Story and photos by Hale Foster ‘25
On most days, the library is a quiet and tranquil space, intended for students to relax and work without the noise of a classroom or the hallways. The slow turning of pages or occasional muted whisper are generally the loudest sounds one would hear. However, for the past two days, the MICDS library has overflowed with boisterous energy: conversations, laughter, and most unusually, the sounds of cards shuffling. A place that serves as a storage hub for knowledge–once considered arcane–has now become a training ground for apprentice magicians. For two weeks in January, MICDS students study the intricate art of performance card magic, led by Christopher Barker, Upper School Spanish Teacher, and Alyoska Díaz, Upper School Spanish Teacher.
At the start of every class, Mr. Barker holds a competition: he presents a trick using a special prop, and the first group of students to correctly explain the mechanism behind the trick wins the prop. Because of this, each class begins with lively discussion and a new trick for students to add to their repertoire. “It’s really interesting because Mr. Barker demonstrates the trick on us first, and then we can replicate it afterward. It’s a great way to learn a skill,” shares Eshan Majeed ’26. Following the initial excitement, students get to work individually. Choosing from a catalog of tricks assembled by Mr. Barker, each student was able to customize their experience and learn the techniques that appealed to them the most. Cardistry alone is a very large category of skills, but magic as a whole comprises an even greater list of abilities. Students learn tricks, shuffles, cuts, flourishes, and skills that go beyond the deck as well. Mr. Barker helps students prepare routines by teaching them improvisation and performance techniques to make their magic even more engaging. The class requires no previous acting or cardistry experience, so every student is able to work up from their skill level.
As part of the students’ training, Mr. Barker organized members of the local magic community to present their routines and personal insight into the trade. These magicians were excited to show off their skills, and the opportunity provided a perfect teaching moment for the students. Everyone was enthralled with the performances, and the library was filled with a sense of excitement. After every trick came a round of thunderous applause—and smiles all around. Near the end of the week, students were shuffling like pros and using misdirection like real magicians.
“This class is probably the most fun I’ve had during Winter Term. It has taught me a lot about card magic, and I’m excited to take this skill into the future,” reflects Everett Ott ’26. Mr. Barker encourages his students to continue practicing their skills with the hope that they may become active members of the magic community. Needless to say, many students are excited to keep learning more on their own, even if the course has come to an end. A word of advice for the next time you play cards with an MICDS student: pay very close attention to their hands, or you may end up losing.