BBL Fine Arts Academy

11/02/2025

Don't forget 🕑

09/14/2025

BBL is proud of our own Christopher Walker showing his drumming skills with the Marching Illini. Way to go Chris!

08/06/2025

Seriously?
https://youtube.com/shorts/aTA8Ukprc7U?si=JBa8NqpwJG77QGdG

07/14/2025

I just saw a Nik West video. She said something that I’ve been thinking for a while now. But first I’ll say that you young guns are highly proficient. I admire your technique and your fire. You are definitely moving the music to a higher level. So, these comments are not meant to “diss” anybody. But, Ms West said something about playing the bass that I completely resonate with. I would add that this can also apply to drummers.

In group playing, the bass is part of the rhythm section. The rhythm section is the backbone of the group. The bass is the bottom of the section which means that it provides the foundation of the groove. I get that y’all new guys can play fast and clean, but always remember to play on the "1". I know I’m old but if y’all want to be a featured soloist, you should master a solo instrument that plays on top of the rhythm section. The main job of the bass hasn’t changed that much: help to create the "pocket" and then stay in it. Real music making still needs a groove. If it doesn't cause folks to want to dance, you may be doing too much. With that being said, I’m still gonna listen to you.

04/22/2025

Local Hero 🥰🤩

04/12/2025

https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/education/you-name-it-cusf-local-hero-award-winner-has-done-it/article_01cbca36-60d6-4edb-a1a8-441aeb368081.html

If you’ve ever been to any school gym for a game or graduation ceremony and sat on a long piece of plastic making up a row in the bleachers, there’s

04/12/2025

Celebrating Mr. Lewis and his nomination as the CUSF Local Hero. Congratulations for your recognition, contributions to our community and most of all to BBL.

Thank you Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum for nominating our distinguished leader.

04/08/2025

Mr. Robert Lewis will be honored this Friday!

✨ A few tickets remain! ✨

Join us next Friday for the Annual CU Schools Foundation Distinguished Alumni Recognition Reception as we celebrate incredible individuals who are shining examples of the greatness that has come from Champaign and Urbana schools and consistent contributors to our community. 🎉

Don’t miss this inspiring evening—secure your spot today by purchasing your ticket online ($85/person)! 🎟️

Champaign Unit 4 Schools
Urbana School District #116

02/21/2025

02/09/2025

Happy birthday to one of our founders and treasurer, Mr. Robert Lewis!🎂🎈🎊

02/01/2025

Mr. Lewis will be recognized in April!

Local Hero: ROBERT LEWIS (Urbana ’64)
Among the former Salem Baptist music tutor’s greatest hits: playing in the Douglass Center drum corps as a child and co-founding the Mo’Betta Music Program and Banks Bridgewater and Lewis Fine Arts Academy as a grown-up, mentoring countless young musicians along the way. The lifelong percussionist’s “remarkable contributions have left a profound and lasting impact on generations of students and families in Champaign-Urbana” — and extend beyond the arts. An engineer with two patents to his credit — he invented a plastic structural system for seating intended to shift demand away from lumber — Lewis also represented Ward 3 on the Urbana City Council.

Two Centennial Chargers, a pair of Urbana Tigers and one Central Maroon will share the spotlight when the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation honors Unit 4 and District 116 alumni at

11/28/2024