Big French Dance: Cajun and Zydeco Music 1972-1974 Photographs by Ron Stanford
Big French Dance: Cajun and Zydeco Music 1972-1974 Photographs by Ron Stanford On display in Shipley's Speer Gallery from September 13 - October 21.
About the Exhibit
The exhibit at the Speer Gallery will include an interactive display of a gas station road map — the only way back then to know where you were going in the backwoods of Louisiana. There will also be a hands-on display of The Vietnam-era Nikon camera that took all the pictures in the exhibit, and a Nagra reel-to-reel field tape recorder that recorded most of the sounds heard in the gallery.
Students and gallery-goers will be able to listen to French music from the era — including a rare 35-minute recording of the Balfa Brothers Band playing their regular Saturday gig at the Lakeview Club in Eunice. Another listening option will be 50 minutes at home with the powerhouse Zydeco family, the Broussards, led by Delton Broussard, leader of the Lawtell Playboys.
The original vinyl record Ron and Fay produced in 1974 on the Swallow label will be part of the exhibit, and visitors will be able to handle and play cuts from that and several other old south Louisiana LP records on a vintage school AV department record player.
The gallery reception will be held outside and in pop-up tents just outside the Speer Gallery at Shipley School. A band formed of Philly pros who have a common love for the variety of roots music spawned in the Gulf Coast — Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp Pop, Tex-Mex, and New Orleans funk to name a few. It will be an evening of musical exploration and improvisation, led by Isaac Stanford, son of Ron and Fay Stanford.
Artist Reception Friday, October 1, 2021 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Join us in Speer Gallery to see the exhibit and meet Ron Stanford at an outdoor reception, featuring live music of the Gulf Coast.
The Upper School Administration recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards at the annual Closing Awards Ceremony.
After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Dr. Sharron Russell will leave Shipley at the end of the school year. Learn more about her impact and what’s next in her professional journey.
When the Flannellys relocated to Philadelphia, they sought a school where all four of their sons could thrive. Shipley stood out—not just for academics and activities, but for the deep, personal support that would shape their confidence and growth.
In Gator Congregation Storytellers and Middle School’s 5 Minutes of Wisdom, students and faculty share personal, heartfelt stories—moments of growth, courage, and connection. These programs foster empathy, trust, and belonging, strengthening the relationships that make Shipley’s community so special.
The Shipley School is proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2025 Alumni Award recipients—three distinguished individuals who embody the values of excellence, leadership, and service in their respective fields.
For over 20 years, Shipley’s partnership with alumna Paige West ’86 and the West Collection has brought world-class contemporary art to the Speer Gallery, inspiring students to think boldly and engage with real-world ideas.
Shipley’s Speer Gallery, led by art teacher Julia Staples, is a vibrant hub for learning and connection, showcasing thought-provoking exhibits that spark conversation and inspire collaboration across subjects like History, Science, and English.
Read about how Shipley changed life for Sissy ffolliott ’70 and why she supports the Centennial Society—ensuring future generations receive the same transformative education and encouragement she experienced over 55 years ago.
Middle School Science Teacher Ace Schwarz recently presented an education-focused project at the prestigious American Astronomical Society (AAS) Conference. Learn how Mx. Schwarz brings NASA research into Shipley’s classrooms, empowering students with authentic data projects and cutting-edge astronomy lessons.
To celebrate Black History Month, Shipley was proud to host Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, on Monday, February 3. Carlotta spoke to students and faculty about her story - for the right of every child to learn and grow without discrimination. She also spent time with the Black Student Union.
Congratulations to Aarik ’28 and Rohail ’26 for their creativity and award-winning excellence in the CMU CS Academy Fall 2024 Creative Task Competition, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science.
Shipley’s Finance Club, hosted Tim Buckley, former CEO of Vanguard, for a discussion on career development, leadership, and the power of curiosity. Buckley shared practical advice on building a fulfilling career, the importance of asking thoughtful questions, and how purpose can drive lasting success.
Shipley’s dynamic history curriculum challenges students to think critically, engage deeply with diverse perspectives, and connect the past to today’s world. Explore how innovative electives and passionate educators bring history to life in 11th and 12th grade classrooms.
Shipley’s Middle School history classrooms are alive with creativity, immersive projects, and hands-on learning. From muckraking magazines to trench art, students don’t just study history—they experience it, making meaningful connections to the past and present.
The Shipley School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian L. Craig as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Craig brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in independent schools and a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and program innovation.
Over the past five years, Shipley’s Cross Country program has surged forward, blending competitive success with a vibrant culture of personal growth and team spirit. This rise has been powered by an engaged community of runners, dedicated coaches, and a program spanning Lower, Middle, and Upper School.
On display in Shipley's Speer Gallery from January 27 - April 4, 2025, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures addressing the urban landscape of Philadelphia.
Ranked #6 in the nation for U15 squash players, Kate reflects on her journey—from her first lesson with Coach Chris to joining Shipley's varsity squash team. Learn how the Shipley Squash Academy shaped her skills, mindset, and love for the game as she continues to tackle new challenges and reach for new heights.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.