School News

Browning art teachers Nik Vlahos and Zack Davis initiated a collaboration across all division levels and curriculum to study the art of Pablo Picasso this year. The prolific results inspired the theme of decor for the Holiday Party and, on the mornings of February 23 and 24, some of the works in the boys’ collection were unveiled in the cafeteria. The Browning community members are appreciative of this wonderful gallery surrounding them as they dine, attend meetings, etc., in this wonderful space!

Headmaster Clement is thrilled that Browning boys of all ages collaborated on this colorful art project. He noted, “I think it is a perfect boys school story. We have older boys helping younger boys, we have boys comfortable working in new ways, and we have boys very proud of a finished artistic project. If this were a coed school, the whole-hearted participation of boys would not be as great.” View photos.

To learn more about how the boys created these large-scale murals, click here to watch a video of how the Art Department incorporated Picasso into the Browning curriculum throughout the division levels.

The Browning and Marymount Family Skating Party on February 24 at Central Park’s Wollman Rink was full of fun and frivolity. Hot chocolate, mixed with great company and camaraderie between both school communities, made for a warm evening despite the sub-zero temperatures!

Highlights of the skating party included Headmaster Clement’s introduction of each boy on the Lower School hockey team. Adding to the festive, frosty evening was an appearance by Browning’s panther mascot and Marymount's Rory the Lion mascot who joined Headmaster Clement and the skaters in gliding along the ice. What better way to beat the winter blues! View photos.

Headmaster Clement's Form VI Expository Writing Class met for the last time on February 19 over breakfast. Prior to the start of the class, the Form VI boys heard from Headmaster Clement, Director of Middle and Upper School Admission Janet Lien and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan. Each boy was asked to reflect on the most helpful of the three essays he wrote for the course, and then ponder the most meaningful essay written by a classmate. View photos.
 

Five of our Upper School boys performed in the January production of “West Side Story” (music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Stephen Sondheim) at The Brearley School. 30 student actors from Brearley, Browning and Collegiate took to the main stage for three evenings of drama, suspense and incredible music. Photos by Brearley. View photos.

The Middle School Math Science Night on February 10 allowed Browning boys to share their knowledge of these two subjects with the Browning community, including faculty and parents. Chair of the Math Department Michael Klein remarked, “The boys had been working long and hard on their projects and were very excited to show and present their work. This event, an annual highlight of the school year, provides an opportunity for the boys to see how the math they learn in the classroom has real-world applications. Thanks to all the faculty for their time and participation.” Science Department Chair Sam Keany concurred, “The boys continue to explore interesting new questions and solidify their understanding of the process of scientific investigation.”

Boys in Grades Five and Six, as well as those in Form I, showcased their work in the Lower Gym and Cafeteria, while Form II boys split into groups and presented on SMARTBoards in the two new science labs and in the art rooms. View photos.

On January 21, Form IV joined the sophomores from the other single-sex independent schools that make up the Interschool, Chapin, Brearley, Collegiate, Nightingale-Bamford and Spence, for a three-day retreat at Frost Valley, an expansive YMCA camp facility, in Claryville, NY. Dean of Students Sam Keany, who accompanied the group, reports:

The tenth graders and peer leaders engaged in a variety of activities, ranging from Broom Ball in a slick, snowy field, to tubing, to square dancing. Discussion sessions run by facilitators introduced conversations regarding school life, adolescence, and important choices each student makes as they move through high school. The students also engaged in thought-provoking discussions led by senior peer leaders from each of the six schools. The Form IV students and faculty had three great days at Frost Valley. Please click here to view photos and a video on the peer leader program.

On February 6, the Browning mock trial team presented an assembly for the Upper School and Form II boys. The faculty sponsor of the team is Browning math teacher Marcia Wallace, and she commented: 

“The Lower Gym was transformed into a spectacular court room, and 14 young men displayed their knowledge and skills as orators, lawyers, and witnesses. This year’s case involves the suspicion of "skimming" a portion of the proceeds from games of chance at a school booster club fundraiser. The accused has a history of gambling addiction and also recently received an inheritance from a deceased aunt. That fact is used to "explain away" the sudden acquisition of a sports car and a swimming pool in the back yard. Each side was represented by three lawyers, and each called three witnesses to the stand. The team has been masterfully coached for the past 10 years by Katherine Weinhoff, a former Browning parent (James '10) and current law professor at Fordham University." Click here to view photos and more details.

