Caldwell SpotLights

Lucy Hager is a 8th grade Caldwell Star who has her digital arts piece called  “Not Allowed to Cross” being hung in the state capital for Youth Art Month. Hager said learning photography is a new skill that she enjoys building. Hager said her piece, “Not Allowed to Cross” is meant to encourage others. “In America, there are huge racial issues, and the stop sign is like society telling him to stop, almost like don’t even try, but he’s still going. He’s still walking.”
is meant to encourage others. “In America, there are huge racial issues, and the stop sign is like society telling him to stop, almost like don’t even try, but he’s still going. He’s still walking.”

Listen to the rest of the podcast to hear more!

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming play, A Child Shall Lead. Two Stars, Jackson Sims and Molly Johnson talk about their roles and tell a little insight into the true story of children coming of age in Terezin, the "Jewish city" established by the Nazis near Prague as a way station before the death camps. In the face of unspeakable horror, these children use their determination and creativity to build lives filled with hope and beauty -- playing, studying, making art, and writing an underground newspaper -- all at the peril of being executed. Their actual poems and stories are woven into a fast-paced drama, evoking the universality of children caught in the insanity of war.

Don't miss this amazing perspective from our Stars!

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming annual Day of the Dead arts and culture event hosted by the studio arts department at Caldwell. A part of the Un-Told Stories program, this event will take place November 2, 2020. Teachers, Angela Jennings and Jennifer Vaughn talk about the significance of Dia de Los Muertos, the types of art students are producing, the community partners participating and details about the event. This is more then just a plug for an event, it is designed to tell the background and why Caldwell Arts Academy creates a platform for community stories about culture. 

An interview with Caldwell Star teacher Jan Snook. Mrs. Snook teaches K-4 instrumentation for Caldwell and brings a wealth of music education to our community. 

This episode of spotlights interviews Deedee Cummings. As a therapist, attorney, author, and CEO of Make A Way Media, Deedee Cummings has a passion for making the world a better place. All eleven of Cummings’ diverse picture, poetry, and workbooks for kids reflect her professional knowledge and love of life. Colorful and vibrant, her children’s books are not only fun for kids and adults to read, they also work to teach coping skills, reinforce the universal message of love, encourage mindfulness, and facilitate inclusion for all.

Deedee shared her story with our Caldwell Stars while in town for Tyler Junior College's distinguished lecture series. 

In this episode we interview Baba Bomani, Kennedy Center teaching artist. For almost 20 years Bomani has used his extensive experience as a poet, producer and hip-hop MC, to teach fun and informative workshops, residencies, assemblies, professional development classes and seminars in what has evolved into a writing curriculum called BARS. Bomani has “edu-tained” over 32,000 teachers and students in the last five years alone. 

We are excited to share in his experience with our Caldwell students and talk arts integration with our special guest Katy Lee, master teacher at Caldwell Arts Academy. 

In this episode, our guest SaulPaul and Bianca Neal talk about their message of change. Labeled a Musician with a Message, SaulPaul brought his unique style to Caldwell. Part rapper/part singer songwriter, SaulPaul is an entertaining artist who blends his voice, his guitar and his loop pedal to create a live show that is nothing less than an EXPERIENCE.

In this Podcast, we explore how storytelling can make a positive impact on students and allow a safe space to express emotions. Sit back and enjoy this unique artist perspective! 

This episode interviews James Williams, Jr., a freelance trumpet player, music contractor, arranger/writer and clinician who started his music career at 4 years of age. He was guided initially by his father, James Sr., a high school band director for Tyler ISD, VPA director for Tyler ISD and trumpet player and leader of the East Texas All Stars band.

He prepared for a career in music at the University of North Texas. He was a member of the Houston Pops Orchestra for 14 years and served as Associate Director of the Community Music Center of Houston for 11 years. CMCH is a non profit organization that performs the music of African American composers and provides music education to youth and adults. Associate Director of the Jazz Institute of Houston which provides workshops for aspiring local jazz talents of Houston.

Mr. Williams has performed with many of the great entertainers such as: The Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Lionel Hampton Big Band, Nancy Wilson, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Lena Horne, Dionne Warwick, B.B. King, Chi-Lites, The O’Jays, The Spinners, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, Lou Rawls, Sammy Davis, Jr., and many more.

Locally, he has worked with Milton Larkin, Calvin Owens, Pete Mays, Joe Hughes, TKOh!, Rick Marcel, The Liberty Baptist Church Ensemble and The Houston Pops Orchestra. Mr. Williams is married and has a son and daughter. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Williams is the musical director of the Conrad Johnson Orchestra and The James Williams and JusJazz ensemble.

We are excited to welcome him home to Tyler!

In this episode we get learn about Jabyrn, a Caldwell student, who has a unique gift in visual arts. Not only has his work won competitions, this year one of his pieces was sold at auction to help benefit a local charity. Learn how this talented star sees the world, but how he believes art can positively change it! To look at Jabryn's art, go to our website CaldwellArtsAcademy.org and click under "about us" the Spotlights Podcast to find this episode's gallery. 

In this edition of spotlights, we interview Caldwell father, School Board member and musical artists Wade Washmon who shares is unique love of the art from a variety of perspectives. From learning the guitar to writing songs, Mr. Washmon has created music since middle school and shares how his love for the arts impacts his current role in the community.