Students to explore their thoughts on peace in artistic event
BETHLEHEM, PA (January 9, 2017) – Northeast Middle School student artists and performers will host a Rally 4 Peace performance on Monday, January 15 at 7 p.m. at The Ice House, at 56 River Street and would like to invite the public and media.
Northeast Middle School has collaborated with The Ice House’s Doug Roysdon and the Basement Poets in hopes of having its students express their observations, thoughts, and hopes of life and their hope for peace.
The performances depict meaningful, and at times, very serious experiences. Their creativity and bravery in performing these songs, spoken word pieces, videos, and more will amaze you. Our students make us Northeast Proud.
Rally 4 Peace hopes to encourage our youth to state what they see and create solutions in making our world a better place, from within the walls of Northeast to our city and beyond, through the performing arts.
“Students are challenged with presenting an artistic statement dealing with the topic of peace,” said Northeast teacher and coordinator, Christopher Bellman. “Though students often focus on bullying, this program is more far reaching that just bullying. Some topics that have been discussed during workshops are: racial unrest & strife, civil rights, poverty, sexual/physical/emotional & domestic abuse, drug and/or alcohol abuse and its effect on families, gender/sexual identity, religion and their role in unrest.”
Many styles of artistic expression are shown to students, including songs from many genres, poetry, rap, spoken word pieces, videos, and the graphic arts. Students are encouraged to choose a medium to work in through which they will choose to express their thoughts and feeling about peace, or the lack of it in their own lives.
Faculty advisors encourage participants to dig deep and deal with difficult topics. The thoughts expressed are solely those of the students – we do not tell them what topic to deal with or what to say. We do have ongoing conversations about school appropriate language and content, but otherwise do not censor their work.
About the Bethlehem Area School District
The Bethlehem Area School District, in partnership with the home and community, is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which each student will attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a productive citizen and lifelong learner in our technologically demanding and culturally diverse society.
Information provided to TVL by:
Barbara Clymer
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Bethlehem Area School District
1516 Sycamore Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017
