Rising ninth and tenth-grade students in the Berkeley County School District (BCSD) are encouraged to make what might be a life-changing decision on how they spend the next several years of their educational career.
The Berkeley Center for the Arts (BCA) opened applications for the 2024-25 school year on Jan. 23, giving rising ninth and tenth graders a chance to audition for their choice of six fine arts disciplines offered by the secondary-level magnet program: creative writing, dance, theatre, visual arts, voice/choral performance, and winds and percussion.
Located at Goose Creek High School (GCHS), BCA allows students–like senior Hannah Bennett and junior Harrison Chandler–to refine their skills in a chosen fine arts discipline to prepare them for various collegiate and professional pursuits post-graduation.
Bennett, a voice major, and Chandler, a wind and percussion ensemble major, have no regrets about their decision years ago as rising ninth graders to audition for the BCA program.
Bennett, 18, of Daniel Island, is ending her span at BCA on a high note, having played the role of Marmee in the fall musical production of “Little Women” and presently preparing for the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) All-State Choir’s performance in the spring. She will also attend the February SCMEA conference with the school’s treble choir, Szirendal.
“My years at BCA have provided more of an opportunity for me to be invested into the arts than I may have otherwise been afforded at a regular school,” says Bennett, who is currently preparing for her senior one-hour voice recital while auditioning for potential colleges to attend this fall. “With the way the administrators and teachers work around our schedules, I have been able to participate in multiple choirs, while also attending theatre classes, joining school productions, and taking voice lessons.”
Bennett encourages upcoming ninth and tenth graders to take the initiative and apply for BCA.
“BCA prioritizes my interests in the arts, offering me ample opportunities while also allowing me to keep a strong focus on my academics, which I take seriously,” says Bennett, who is ranked among the top ten in her class.
Chandler, 16, of Moncks Corner, agrees.
“All my teachers have pushed me to have a greater realization of my musical ability, and they also have kept me informed about all the opportunities outside of school that I can be a part of,” says the saxophone player who recently was one of only eight students in South Carolina selected for the highly coveted South Carolina Band Directors Association Honors Jazz Combo.
“In addition, I have found inspiration in the students ahead of me in the program, seeing how good they are. I wanted to be like them.”
It worked as Chandler was named first chair in the All-County Honors Band this year and is a member of the distinguished Advanced Jazz Combo of the Charleston Jazz Academy, playing gigs around the Charleston area.
“Take hold of your opportunities because you could be great,” says Chandler.
Bennett offers similar encouragement.
“Who knows what doors will be open to you for just doing it,” she says.
Students interested in attending BCA must submit their application by Monday, Feb. 26. Applications can be found at https://www.bcsdschools.net/o/gchs/page/bca. Students will be contacted to schedule an audition to be held on Mar. 23. Audition requirements vary for each discipline and can be found on the website. Acceptance or rejection letters will be mailed by April 1.
Workshops for each discipline will be offered to assist students in preparing for auditions. The dates and times of the workshops will be shared with those students who have applied after applications close.
“BCA is a unique opportunity for the Berkeley County School District students,” says Dr. Lauren Canfield, BCA director and GCHS assistant principal. “The workshops are offered to build students’ knowledge and their confidence, which is what BCA is all about–giving young artists a space to explore and create based on their individual passions.”
While allowing students to gain exposure to the top arts programs at major colleges and universities nationwide, successful completion of BCA requirements also allows students to earn a SC Fine Arts Seal of Distinction upon high school graduation.
Notable BCA accomplishments can be found in all disciplines. Voice alumni and graduates of the choral department, for example, have been awarded over 2 million dollars in academic and music scholarships over the last three years. Its alumni have been accepted to numerous institutions, including Furman, Clemson, College of Charleston, Converse, Winthrop, University of South Carolina, University of Michigan, Belmont, Florida State University, New York University, Berklee College of Music, and Boston Conservatory.
For more information, visit https://www.bcsdschools.net/o/gchs/page/bca or call GCHS at (843) 553-5300.
Good Evening. Edits have been made to the GCHS Community Newsletter formatting as well as to the Spring 2024 Attendance Updates. Please enjoy and have a wonderful week.
