Published for the Arts Based School Community
April 25, 2024
How We Do It and Why
By Mary Siebert
“To forget a Holocaust is to kill twice.” – Elie Weisel
Brundibár is a children’s opera by Czech composer Hans Krása, based on a cheerful folk tale. It is widely regarded as the finest opera ever composed for children to sing. In 1942, Hans Krása was imprisoned by the Nazis at Terezín (Theresienstadt) concentration camp, where an estimated 33,000 people died of overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. 88,000 people were sent from Terezín to Auschwitz and other death camps. The score of Krása’s newly composed opera was recreated by Krása at the camp, adapted for the instruments available. The Nazis permitted the children of Terezín to perform Brundibár at least 55 times at Terezín, routinely shipping the young singers to death camps afterward, to be replaced by a new cast of children. When the International Red Cross visited Terezín in 1944, the Nazis theatrically used the camp as a temporary showpiece to refute growing allied suspicions that Jews were being exterminated. Terezín was staged with a fake, temporary kindergarten, a park, flowers, rich food, and concerts. The prisoners were dressed in fine clothing, for that day only. Just before the arrival of the Red Cross, the nazis shipped 7,500 prisoners to their deaths at Auschwitz, to create more open space. The opera Brundibár was performed for the Red Cross visitors, to demonstrate how happy and productive the children of Terezín were. Red Cross representatives reported to the world that Nazi prison camps were safe, clean, and pleasant. Immediately after the Red Cross departed, the cast and composer were sent to Auschwitz, where they were killed. This innocent little opera has carried the weight of its terrible historical context, ever after.
The Arts Based School’s 7th Graders perform Brundibár as part of a state-required study of World War II, the Holocaust, and genocide. One year, a surviving cast member, Ela Weissberger, visited us and shared memories of the friends she had loved and lost. She stood with our students to join in the “Victory Song” at the end, singing in the Czech language. Ela asked us always to remember her friends, and we do. Ela passed away in 2018.
Memoirs of children who lived at Terezín, the testimony of surviving cast members, historic video footage of a Brundibár performance at the prison camp, and the experience of singing the very notes those children sang, help us consider the Holocaust through the eyes of young victims whose memory we keep alive through this project. Remembering Ela, we sing the final phrase of the Victory Song in the Czech language. We sing the opera in solidarity with Ela’s lost friends.
Brundibár will be performed by all ABS 7th graders next week on Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 p.m. at SECCA, 750 Marguerite Dr, Winston-Salem. The opera lasts about one-half hour. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to cover production costs.
Volunteers Needed to Move Sets for the 7th Grade Show.
This Friday, April 26, 3:15 pm. Meet in ABS blackbox to stage materials at downstairs loading dock. 30 minutes.
Monday, April 29, 8:15 a.m. Meet at ABS-North basement door to load sets onto truck. Travel to SECCA (3.5 miles) to load sets and costumes into theater. 1 hour.
Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. Meet at SECCA immediately after show and strike and load sets and costumes onto truck. Drive to ABS (3.5 miles) and move materials into storage in basement.
The Sullivan Sisters
We were honored, delighted, and proud yesterday when we hosted the bluegrass duo The Sullivan Sisters, who returned to ABS to perform for all of our K-4 students at both campuses. Soraya and Luciya Sullivan attended ABS in their early elementary years, and they credit the school for getting them started in singing close harmonies and playing their instruments. Their family relocated to the Chicago area, and this is their first visit to perform back in North Carolina. They played at Muddy Creek Listening Room last night, and will perform at Merlefest tomorrow, April 26, at 3:30 at the Little Pickers’ Stage. More info HERE
ABS Skate Night
The ABS Builders Club is sponsoring a Skate Night on Thursday, April 25, from 6:30 - 8:00 at Skate Haven, 120 Hood Drive in Winston-Salem. The charge is $6.00, which covers the rental of skates. This event funds many charities the ABS Builders Club supports during the year. All are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Walk-a-thon for Be the Match
K-Kids and Builders’ Club will participate in a walk-a-thon for Be the Match, a program that supports donations of blood stem cells and marrow for cell therapy, helping patients with leukemia.
When: Saturday, April 27, 9:15-10:30
Where: JDL Fast Track, 2505 Empire Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Please bring all pledges in this Friday if you are not going to attend on Saturday, all money is due at the walk on Saturday.
Congrats!
The Piedmont Environmental Center awarded 2nd prize in the Piedmont Earth Day Art Contest, in the K-4 category, to ABS 4th grader Beatrice Dickson. Congratulations, Bea!
Memories for Mary Siebert
We are collecting stories and well wishes to share with Mary at her retirement party. If you have a story, anecdote, or memory about Mary Siebert that makes you laugh, smile, or feel happiness, please share here. If you have photos you’d like to share, please add here.
Parent Council News
Please join us for the final PC meeting on Friday 5/17 at 830am in MLK cafe
Open Parent Council Board positions for the 24-25 school year include:
Teacher Appreciation/Hospitality Co-Coordinator- North (2 open positions)
Teacher Appreciation/Hospitality Coordinator-South
Social Media Coordinator
Secretary Co-Coordinator
Event Coordinator/s
This is such a great way to be involved, help support our school and make improvements. Please reach out to Stephanie Smith or Katy Whiteheart with questions or nominations. Voting will occur at the May PC meeting.
We need your help to make Field Day tons of fun! Here's the sign up for class stations. Please email Amanda Davis if you have any questions.
Teacher appreciation week is around the corner May 6-10. Let’s spoil our beloved teachers and staff with these special days…
Message Monday (5/6): Have your student write a special letter or thank-you card
Tuesday Treat-day (5/7): Bring in a tasty treat for your teacher
Wishlist Wednesday (5/8): Surprise your teacher with an item from their wishlist
Thirsty Thursday (5/9): Bring in a beverage or gift card to a coffee/smoothie shop
Floral Friday (5/10): Have your student pick a flower or bring in a plant for the classroom
2024 ABS Summer Camps- Last Call!
Did you know there are only 8 days left to register for 2024 Summer Camps? ABS Summer Camps are now open to friends and family in the community. Share the camps with those who are looking for something awesome to do this summer!
Register for 2023-2024 ABS Summer Camps (Click on the title of the camp to register.)
Contact Ashley Tate at [email protected] with any questions.
Around Town…
The Winston Salem Choral Academy (formerly, the Winston Salem Girls Chorus) will celebrate 25 years this Sunday, April 28, at Centenary Methodist at 646 W. 5th Street in downtown Winston. Doors open at 3:45 with performances beginning at 4:30. Come out to celebrate the four choirs which include talented ABS students! (& to applaud Ms. Suzanne, the fabulous choir director and parent of ABS students!)
Auditions are also now open for the WS Choral Academy. Visit their website to learn more.
Ways to get involved and learn more about ABS:
- Follow us on Social Media
- Read and Review the Student/Parent Handbook
- Catch up on Thursday Notes you may have missed
- Explore the ABS website
- Make sure we have best contact information so that you receive all communications