoats, was named the 2023 Arts Advocate Award winner by Florida State University’s Opening Nights program. The award, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, recognizes Commander’s efforts to provide arts education opportunities for students.

At Commander’s request, nearly 500 Leon High School students in theater, guitar, band, dance and visual arts received access to professional artists through Opening Nights. These experiences included:

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical (Improv) School Show and Masterclass: Theater students participated in an improv show and masterclass, learning techniques like “yes, and” from industry professionals.

Jesse Cook Performance: Guitar students attended a public performance by the Canadian guitarist, known for his blend of flamenco and world music.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet: Dance students watched a performance by this innovative company, gaining insight into storytelling through movement.

Bria Skonberg Masterclasses: Jazz students learned from the trumpet player in sessions organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Skonberg shared her experiences and emphasized group cohesion.

Mandy Patinkin Masterclass: Theater students observed the Broadway legend working with FSU Musical Theater students. Patinkin encouraged young artists to use their talents to improve the world.

Dean Mitchell Lecture: Art students virtually attended a lecture by the visual artist as part of the Chain of Parks program.

These experiences, made possible by VyStar Credit Union’s sponsorship, aimed to foster creativity, problem-solving skills and self-expression among Leon High School’s arts students. The program highlights the importance of arts education in developing young minds and connecting students with the broader artistic community.

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On April 18th, visual artist Dean Mitchell visited FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship to put on an interactive lecture for the students. In addition to undergraduate-level students, over 40 middle and high school art students joined via Zoom.

Mitchell began the lecture by going over his previous art shows and work, sharing his experiences as a new and aspiring artist. He discussed in detail how race-based disparities held him back when starting his career. It took him a long time to find a studio that would display and sell art painted by an African American. This experience stood out to one student. “I am trying to overcome being denied exhibition opportunities by an art group I belong to and have been very involved with,” said student Jennifer Hunter. “I think this is because I think differently about some ethical issues. What advice can you give me to overcome this and find new opportunities?”

Mitchell ended the lecture by showing the students a photo of him with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. He talked about how this was the ultimate sign of his success, and how his journey took him from working in tobacco fields in Quincy, Florida to standing with the President and First Lady. Mitchell had very few people who believed in his dream to become a successful painter, but this moment let him know that his hard work had paid off.

Participants joined from across the country, including one student from Montana. “Thank you, thank you for this wonderful presentation. I have followed you and your work for years, from here, along the Blackfoot River in western Montana,” said attendee Lisa Smith. “You inspire me and all who know you and love and understand your work.” The lecture concluded with Mitchell opening the floor for questions and discussions with the students.

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Jesmyn Ward is an acclaimed novelist and professor of English at Tulane University. Notable works of hers include Salvage the Bones, The Fire This Time (ed.), and Sing, Unburied, Sing. Her works center on Black communities and their struggles surrounding poverty racism addiction and incarceration. She is the first African American woman to be awarded two National Book Awards for Fiction for her works Sing, Unburied, Sing (2017) and Salvage the Bones (2011). Her newest book, Let Us Descend, was recently published in October of 2023. On Monday, March 18th, Opening Nights hosted Jesmyn Ward, who taught a masterclass for students in Florida State’s Department of English. This masterclass took place at the historic Heritage Museum at Dodd Hall on FSU’s campus. Over 75 students and professors attended, excited for the opportunity to learn from Ward. Her skills as a writer and speaker were evident to all in attendance.

During the masterclass, Ward favored a more personable setting and prioritized maintaining a conversation with the audience. Skip Horack, author and creative writing professor at Florida State University, facilitated the masterclass. Horack’s professionalism and passion for writing further increased the quality of such an expert masterclass. Christell Victoria Roach, an incoming student attending FSU in the fall, traveled from Miami, Florida. “Hearing about Jesmyn’s process, mindset, and journey felt very assuring and gives me hope for many transformations,” said Roach.

Special thanks to Professor Maxine Montgomery from the FSU English Department for being instrumental in making this opportunity available to the students. “We are quite fortunate to have snagged such an accomplished poet whose academic interests cross the boundaries between Creative Writing and Literary Studies,” said Montgomery. “Christell’s decision to attend FSU and her enthusiastic response to Ward attests to the importance of ON and the wonderful work that you do in attracting a stellar lineup of guests. Many thanks for all that you do!” Delivering high-quality educational programs to the Tallahassee community is the mission of Opening Nights in Class, and such programs provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences at no charge to participants.

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On Friday, March 8th students at the FSU School of Theatre were given the opportunity to observe and participate in a masterclass taught by Mandy Patinkin. Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career precedes him. He is an American actor and singer known for his roles in theater, the concert stage, film, television, and as a recording artist.