Once again, Vincent Lionti, father of Nicholas ’19 and violist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, returned in February to brighten spirits and provide a hint of warmer weather as he presented a concert with an ensemble of fellow orchestra members and Michael Cedric Smith, a classical guitarist and father of Brogan ’17, during a Lower School assembly. From a lively tarantella to slower, more soothing melodies, and featuring the works of Bach and Vivaldi to Rimsky-Korsakov and Villa-Lobos, the musical selections kept the Lower School boys focused and, at times, quietly conducting from their seats.

Mr. Lionti chatted with the audience, remarking on high points and a bit of history surrounding each of the musical selections. A highlight of this annual performance is the chance to hear a Met Opera Orchestra member talk a bit about himself, his instrument and why he chose to play a particular one. The flautist, who gave a spellbinding solo performance of Rimskey-Korakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee,” introduced the piece “Vienna Will Always be Vienna.” He and Mr. Lionti noted that this music was often played in coffee houses in that city, the cultural and artistic hub for so many accomplished musicians.

Mr. Smith shared with the audience how the Vivaldi piece he performed was originally written for the lute, ancestor of the guitar.

Lucy Warner, Lower School music teacher, arranged for the performance again this year. She commented, “This is an amazing musical opportunity which always inspires the boys and provides an enriching, festive way to start the day!” Following the concert, Browning boys who play the viola, violin, cello and guitar proudly posed for a photo with the guest performers. View photos.

Once again this year, Browning's Form II French students gave clear evidence of their "French touch" on January 31 at the traditional middle school theater festival at the Lycée Français of New York! French teacher Dominique Bernard reports: "The impressive amphitheater was crowded; the tension was perceptible for the 150 accomplished young contestants whose mission it was to present a brief but concise presentation of five to seven minutes founded on this year's theme: Monster! The high standard of all the plays was outstanding and perhaps even finer than in the last recent festivals. In addition to the usual distinctions and certificates, the four members of the jury elected to give five major prizes. The jury recognized the excellent acting of our young actors in two ways: three boys received jointly the 'best non-French native speaking actor' trophy for their interpretation of three boys lost in a forest peopled by weird creatures and monsters admirably played by their talented peers.

The boys also received for the second time in many years the very coveted 'Prix special du Jury.' This was a superb exploit indeed! It was, as it is every year, a demanding but pleasurable, convivial and engaging activity. The Browning parents who were present at the event had every reason to be thrilled by the excellent performance of their sons." Photos by Cécile Grégoriades/LFNY. Click here to view photos.

Browning's Model United Nations delegation representing the Central African Republic spent three days last week at the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC) hosted at the University of Pennsylvania. History Department Chair Gerry Protheroe provides the following report: "This was a very competitive ILMUNC conference with schools from China, Canada, Brazil, Honduras and other countries, as well as schools from all over the USA. Our students were well probably better prepared than ever for this conference and they worked very hard in the committees to make themselves gain the attention of their chairs. They gave a very good account of themselves against the severest competition.

Allan Goodman, the president of the Institute of International Education who served in the Carter administration, gave the keynote address urging the delegates to "make international part of your education.” Well done to our team who fought very hard! View photos.

Lucy Warner, Lower School music teacher, reports that on January 22, a Lower School recital assembly featured boys playing piano pieces ranging from "Star Wars" by John Williams to "Arabesque" by Burgmuller. A Lower School guitarist played Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." All of these brave and talented young musicians were met with hearty applause from their audience consisting of all boys in Pre-Primary through Grade Four. The final such Lower School recital is scheduled for the morning of January 29. View photos.

On January 20, all of the Form II Algebra I students learned the answer to the classic question, “Why do we learn this?” by experiencing the Engineers Teaching Algebra workshop.  Former engineer Mark Love returned for his third consecutive year to conduct two 90-minute sessions with the Browning boys.

Mr. Love offered, “The boys really got involved in the project as a group, and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy the process.”

