Artist of the Week: Josh Wilson
Josh Wilson, a Grade 12 student from Stouffville, is an accomplished musician, poet, actor, and director – a true creative force.
Since his arrival at CDS in JK, Josh has exhibited a shine to theatre and performing on the stage. According to his drama instructor, Ms. Gisa Bevacqua-Tirone, he has either acted or assistant directed in all of the Middle School and Senior School productions for the past six years.
This year, Josh was instrumental as a co-creator of CDS’ first-ever original dramatic production, ) rounded with a sleep ( ( meditations on living ). He also has a lead role in the CDS winter production of The Rimers of Eldritch, scheduled for later this month.
This year, Josh was instrumental as a co-creator of CDS’ first-ever original dramatic production, ) rounded with a sleep ( ( meditations on living ). He also has a lead role in the CDS winter production of The Rimers of Eldritch, scheduled for later this month.
Last summer, Josh was chosen by Soulpepper Theatre Company to participate in the Mainstage Men summer program where he was able to work with other youth from across the GTA, as well as with professional actors, directors and fight choreographers.
Josh is also a talented musician at CDS and helps to serve as the foundation of the Senior Music Ensemble, playing the tuba since Grade 5. He also plays guitar and is a part of the rhythm section for the Senior Jazz Band.
Josh has helped put on the Senior School Coffee House evenings for the past two years and has won awards for his poetry. As part of Student Council and the Social Justice club, his maturity and dedication to his peers is exemplary. Josh’s passion for the arts is reflected in his ability to write poetry, perform music and theatre, and in his ability to mentor his peers through direction and leadership. It is through the arts, drama in particular, that Josh feels he has developed a high degree of empathy.
“I’m not sure if art imitates life or life imitates art, but if I had the words to explain what either of those ideas meant, it would be a start,” says Josh who is very happy that the Artist of the Week title has begun to be recognized at CDS. To him, this means that “poetry, visual art, music and drama are still alive and appreciated in this community” and “that is the most exciting, important thing in the world.” In the words of his favourite poet Anis Mojgani, this makes him feel, “Like I am 17 and running in slow motion through a field lit with light … I close my eyes and everything I see floats.”
Next year, Josh plans to pursue Literature and Philosophy at either Concordia University or the University of King’s College in Halifax and hopes to continue with writing and theatre.
Below is an excerpt from a poem Josh submitted for the Senior School poetry contest this year entitled Ascension:
I am a ghost.
wrought from the rays of the sun, the touch of the moon and the dust of the earth.
Possessing painted eyes -
marred by mirrors and veils.
On a transparent staircase, seeing only my shadow
I move with rigidity.
Stuck somewhere between stepping and staying
with each crack in my foundation pulling me and my shadows deeper into darkness
my footprints stain each stair as I pick up the pieces of glass that fall like teardrops.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
