to illuminate the artist’s responsibility to open
up the emotional journey of the production.
Other preparatory work encompassed history
class sessions with playwright A.S. Peterson and
director/ CPA alumni Matt Logan.
Reflecting on the trip’s purpose, founding CPA
Artistic Director Paula Y. Flautt reflected, “Our
goal was to prepare students to view the show, so
art can do what it has the power to do — speak to
the heart. This play deeply plumbs the topic of
reconciliation. In the end, it’s about relationship
and how humans treat each other.”
Eighth graders made their way to TPAC to
hear the energetic and rhythmic sounds of
The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, an eight-piece,
Chicago-based group of musicians consisting of
eight sons of jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran. The
band wowed the students. “I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the sound and tone of the music, and
the way it told their story through the music,”
says eighth grader Nicholas Roth.
Fourth graders increased writing proficiencies
through the lens of the arts through the innova-
tive Words and Music Program from the Country
Music Hall of Fame and Museums. Students ex-
perienced lyric writing and the fun of self-expres-
sion and music-making!
Art met science as the second grade students
eagerly anticipated their field trip to the Clay
Lady. They connected their geological study of
soils with the 3-D art form of sculpture. Who
doesn’t enjoy pounding a lump of clay into
something creative?
From the youngest preschoolers to graduating
seniors, CPA cultural connections fill the
Academy, stimulating student engagement in
relevant, life-changing, and world-shaping ways.
“The arts are the beating heart
of our humanity and the soul of our
civilization, a miracle to which we
all deserve to bear witness.”
Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation
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