It is a busy time for performing arts

While high school sports are in between the winter and spring seasons,things only get busier in the performing arts department.

Led by the two-time defending state champion winter guard squad, the Giants performing arts department is in the middle of an extremely busy season.

The winter guard defends its state championship this Saturday at Center Grove with a 6:40 p.m. performance. Also on Saturday, the winter percussion hosts its annual invitational with the Giants performing at 7:50 p.m. in the main gy,m.

In addition, some members of our choir are in Orlando, Florida this weekend helping record music at Disney World. Next weekend, the choirs will participate in state competition at North Central.

But that’s just part of the busy department.

The theatre department hosts Romeo and Juliet Friday and Saturday and on Tuesday, seniors Emily Rasmussen and Matt Brown will represent the Giants as finalist of the Indiana Student Journalist of the Year honor. They will be honored in a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse Tuesday at 11 a.m.

On Monday, our television and radio students will travel to the University of Indianapolis for their annual state competition and convention.

In speech and debate, the NAACP-Act SO competition was held at Crispus Attucks High School this past weekend.

Three Ben Davis students were participants: Jazlyn Khan, 9th grade; Edgar Hernandez, 11th grade; and Nadia Issa, 10th grade.

The gold 1st place winner for oratory was Nadia Issa and the silver 2nd place speaker was Edgar Hernandez. Nadia won an all-expense paid trip to the NAACP summer convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The NSDA Hoosier Heartland District solo speech contest was held at Ben Davis High for six events last weekend.Ben Davis had the following places: Dramatic Interpretation 1st place-Ellie Johnson (qualifies for nationals) and Nisean Jones 4th Place (2nd alternate to nationals); Duo Interpretation 1st place-Zeke Gonzalez and Richard Bowman (qualifies for nationals) and 3rd place-Jamar Owens and Tony Villasenor (1st alternates to nationals).

Also placing were Zeke in Dramatics 3rd place and Richard in POI 3rd place.Other participants included Zee Temesgen, Alexander Kelso, Tag Lawalin, and Jade Duncan. The NSDA National competition will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah in June.