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, 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 (pictured above) 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/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/bca or call GCHS at (843) 553-5300.