Math Department Chair Michael Klein reports that the boys, using a pencil, paper and a calculator, applied their algebraic problem-solving skills to the installation of traffic lights at an intersection between the entrance to a shopping mall and the main thoroughfare. Variables were defined and simultaneous equations constructed to design a system to optimize traffic flow.

Mr. Klein explained, “Experiencing real-world applications of topics and skills learned in the classroom can be powerful motivation for students and augment their engagement in a subject. This workshop has low accessibility, yet high enrichment for the boys, and the feedback is always very positive. View photos.

Browning boys of all ages commemorated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with separate assemblies for each division, beginning with a Lower School assembly on January 15 and Middle and Upper School assemblies on January 16. In each case, the importance of human rights was emphasized. After all, noted Glenn Walker, faculty advisor to the Multicultural Club, “people” are at the core of this nation-wide observance.

Lower School boys heard from Upper School boys who are members of the Multicultural Club. They learned the importance of treating each other fairly and joined together to sing three African-American spirituals, accompanied by Lower School music teacher Lucy Warner. Ms. Warner noted, “Two very important ways in which African-American slaves were able to endure their suffering and to persevere were through musical expression (singing, playing instruments, emoting suffering and happiness through songs) and their belief in an afterlife in heaven with no more hardship nor pain.” She added that the audience responded enthusiastically to the boys’ rousing, spirited renditions of the following: “When the Saints Go Marching In” (Pre-Primary and Grade One), “Peace Like a River” (Grades Three and Four), and “Oh, Won’t You Sit Down!” (Grade Two).

Middle School boys also heard from members of the Multicultural Club who read and commented on the School’s Diversity Statement, spoke about Dr. King’s life and impact on the world, and reported on their experience at the People of Color Conference (PoCC)/Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) this past December (read related story).

The Upper School assembly was similar in content to the Middle School’s program immediately before it, with the Multicultural Club members playing a major role. Head of Upper School Jim Reynolds reports: “The Upper School assembly involved the melding of issues of American civil rights within the context of human rights. After a moment of silence for “all who have died violently,” presenters from the Multicultural Club spoke of the work of Cesar Chavez, the immigrant and migrant worker activist who modeled his pursuit of unionization of migrant workers within the United Farm Workers Union on the non-violent, boycott-driven approach of Dr. King. That presentation was followed by an assembly-wide discussion of current issues such as the efficacy of stop-and-frisk policies, the persistence of racism as a fact of cultural life, and the pervasive use of racist language in contemporary youth culture. This conversation extended one that began during the December Community Day (read related story) discussions, and, as Mr. Walker noted, it is one that will continue at another assembly in the second semester.”

Headmaster Clement also took this time to speak to the Middle and Upper School boys about his retirement at the end of the 2015-16 school year, his 28th year at Browning, as announced earlier this week. View video and photos.

On January 13, the Spanish II and IV classes followed up their Spanish cultural lesson on El Greco with a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to view the museum’s mini-retrospective on El Greco commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Renaissance artist’s death. Spanish teacher Giurissa Grace reports: “In Spanish class, our lesson centered on El Greco’s life, the major themes that emerged from his artwork and why he was misunderstood in his time. I invited Art Department Chair Nik Vlahos to accompany us on the field trip to focus on El Greco’s artistic techniques." Mr. Vlahos adds: “We looked at El Greco's art and spoke about how his contemporaries depicted space as well as how he was trained to depict space having studied as an iconographer. We looked at how El Greco fused these two very different ways of painting space and arrived at his own technique. Especially with the Vision of St. John there is a flat 'unrealistic' space that reinforces the concept of an otherworldly vision. We also paid close attention to his use of color and how it stays consistent from painting to painting.” View photos.

"Old tradition demands it," French teacher Dominique Bernard explains. "The sixth grade French students created scale models of famous French monuments and wrote essays recounting the history of their chosen edifices. As is the case every year, the boys creatively built and presented their excellent projects to their classmates! Chapeau les garçons!"

The boys chose to write about and create scale models of landmarks such as Tour Eiffel, Arch de triomphe, Pont du Gard and Chateaux de la Loire, among many others. View photos.