On Thursday, March 7th, Bria Skonberg hosted masterclasses for two Leon High School Jazz Bands. Skonberg is a trumpeter identified by the “Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents” initiative as an up-and-coming musician and a rising star. Bria Skonberg (Trumpet, Vocals, Co-Music Director), along with Benny Benack III (Trumpet, Vocals, Co-Music Director), Jocelyn Gould (guitar), Jon Thomas (piano), Charles Goold (drums), and Mark Lewandowski (bass), have been touring their show “Sing and Swing”. This includes their performance hosted by Opening Nights at Tallahassee’s premier variety venue: The Moon.

Skonberg’s time at Leon High School was split between two jazz bands composed of students in 9th-12th grade. Throughout the masterclass, Skonberg emphasized the importance of coming together as a group, both physically (i.e., strategic positioning to see each other) and musically. She told students that sometimes the best solution to your problems is simply having fun and getting into “the groove”. Skonberg emphasized that with music, we shouldn’t overcomplicate things when music often comes naturally to us as humans. Skonberg shared with the students her experiences learning trumpet in a public-school band program, the same as they were. She told students that it’s possible to have successful careers in music even if they have not had the opportunity to have lessons like she had not. As the class concluded, she gave students who wanted to pursue jazz careers advice to listen to as much music as they could and to play in as many combos as they could.

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On Thursday, March 21^st, Damn Tall Buildings performed at James S. Rickards High School for more than 300 high school students, hosted by Opening Nights in Class. With a name that turns heads, Damn Tall Buildings is an eclectic, three-piece bluegrass group with members Max Capistran (guitarist/lead vocalist), Sasha Dubyk (bassist/lead vocalist), and Avery Ballotta (fiddler/vocalist). At the beginning of the show, Damn Tall Buildings asked if there were any fans of bluegrass, and the students proclaimed, “NO!” This did not deter the trio from exposing the high schoolers to the quality, energetic bluegrass music deeply rooted in American history. Damn Tall Buildings pushes the boundaries of bluegrass music, fusing elements of blues, swing and roots-rock into their sound. By the end of the night, when asked if the students now enjoyed bluegrass, they were met with a resounding “YES!” from the students in the high school auditorium. The students asked what kind of music the band members liked, and they responded that they enjoyed much of the same music students in the audience did, such as K-Pop, Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo.

In addition to students, teachers and faculty, Tasha Weinstein and Joe Williams attended as members of the Opening Nights in Class Education Outreach Committee. This committee is made up of educators and leaders in the community who use their knowledge to ensure the delivery of quality education programs provided through Opening Nights at FSU. Continuous community support makes opportunities like this possible for the Tallahassee community. As the show ended, Capistran gave closing remarks to the students, wishing them “an amazing, fruitful life”. Damn Tall Buildings’ performance not only introduced students to the vibrant world of bluegrass but also highlighted the power of music in bringing communities together.

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On Friday, March 8th students at the FSU School of Theatre were given the opportunity to observe and participate in a masterclass taught by Mandy Patinkin. Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career precedes him. He is an American actor and singer known for his roles in theater, the concert stage, film, television, and as a recording artist.

The masterclass began with Dr. Jai Vartikar, first lady of the university giving the opening remarks. As soon as Patinkin came on stage, he was quick to remove the podium and ask everyone in the room to move as close to the front of the stage as possible. The wit and charm Mandy possessed made the environment positive and inspiring. Mandy chose to sit in the audience rather than stay on stage, encouraging an intimate environment. Throughout the masterclass, eight senior students in FSU’s School of Theatre performed their selected songs. With each student Mandy was quick to get personal, pushing students to tap into the “why” of what they were doing. He emphasized that personal conviction is the drive that “makes a performance real.” Mandy did not shy away from being vulnerable himself as well. He advised the aspiring actors in the room and his own experiences with burnout and staying true to himself. As the planned closing time drew closer students were no less eager to ask him questions and learn from him. In the end, students and Mandy continued their Q&A for an hour after their session was scheduled to end. Mandy’s generosity as an educator and his genuine wisdom meant that everybody in the room was able to take something away from this masterclass. Mandy did not shy away from urging the budding artists in the room to acknowledge the power they have to change our world, “We (artists) are teachers, we are communicators… we pick the thoughts and ideas we wish for the world and present it with the hope we can make the world a better place.”

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During the week of February 20th to 24th, Shana Tucker graced the stage of eight Leon County elementary schools, impacting over 1,400 students. She entered each school in vibrant attire, mirroring her effervescent personality, excited and eager to captivate young minds. Shana exuded warmth, fostering an interactive and educational atmosphere in her performances. She incorporated music terminology throughout her shows, delved into the art of improvisation, and encouraged students to think musically.

