Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/246730
Background: A dance performance in 1985. his direction, the size of the band quadrupled. The dance program was started, and Ann Hartdegen propelled Latin's theater program to a collegiate level. "Ann ran the best high school theater program I've ever seen, and I'm not just saying that because I hired her," Slater said. Hartdegen, who was encouraged to offer semester-long courses, developed the acting sequence courses, speech, stagecraft, design and independent study courses, bringing an academic approach to all of the classes. For some, the new approach to the arts was not an easy adjustment. "There were growing pains as everyone realized that art would be treated like any other class – and that there would be homework," recalled Ross. Carey founded the Student/Faculty Chorale in 1984. In addition to being a strong addition to the vocal music offerings, the chorale for the first time brought students and faculty together in a non-academic setting, where they worked together as equal participants. "It has been a gratifying experience to sing alongside students who are often really talented," said language teacher Mark Friedman, who has been part of the chorale since its first year. "And it's good for the soul." Carey also created a hand bell ensemble that existed until sometime in the '90s. "Making the arts better made the school better," said Slater, "and I was fortunate to have unflinching and generous board support." It is no surprise that the annual visual arts award, the Jonathan E. Slater Award for Excellence in Visual Arts, honors the man who believed so deeply that an arts education is essential for all students. Current Performing Arts Chair and long-time instrumental music director Michael Teolis came to Latin in 1989. Under Teolis, the band program and the level of commitment by student musicians continued Latin's hand bell choir performed during the '80s and '90s. "I had a teacher named Mrs. Gluck, I think. I learned the basics about visual thinking and engagement, collage assemblage, charcoal drawings, form, composition, things like that. Then I got a camera and started working on the yearbook. That's really what shifted it for me. I got to use the darkroom, and it opened up a whole world for me of image capture. I remember one time our class met at 11 at night to learn how to shoot images in low light. We used infrared film to photograph smelt fisherman. It was great hands-on technical training. This was pre-digital. The fundamentals of how to use a camera I learned at Latin, and I use those skills every day." – Artist Lincoln Schatz '82, whose most recent project called "The Network: Video Portraits of American Leadership in Washington, D.C.," is on display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. LATI N SCHOOL OF CHI CA GO 89