During the first assembly of the new year, the Middle School boys were treated to a visit from Yale University's oldest improv comedy group, the Yale Ex!t Players. Head of Middle School Chris Dunham reports: "A few of the boys were called on stage alongside the players to participate in unscripted scenes and stories that were all created in the moment. After the assembly, the fifth and sixth grade boys were fortunate to have private time with the players to workshop their own fast-paced, wit-based improv skills. The boys and teachers in attendance enjoyed the experience tremendously. You never know how things will turn out with improv, and this was no exception. The Ex!t Players were so quick on their feet, funny and pulled the audience into the skits brilliantly.” View photos.

The Browning community joined together on December 19 in Temple Emanu-El for the School’s annual holiday program, led by Music Directors David Prestigiacomo and Lucy Warner. With “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of Many, One”) as its theme, the festive program began with remarks from Headmaster Clement and was followed by readings and performances by Form I Hand Chimes, Holiday Strings Orchestra, Starbright Strings, Tick-Tock Orchestra, Holly Jolly Dancers, Ovation Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Djembes, and Middle and Upper School Choruses.

Among the readings were excerpts from speeches by President John F. Kennedy and Vaclav Havel, the former president of Czechoslovakia. Musical selections ranged from traditional carols of German, Spanish and Welsh origin, to popular holiday tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman,” to African American spirituals and songs of Hanukkah.

The printed holiday program cover featured a work of art by Browning art teachers Nik Vlahos and Zack Davis who collaborated to create a Picasso-inspired bowl. They initiated a collaboration across all division levels and curriculum to study the art of Picasso this year; the prolific results inspired the theme of decor for this year’s holiday party on December 12.

“E Pluribus Unum” aptly conveys the school-wide alliance among the art department, faculty and Browning boys, along with parents and the entire community who came together “as one” to appreciate wonderful student art at the School and enjoy this holiday program at Temple Emanu-El. The congregation rose in unison at the conclusion of the program for the singing of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” a most fitting end to 2014 and a wonderful way to begin the winter recess! View photos.

Browning boys and faculty members participated in Community Day on December 18. Assistant Head of School, Laurie Gruhn explained, “Today, a new tradition was started at Browning! Building on the intraschool morning prior to Thanksgiving Break, boys and faculty members now have a full Community Day. It was a day to celebrate community, both in our school and beyond our walls. Starting with recognizing where we all come from, to coming together as a community, and then reaching out as a community, it was aptly called Community Day!”

Event coordinator and science teacher Dr. Betty Noel elaborated on the details, explaining that the first activity involved the boys adding a pin to a shared Google Map indicating where their family is from. Then during second period, the boys played traditional intraschool games, including board games, Pictionary, charades, etc. A scavenger hunt took place during third period (the iPad app, Klikaklu, was used by the boys who had to identify and photograph Browning items based on riddles), followed by a community lunch in the Cafeteria and Lower Gym. After lunch, the boys separated by division. The Lower and Middle School boys returned to their homerooms, while the Upper School boys helped set up for an assembly in the Lower Gym. The Lower School boys also made sandwiches for the local New York Common Pantry.

Videos were shown at all division levels. Lower School boys watched “Flyaway Home,” Middle School boys enjoyed “Time for School,” “and Upper School boys saw “Fruitvale Station,” a powerful and emotional film discussed by two special guest speakers.

“A lot of planning went into creating this day,” noted Dr. Noel. “Special thanks to our division heads Laurie Gruhn, Chris Dunham and Jim Reynolds.” Ms. Gruhn added, “As a community, we are incredibly grateful to the Diversity Committee (faculty members Giurissa Grace, Janet Lien, Sarah Murphy, Megan Ryan and Brett Wisniewski), as well as faculty members Rachel Gerber, Susan Kehoe, Susan Levine and Dan Ragsdale.”

Ms. Gruhn added, “We also recognize the enormous efforts of Melinda Aponte and her Cater to You crew, Ken Marshall and the maintenance staff, as well as the entire technology department who made the map and scavenger hunt possible. Most of all, applause goes to Ms. Noel, the overall event coordinator of this day, who oversaw every detail and logistic, from groups, to rooms, to the hunt, to the map, etc. It was simply fantastic, a special day, indeed. Well done, one and all!” View photos.