Boody Students Bring Down the House at IS 228's Evening of the Arts

Nearly 200 musicians, singers and artists of David A. Boody Intermediate School for Magnet Studies (I.S. 228) displayed their talents and drew wild cheers and applause from a packed auditorium during the school’s “Evening of the Arts” on Thursday, Dec. 9. The evening began with parents, students and friends touring an exhibit of 140 paintings and drawings by 70 Art Magnet students of Lisa Banker in Boody’s second annual Art Show, which was followed by an evening of music at the Gravesend School’s annual Winter Concert. Conductor Thomas Brennan led his 75-piece Symphony Orchestra through a Michael Jackson Tribute plus four Great Symphonic Themes. Vocal teacher Cynthia Kostylo led her 37-member Chorus through four songs, including “Each Other” from Boody’s original anti-bullying musical, “The Dragonslayer.” James Chiarello conducted the 20-piece Jazz Band and 50-piece Concert Band through three rousing songs apiece. “The concert was a success and gave the crowd a warm, welcoming feeling of the winter spirit and season,” Creative Writing student Ann Du wrote in her review. “Being at David A. Boody’s Winter Concert was like being at a professional concert,” wrote Eighth-grader Jackie Liao.

“The cheers tonight proved that putting great students with great teachers has magnificent results,” said Principal Dominick A. D’Angelo.

Earlier in the day, the school hosted U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Deputy Secretary Anthony Miller. Mr. Miller said he was particularly impressed by the school’s balance between arts and academics. I.S. 228 is the only school in Brooklyn with the “School of One” computer-based, personalized, 21st Century math program, which Mr. Duncan and Mr. Miller visited.