Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation

06/14/2026

Is your student feeling bored and claiming there’s nothing to do already? Is the summer heat making outdoor fun a challenge? Worry not! We offer a diverse range of options at the Summer Arts Academy for them to dive into and explore!

Week #1 Registration Deadline is Thursday, June 18, 2026!

Visit our Summer Arts Academy page for information and registration: https://barbaraingramfoundation.org/summer-arts-academy/

06/13/2026

Thank you again to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra for their collaboration with our Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Summer String Orchestra Academy.

Four members of the MSO will be joining our instructor Petr Skopek; who is also a member of the MSO and the Orchestra Teacher at Barbara Ingram School for the Arts; June 22-25, 2026, to teach master classes with our String Orchestra students.

We are excited to welcome Alice Tung (Viola), Dr. Shawn Alger (Associate Principal Bass), Kat Whitesides (Violin), and lyssa Moquin (Cello) to our summer program.

The students will also have a Master Class presented by luthier William Stapp, a Master Violin Maker based in Frederick, Maryland. Students will get to see the skill and artistry of violin making. For more information, visit his website at: https://www.stappviolins.com/

Don’t' worry...there is still time to enroll in our String Orchestra Academy! The registration deadline is Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Please use the link below for instructor and guest artist biographies and registration.

https://barbaraingramfoundation.org/summer-arts-academy/

06/12/2026

School is OFFICIALLY out for the summer!!! Don't worry there is still time to sign up for our Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Summer Arts Academy Programs.

Our programs are open and available for students who will be entering 4th grade (Beginning Guitar Academy only) to 11th grade for the 2026-2027 school year!

You do not have to be a Washington County resident/student to attend.

Week #1 is just around the corner, and we still have just a few spots left! Registration deadline is Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Our academies are taught by BISFA faculty, alumni, and local artists, ensuring that your students benefit from their expertise in small class settings.

Use the link below to find out additional information on academy offerings:
https://barbaraingramfoundation.org/summer-arts-academy/

06/09/2026

Happy last day of school, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts!

As we celebrate the conclusion of the school year, we cannot let this moment pass without bidding farewell and wishing Dr. Hovermale the best in his retirement today.
His dedication, support, and leadership at Barbara Ingram have made a lasting impact on countless students and staff who have graced our halls over the past thirteen years.

His influence on the BISFA community has been remarkable, creating a nurturing atmosphere where students can flourish. You will be greatly missed! Thank you for making each one of us feel like an esteemed member of the BISFA family!

Once a Phantom, Always a Phantom!

06/09/2026

We are so excited to announce a collaboration with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and our Barbara Ingram School for the Arts String Orchestra Summer Arts Academy!

Four members of the MSO will be joining our instructor Petr Skopek (who is also a member of the MSO) June 22-25, 2026 to teach master classes with our String Orchestra students. We are grateful to welcome Alice Tung (Viola), Dr. Shawn Alger (Associate Principal Bass), Kat Whitesides (Violin), and lyssa Moquin (Cello) to our summer program.

Dont' worry...there is still time to enroll in our String Orchestra Academy! The registration deadline is Friday June 12, 2026.

Please use the link below for guest artist and instructor bios and registration.

Join us for the Summer Arts Academy at BISFA, a creative and supportive environment for young artists. New this year - the Summer Arts Adventure for grades 1-4!

06/08/2026

Help us honor our Board Member, Pam Francis, on her special day! We sincerely value her dedication and the time she invests in the Board and the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. Wishing a very happy birthday to an incredible individual who holds an esteemed position in our community and organization!

06/06/2026

We are excited again this year to offer our Making a Rock Band Academy! We are happy to have Michael Tyson, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Adjunct Instructor and Will Turney, BISFA Alumni Class of 2023 teaching again this year.

The 2-week academy is being offered July 13-23, 2026, from 9 am to 4pm. This is a perfect academy for singers, songwriters, and musicians! Students will learn some popular covers and at the end of the second week perform an original piece!

Please use the link below for additional information and registration:
https://barbaraingramfoundation.org/summer-arts-academy/

06/01/2026

We are excited to welcome Craig Kilgore to our Summer Arts Academy program this year. He will be teaching our 2-week Filmmaking 101 Academy taking place July 13-23, 2026.

Craig Kilgore is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Next Level Visions, a professional video production company based in Hagerstown, Maryland. He specializes in cinematic storytelling for businesses, organizations, and community projects throughout the region.

Craig has worked on corporate films, commercials, live events, and documentary productions. His recent documentary work has screened at multiple film festivals and earned audience recognition. In addition to his professional work, Craig is passionate about mentoring young creatives and helping students develop confidence through hands-on filmmaking.

In Filmmaking 101, he guides students from idea to screen, introducing the fundamentals of storytelling, camera work, lighting, sound, and editing in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We still have space available in his academy. Use the link below for registration and additional information.

https://barbaraingramfoundation.org/summer-arts-academy/

05/31/2026

We are excited to welcome to our Summer Arts Academy program this year. He will be teaching a Graffit Art Academy for us the week of July 6-9, 2026.

Peter “Bam” Arizmendi was born and raised on Manhattan’s historic Lower East Side, a neighborhood alive with rhythm, art, and creativity. Surrounded by the sounds of Salsa, Disco, and the emerging pulse of Hip Hop, he developed an early love for dance and the expressive energy of New York City.

​Bam began his journey with the legendary Crush City Rockers, later joining the world-famous Dynamic, New York City Breakers and the innovative Rhythm Technicians, led by Locatron John. These experiences solidified his reputation as a dynamic force in the evolution of urban dance.

In 1999, Bam co-directed the internationally acclaimed stage production Break! The Urban Funk Spectacular, a vibrant theatrical showcase that brought the history and power of street dance to mainstream audiences. In the next year, Bam organized a workshop with the legendary group Chain Reaction at Carnegie Hall.

From 2014 to 2025, Bam owned and operated Fresh Academicz, an urban arts academy dedicated to teaching dance, music, Hip Hop culture and art inspired by Keith Haring, Basquiat and Lee from The Lower East Side. Through Fresh Academicz, he built a creative community that empowered young artists to develop their craft while embracing the positive and unifying values of Hip Hop culture.

Today, Peter “Bam” Arizmendi remains an active member of Crush City Rockers, the crew that started it all for him continuing his lifelong mission to preserve, teach, and innovate within the world of street dance. His work now centers on filmmaking, writing urban dance scripts, Theatre, Art, Urban Fashion and teaching New York Boogie style—a movement language inspired by the artistic energy of New York City.

We still have space available in his academy. Use the link below for registration and additional information.

https://barbaraingramfoundation.org/summer-arts-academy/