The Heights Room was transformed into an underwater world, with small fish and blue streamers dotting the walls, for the Campus School’s eighth annual Arts Showcase on Thursday. The event, called “Under the Sea,” was full of energetic performances.
Alexa Norton, Lynch ’23, a member of the Campus School’s arts committee, introduced the event as a fundraiser for the Campus School, including performances from arts groups on campus.
Located on Boston College’s campus, the school serves students between the ages of three and 21, who are in need of a highly specialized education.
The first to perform were the Heightsmen, BC’s all-male a cappella group, singing “Runaround Sue” by Dion DiMucci and “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. Their smooth harmonies and charming presentation engaged the audience.
Next, three dancing pairs from Full Swing each performed a dance. The dancers impressed the crowd with their acrobatic skills and flexibility, as well as the chemistry between pairs.
The Acoustics, another a cappella group, sang “Yoü and I” by Lady Gaga. Francesca Giangiulio, MCAS ’23, performed a solo and navigated the riffs and high notes of the song, creating an energy that the rest of the group matched.
Between each group, volunteers from the Campus School explained how they joined the organization, with many emphasizing their own personal connections to schools that provide special education. The introductions reminded the audience of the students who the performance was benefitting and of the significance of the crowd’s support for the school’s programs.
Next, the Sharps, BC’s all-female a cappella group, sang “Liability” by Lorde. Their hauntingly beautiful arrangement inspired deep emotion in the audience.
A video following the Sharps’ performance featured a boy named Jack at the Campus School and explored a day in the life of a student. His mother emphasized the importance of those at the school seeing Jack as something more than his diagnoses. She said that by engaging with the Campus School, he and his family feel like part of the BC community.
Following a brief intermission, BC Dance Ensemble performed to “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. The group of six women demonstrated flexibility and various styles of dance.
In the next introduction, another BC student emphasized that she joined the Campus School because she wanted to be a part of a community that believed in inclusion.
The Common Tones of BC emphasized a similar sentiment as an a cappella group that also does community service. The group performed “Forever On Your Side,” by NEEDTOBREATHE, a song with a message of inclusion and community. The group also sang “prom dress” by mxmtoon.
To close out the show, BC Irish Dance performed “Paradise” by MEDUZA with Dermot Kennedy. Their fast-paced footwork and skillful choreography proved a lively finale for the evening.
After pulling raffle tickets and awarding audience members gift cards to local eateries, Sara Hernando, co-president of Campus School volunteers and MCAS ’22, announced that the Campus School had raised over $1,000 to further its mission.
“Under the Sea” marked a successful return to in-person arts events for the Campus School and allowed BC students and faculty to come together to support other community members.
Featured Images by Stephen Mooney / Heights Editor
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