Rather than mere spectators, the students became active participants in the musical journey, treated as Shana’s “fellow musicians.” They eagerly joined the creative process, some even taking center stage to sing for their classmates, or to craft music alongside Shana using her Loop machine. Applause mingled with shared dialogue as students clapped along to Shana’s songs and engaged with the performers. Students learned about the instruments on stage, Shana’s experience with vocal training, the art of freestyling, and the importance of practicing.

Shana’s genuine care for each child shone brightly, even in a packed auditorium of over one hundred eager faces. At one show, before a calming melody about stars and love, she paused to address her audience: “Did you know that you are shining right now? I can see you, you have this energy around you that is so beautiful. This is a reminder that no matter where in the world you go, the way I see you today, remember there is someone who knows how beautiful you are and how brightly you shine.”

After each performance, Shana took the time to greet the students personally. Children crowded around her, eager to receive hugs, share their own experiences with music, and, of course, get a chance to touch her cello! Students and teachers alike left their cafetoriums uplifted and comforted by Shana Tucker’s program.

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On Tuesday, February 13th, Miguel Solano, a captivating performer from the boundary-breaking contemporary ballet group Complexions, hosted a series of masterclasses for Tallahassee’s aspiring dancers. Complexions’ philosophy of innovation and fusion permeated Miguel’s teaching, resulting in an energetic and fast-paced session. He fostered open dialogue, encouraging participants and emphasizing that mistakes are stepping stones to progress. He urged them to embrace risks as they explored movement in new ways. FSU freshman majoring in Dance, Isabelle Hagley, shared, “It felt exciting to be doing a ballet class that felt so different from the day-to-day”, she also appreciated that Miguel created “a great atmosphere to push yourself.”

The masterclass unfolded through a series of exercises, each building upon the previous one in complexity. The culminating choreography seamlessly blended traditional and non-traditional movements, creating a truly unique and captivating routine. Ilana Goldman, Associate Professor of Dance at Florida State University shared this after watching her students participate in the class, “Miguel set an example of excellence in teaching and I’m excited to talk with the students in my teaching methods class about his methods and strategies for teaching”. Throughout, Miguel emphasized the importance of sharp, controlled movements, maintaining continuous tension, mindful energy transfer, and a full-body experience in every action. This masterclass not only pushed boundaries but also inspired dancers to embrace experimentation and self-expression in their artistry.

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On Thursday, February 1st, the renowned classical crossover quartet, ‘Sons of Serendip,’ graced the stage, entertaining students from four Leon County middle schools. Enthusiastic attendees from Cobb, Griffin Raa, and Woodville middle schools traveled to Tallahassee Community College, eagerly anticipating an extraordinary live performance. Sons of Serendip captivated the audience with repertoire that seamlessly blended original compositions and reimagined hits from iconic artists such as Katy Perry, Stevie Wonder, Christina Perri, and Leonard Cohen. The quartet not only showcased their musical prowess but also fostered a genuine connection with the students, engaging in an open dialogue throughout the performance.

Inquisitive students had the opportunity to inquire about performance anxiety, gain insights into the workings of the instruments on stage, and discover the serendipitous tale of how the quartet members came together. Memorable moments unfolded as Sons of Serendip spontaneously created music based on students’ suggestions for chord progressions, musical key, and vibe (if you’re curious, the “vibe” the students chose for the group was “spooky”). The quartet skillfully transformed the audience into a makeshift choir, guiding them through harmonious renditions of selected songs.

A particularly poignant highlight of the evening occurred when Sons of Serendip invited Layla Adams, a brave freshman, to join them on stage for a live and heartfelt rendition of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah.’ Lincoln High School Choir Director, Scott Leaman, expressed, “Sons of Serendip provided a performance that was both accessible and virtuosic, and the students I brought were moved by what they experienced. They were especially grateful that it was more than a concert; the talk-back format gave them a chance to hear firsthand about their backgrounds, struggles, and successes.” As the performance drew to a close, students departed for their respective schools with beaming smiles and newfound inspiration, having experienced an unforgettable musical journey.

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Dance Theatre of Harlem hosted two masterclasses the day before their much anticipated public performance. Hosted at the FSU School of Dance, students from FSU, Tallahassee Ballet and Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee got on point with two dancers from the company.

For the public performance, all participants from the masterclass and other local organizations, including Maddox Youth Dance Company, Dance Fusion Tallahassee, and The Oasis Center For Women & Girls, attended the energetic and vibrant show. These groups created community by sharing their love of dance in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall—many for the first time.

“Dance Theatre of Harlem was absolutely breathtaking and Opening Nights just opened the eyes of a lot of impressionable young dancers that have never had the privilege to see anything like this in person before” – Wendy Crawford, Owner and Artistic Director of Dance Fusion Tallahassee

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