Volume 22 of the GCHS Community Newsletter
GCHS Rising 9th Grade Night Information
Please enjoy volume 21 of the GCHS Community Newsletter
Berkeley Center for the Arts (BCA) will begin taking applications for the 2024-2025 school year on January 23, 2024. BCA is open to any rising 9th or 10th grader in the district and offers a more in-depth study of a student's chosen arts area with the goal of preparing them for various post-secondary and pre-professional pursuits. For more information visit https://www.bcsdschools.net/o/gchs/page/bca
Due to forecasts for continued severe weather resulting in area power outages, and concerns regarding impacts on roads and facilities throughout the evening, Berkeley County School District (BCSD) schools and offices will operate on a 2-hour weather delay on Wednesday, January 10.
There will be no before school care programs, but after school programs and athletics will resume normal operations on Wednesday.
Bus riders will report to bus stops two hours later than their regularly scheduled time. Information concerning school start times and bell schedules when operating on a 2-hour weather delay is available on the BCSD website here: https://www.bcsdschools.net/o/bcsd/page/school-bell-schedules.
District officials are continuing to work closely with the Berkeley County Emergency Management Department, local power providers, and law enforcement to monitor the weather and potential impact on the county. Officials are also receiving regular updates from the National Weather Service.
As safety and security is our number one priority, all decisions are made with the safety of students, staff, and families in mind.
Due to the potential for severe weather on Tuesday, January 9, Berkeley County School District (BCSD) announced that students will learn from home and complete eLearning Day assignments on Tuesday. All schools and offices will be closed Tuesday. Schools and offices will resume normal operations on Wednesday, January 10.
MORE INFO: https://www.bcsdschools.net/article/1398844
Please enjoy volume 20 of the GCHS Community Newsletter
GCH Spring Schedule Change Request Form
GCH Spring 2024 Saturday School Dates
Good afternoon Goose Creek High School Families. Please consider the following if you are in danger of failing a class due to absences. These will be the only opportunities to make up time from first semester before grades are finalized on January 11th. All FAs (failure due to absence) will be stored then.
Before the clock strikes midnight on December 31, check out some of our favorite videos from 2023! WATCH NOW: https://www.bcsdschools.net/article/1386468
Congratulations to Harrison Chandler on being one of the eight students in South Carolina selected for a high-coveted spot in South Carolina Band Director’s Association Honors Jazz Combo!
Goose Creek High School Community Newsletter - Volume 19
We are thrilled to announce that Harrison Chandler has been selected to participate in the prestigious South Carolina Band Directors Association Honors Jazz Combo for 2024!
This coveted opportunity is open to exceptional South Carolina high school jazz students who undergo a rigorous audition process which includes performing two jazz solos to show off their improvisation skills. Harrison's talent and dedication have secured his place among this esteemed ensemble.
The ensemble, comprised of talented musicians, will feature a fantastic lineup of one alto sax, one tenor sax, one trumpet, trombone, vibraphone, keyboard, drum set, and bass player.
Selected students, including Harrison, will convene on Saturday, February 10, 2024, for an intensive rehearsal session led by distinguished college director and former GCH alumni, Dr. David Carter.
The rehearsal will culminate in a spectacular performance in conjunction with the Master Recital Performance, following the last soloist's captivating presentation.
Let's extend our warmest congratulations to Harrison for this remarkable achievement! Your passion for music and dedication to your craft have truly shone through. We eagerly anticipate an outstanding performance from the 2024 SCBDA Honors Jazz Combo, showcasing the incredible talent of Harrison and his fellow musicians.
Please enjoy volume 18 of the GCHS Community Newsletter!
Good evening GCHS student and families! Please enjoy volume 17 of the GCHS Community Newsletter. Thank you and have a great week!
Goose Creek High holds a number of winter concerts in the month of December. We have something for everyone, from steel drums, to dance, to chorus and more! Mark your calendars to save the date!
DON'T MISS: Food Trucks & Facts on Dec. 7!
Forget about cooking dinner that night. Swing by our Food Trucks & Facts event and pick up grub for the family while mingling with BCSD administrators.
**There will be door prizes.**
When: Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Berkeley Educational Center, 107 E Main Street in Moncks Corner
DOWNLOAD FLYER: https://5il.co/29733
