Bishop Gorman Catholic School

Bishop Gorman orchestra students can perform in ensembles, as soloists, and at Holy Mass. Under the direction of Dwight Anderson, students also participate in TAPPS, TMEA, and TPSMEA auditions and competitions, as well as numerous other performances such as special events, the Christmas concert, and a Spring concert.

BG Orchestra alumna Johanna Carmona furthered her education in music and continues to perform. Johanna attended and graduated from the Julliard School of Music and now performs and works in New York City.

Her senior recital at Julliard may be viewed via Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/live/QWFVkzqaYEg?feature=shared. We are so proud of our alumni!!

Today, during Arts in Education Week, we celebrate current and former orchestra students of Bishop Gorman.

We ask for the intercession of St. Tutilo of Saint Gall, also a wonderful musician and artist.

Bishop Gorman Catholic School has a long legacy of award-winning choirs. This year, over 70 students are enrolled in our three choirs: 6th grade, 7/8th grade, and high school. BG choirs have performed concerts, led worship at Holy Mass, traveled abroad, sung at basketball and baseball games, and so much more. Students can compete in TAPPS, TPSMEA and TMEA. This year, the High School Choir will lead music at the Jubilee Mass for the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. All choirs will perform at the Veteran's Day program, Christmas Concert, and more.

Today for National Arts in Education Week, we spotlight soprano, Amelia Burshe, BG choir member and graduate of 2012.

Praised for her "rich tones and elegant poise" (Opera Wire), Polish-American soprano Amelia Burshe is a Texas native currently based in New York City. In 2024, she made her debut as Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata with Florham Park Opera and Juliette in Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette with Utah Valley Operafest's touring production.

Amelia’s past performances include a notable appearance as an artist at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival, where she covered the role of Alice in Verdi’s Falstaff, performing alongside celebrated baritone Bryn Terfel in the title role, conducted by Patrick Summers. Her other repertoire features prominent lyric soprano roles such as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Gilda in Rigoletto, the title roles in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta and Handel's Alcina, and Anna-Viola in Raphaël Lucas’s new work Confession.

A two-time Encouragement Award recipient at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Amelia was also a top-ten finalist in the Classical Singer Competition. This spring, she was selected as a Grand Finalist in The Dallas Opera’s 2024 Lone Star Vocal Competition as well as a Finalist in the Shreveport Opera Singer of the Year Competition.

This past summer Amelia made her debut with Charlottesville Opera as Micaëla in Carmen, during her time as an Ader Emerging Artist.

Enjoy one of her outstanding performances: https://youtu.be/_zVB-9aQQGE

Congratulations Amelia for carrying the legacy of Bishop Gorman as you share God's gift of music with the world. We are proud of you!

We also ask for the intercession of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians and singers.

It's National Arts in Education week, and at Bishop Gorman, we are celebrating the visual arts today.

Gorman 2010 graduate, Diana Pemberton Kennedy, is an active artist who is currently selling and exhibiting her work. She teaches fiber arts at a community art center in Colorado and also serves as a teacher's assistant for three art teachers at a secondary school. About her arts education at BG, she said, "Lisa McGehee was such a wonderful art teacher! She came when I was in the 7th grade and really opened up the art world to me. She helped me go to VASE for art, do the AP Art program, and even helped me post-graduation when I started teaching art. Having a mentor like her at a young age was key for me."

Current students at BG are able to begin learning the techniques for drawing pencils, charcoal, pastel crayons, watercolor, and pottery beginning in middle school. Throughout high school, students continue to hone their craft while learning about great artists in history. These young artists are encouraged to find purpose and meaning in their art as they explore different media. Students can compete in local, regional, state, and national competitions, such as VASE, TAPPS, Regional Scholastic Art, and take the AP Art exam through the College Board.

Please encourage and congratulate these fine artists as they develop the skills and talents God has given them.

We also ask for the intercession of St. Catherine of Bologna, patron saint of artists.

Why Arts in Education?

“In the beginning, God created…”

Numerous studies show that the fine and performing arts increase test scores, student success, graduation rates, overall wellness and belonging, and that they encourage critical thinking and collaboration. At a Catholic, liberal arts, and college preparatory school like Bishop Gorman, our education is about more than just academics. We also focus on the essence of who we are and who we are called to be. This means we explore our personal purpose, incorporating the arts and faith in the journey. As we are made in His image and likeness, we are called to be more like the Creator.

Isaiah 64:8 says, “but now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

This week, we celebrate the Arts at Bishop Gorman, including Art, Choir, Orchestra, Photography, Journalism, Industrial Arts and Theater. Check in each day for the latest post.

You've heard of "speed dating," but have you heard of Math Speed Dating? Well that's what students attempted this week in Mr. Calhoun's math class!!

Each student was assigned an equation or inequality to master, becoming an "expert" on their specific problem. Once they felt confident & checked their solutions with the teacher, they paired up with classmates in a "speed dating" format. During these quick exchanges, students shared their equations, and if they needed assistance, they could consult their partner who was the expert on that specific problem. At the end of each round, students checked their solutions together to ensure accuracy before moving on to the next partner. This was a fun, student centered approach that not only reinforced their understanding but also encouraged collaboration and communication among peers.

Learning math is fun at Bishop Gorman!!

#GoCru

In August, Bishop Gorman high school students shared the love of Jesus Christ by donating blood to help the sick.
Thank you Carter Blood Drive for the $500 scholarship.

Ms. Angela Carney's Pre-AP Chemistry students are busy measuring solutions and recording their results. A 2014 alumna of Bishop Gorman, Ms. Carney is in her seventh year of teaching and coaching at the school she once attended, and she is beloved by her students. Last year, her AP students performed exceptionally well on the exam, with one student earning a perfect score of 5, the highest possible score. Colleges and universities may accept AP exams for college credit, thus reducing the cost and time to complete college. Please congratulate Angela Carney for excellence in teaching!

World History Comes Alive with Archaeological Excavation

Students learn to uncover the past through hands-on excavation, gaining experience in archaeology and research while deepening their understanding of world history.

Lonnie Glosson’s AP World History classes have been performing an archaeological excavation for more than a decade, enabling students to sharpen their analytical skills. By researching the time period and using the clues they are given, students try to discover what may have happened at their dig site. The skills they acquire help them prepare their museum exhibit and presentation, and also aid them in further research and writing.