On the evening of May 1st, the auditorium at Thomas Stone High School transformed into a global stage as PISOTA scholars took their audience on an extraordinary journey across continents — through song, movement, theatre, visual art, and orchestral music. The International Spring Showcase was more than a performance. It was a declaration of what arts-integrated education makes possible when young people are given the space, the training, and the trust to share their voices with the world.
From the moment the house lights dimmed, the energy was unmistakable. Act I opened with an original theatre scene that set the evening's premise — a group of young travelers embarking on a voyage around the globe — before the PISOTA Chorus offered a stirring preview of "We Are The World," anchoring the show's theme of global unity.
A Concert Band Journey Through Music and Art
The concert band delivered a dynamic seven-piece set titled Journey Through Music and Art, featuring works that ranged from the thunderous energy of Carol Brittin Chambers' Night Fury to the sweeping lyricism of Brian Balmages' Rippling Watercolors and Colliding Visions. Victor López's Fandango Festival brought Latin flair, while Jennifer E. Rose's Imminent Danger had the audience on the edge of their seats. Under the direction of instrumental music teacher Mr. Ben Adelberg, these young musicians demonstrated a sophistication and cohesion well beyond their years.
The first act continued through Europe with the vocal ensemble performing Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus" and a setting of Robert Burns' "A Red, Red Rose," before seventh-grade vocal music scholar Presley Ferguson brought the house to its feet with a solo rendition of Adele's "Easy on Me." The PISOTA Dance Ensemble closed Act I with a high-energy performance of "Body Language," a nod to Queen and the spirit of England.
Act II: From the American South to Asia and Beyond
After a brief intermission, Act II opened with a theatre prologue that carried the travelers onward. The dance ensemble performed a moving interpretation of "A Change is Gonna Come," honoring the American South, followed by the chorus performing "Trouble Don't Last Always" — a pairing that resonated deeply with the audience. Then came "Power," a Beyoncé-inspired piece nodding to AfroBeat, performed with fierce precision by PISOTA's Dance II and Dance I students.
The orchestra took the stage for The Hero's Journey, a suite exploring the music of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Highlights included Brian Balmages' Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song and Fantasy on "Aloha 'Oe", Soon Hee Newbold's Desert Sands, and the stirring Fragile by Randall D. Standridge. Seventh-grade vocal music scholar Logan Gaines then delivered a powerful solo of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" — a fitting anthem for the evening's message of reflection and global awareness.
The showcase culminated with the entire dance program — Dance I through Dance III — coming together for a joyful, show-stopping performance of "Copacabana," a nod to Latin America that left the audience on their feet.
The Artists Behind the Art
None of this would have been possible without the vision and dedication of PISOTA's art pathway teachers, who spent months preparing scholars across every discipline:
Theatre Teacher & Playwright
Vocal Music Teacher
Instrumental Music Teacher
Dance Teacher
Visual Arts Teacher
Under the leadership of Dr. Jasmine Bateman, Principal, and Mr. Bryan Hill, Assistant Principal, the PISOTA team once again demonstrated what it means to educate the whole child — mind, body, and creative spirit.
With Gratitude
The PISOTA International Spring Showcase was made possible through the generous support of the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant program. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to fostering creativity and the arts within our community.
Special thanks to Ms. Shanif Pearl, Principal at Thomas Stone High School, and her staff and students for opening their auditorium and welcoming our PISOTA family with open arms.
Our deepest appreciation to Ms. Makayla Moore, whose countless volunteer hours have been instrumental in nurturing the artistic talents of our scholars, to our volunteer musicians, and to the parents and PTSO members whose constant support makes events like this possible.
