The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts' calendar is full of activities and events this season, despite the weather's antics lately. From concerts to master classes, our multi-colored halls are teeming with busyness and excitement. Here is an overview of some of Charter Arts' recent news and some upcoming events.

Recently, the Student Council held the annual "Winter Ball" at "The Meadows" in Hellertown. With great music, food and dancing, the students were able to relax and have fun with their friends. Additionally, the National Honor Society began selling Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Bars to fundraise for the club and possibly even a trip to Washington, D.C., this year.

The music department held a "Pink Floyd Night" at Godfrey Daniels Feb. 6 providing a unique opportunity for students to explore the genre of rock, as opposed to the usual focus on jazz and classical music.

Sheridan Brodhead, Elizabeth King and Noah Diggs were chosen to participate in the PMEA Regional Orchestra this year. Albert Nelthropp and Kate Miksits will also move on to the Regional Chorus Festival Feb. 13-15 in Chambersburg.

Instrumental music majors had a fantastic master class recently with the legendary drummer, Albert "Tootie" Heath, who has worked and recorded with John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Herbie Hancock among others. Students admired his energy, obvious passion and wise advice.

Charter Arts students fared well at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards this year. In the visual art category, gold keys were distributed to Devante Cordero, Ariel Posh, Lexi Schnabel, Adam Beauchner, Sarah Fiedler, Justin Orlick, Bria Pickel, Anthony Recinos Hernandez and Lara Zarzosa. Silver key winners included Luciana Arce, Alba Fernandez, Thomas Marzella, Ariel Posh, Gwen Stark, Lara Zarzosa, Amanda Hodes, Ana Raiola and Anthony Recinos Hernandez.

A special congratulations to Thomas Marzella and Alba Fernandez for receiving the Juror's Awards and also to Ariel Posh for winning the Affiliate Director's Choice Award. In the writing category, a gold key was given to Amanda Hodes. Silver key winners include Jacquelyn Fiorillo, Karisa Fulmer, and Tilleen Meitzler.

Several Charter Arts choirs will be performing with Official Chorus of the U.S. Air Force Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. at Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church in Lansdale. There will also be a Jazz Café at the school March 20 at 7 p.m.

A "Second Stage" (our student-run theatre company) production of Shakespeare's "Richard II" runs from March 6 to 9. It has been edited by senior theatre major Savannah Murphy and will include a five-person ensemble. Word has it that this performance is a must see.

The Figure Skating Ice Show, "Move," March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Steel Ice Center will feature contemporary solo and ensemble works. Also, the 2014 "Gala of Dreams" to benefit the school will be held April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Arts Quest Center at Steel Stacks. Tickets are available for purchase now at the charterarts.org.

For more information, feel free to visit our website and also our student-run newspaper blog, www.theperformerblog.wordpress.com.