Artists of all mediums are known for pursuing creativity despite hardships. These struggles range from external circumstances, like Johnny Cash’s childhood in poverty, and internal conflict, like Amy Winehouse’s mental health. Many artists have endured trouble while furthering their creative career.
OCSA students have experienced their own challenges as the school moves forward with structural and scheduling changes. However, rather than students feeling unmotivated by the changes, they have felt even more connected to their school.
Ainhoa Ruiz, an OCSA Drama Major, says that construction changes have “affected the places where actors can rehearse.” This obstacle of separating cast members into multiple small rehearsal spaces, have made them stronger actors: “The different locations have made us more adaptable, when we perform, we are ready for anything.”
Ashanté Sadarkis, a Visual Artist, is motivated to create for different reasons. As she sees the progression in construction, she feels inspired to create. She says that this new school will be “more professional” and will encourage artists to respect their work even more.
Dr. Rolando, OCSA’s Assistant Principal, anticipates that we can expect to move into the new building over winter break. This means that all the learning and arts classrooms will have access to more space and equipment.
She specifically mentioned how Mr. Molineaux, who’s recently relocated his classes to the cafeteria, will have a brand new band room after we make this transition.
This should help to minimize the disruptions to class time, as Mr. Molineaux explains that at the moment, he is “losing instructional time because of daily transitions between rooms.”
While a temporary inconvenience, even this has pushed his students further, as they continue to create at their standard of excellence in less-than-ideal circumstances. He is excited to move forward with his students through current obstacles and prospective changes.
At OCSA, you can feel the surge of change within every artist and teacher. Everyone is sleeping with their sneakers strapped on, ready to move band stands, change rehearsal rooms, and eventually move into their new home.
