Arts Guide. Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program

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1 Arts Guide Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program

2 Jordan Alexander Ressler, z l, chased his dreams and made them come true. Guided by his passion for life and love for the arts, he launched a successful career in film and theatre after graduating from Cornell University. Credits included original productions of Billy Crystal s 700 Sundays and Jersey Boys, both of which moved to Broadway. Sadly, Jordan passed away in a tragic accident in 2004 when he was only 23 years old. Jordan s family created the Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program at Scheck Hillel Community School to seed a legacy of children inspired to discover their own talents, ignite their own passions and chase their own dreams. May his memory be for a blessing. About Us From early childhood through Grade 12, Scheck Hillel Community School inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an innovative curriculum enriched by co-curricular experiences. All of this is set within a nurturing, international community. Scheck Hillel is one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The Hillel Way Inspiration. Leadership. Excellence. Committed to educating our students with care and dignity, and with great appreciation for each child as a unique individual (B tzelem Elokim), Scheck Hillel Community School provides a robust, nurturing environment for growth and personal development. The school is defined by academic excellence with talented faculty and dedicated families partnered to help students attain their maximum potential as scholars and citizens. Our mission is to develop wise, compassionate and purposeful Jewish leaders for a modern global society. At Hillel, tradition is passed to the next generation through interactive, modern instruction and inviting community that shares values and spirit. Jewish knowledge, practice and identity are taught from a traditional Orthodox perspective, with full respect for the values of a diverse Jewish community. As a community day school, we actively embrace families along a spectrum of Jewish observance who value growth toward a Torah-inspired lifestyle. By engaging students in vibrant Torah study and relevant, contemporary experiences focused on mitzvah observance, allegiance to the Jewish people and Judaic literacy, we strive to deepen their commitment to Judaism and the State of Israel. Learning for a Lifetime We are a community of learners committed to academic rigor and excellence housed in an inspired Jewish environment that fosters enduring Jewish identity and Torah knowledge with a focus on Mitzvah observance and allegiance to the Jewish people. 2

3 Why the arts matter I believe arts education in music, theater, dance and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They (children) have an enthusiasm for life a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training training that prepares them to become confident young men and women. Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education 56% of corporate executives and 79% of school superintendents agree that a college degree in the arts is the most significant indicator of creativity in a prospective job candidate. - Educational Theatre Association; Ready to Innovate Research shows that students who participate in fine and performing arts programs have: Stronger academic performance Higher self-esteem Five times more likely to be recognized for academic achievements Acquired lifelong time management skills A heightened awareness of culture and acceptance Higher standardized tests scores 12 times more likely to be accepted into a first choice college By focusing on the arts as part of a core academic curriculum, students are becoming more prepared as global citizens, as well as strengthening their cognitive abilities in all areas, especially literacy and math. Creative thinkers have the ability to create big things! 3

4 Curriculum Early Childhood Music Early Childhood students in PKT-PK4 explore music through movement, listening and beginning vocal performance. They are exposed to a vast array of world music repertoire, exciting dances and the external experiences that help children feel valuable. Responding to natural curiosity, this program preserves the joy about discovering new concepts and skills through spontaneous learning. Children learn simple concepts such as colors, shapes, sizes and names of objects through engaging them in everyday contexts. Children use their senses and their imagination to observe texture, smell and unusual sights all around them. This first exposure is fun and interactive for all of our youngest students! Lower School Music Once a week, students in Kindergarten-Grade 5 participate in ear training and music theory, exploration and continued knowledge of music and performance. Music is presented in a cultural and historical context so as to promote the development of the whole child based on Jewish core values. As students develop, some study string instruments while others study percussion technique using Orff instruments and African drums. These classes emphasize fine motor coordination, introductory group and individual performance skills, music literacy and rhythmic decoding. Lower School Visual Arts The PK3-Grade 5 visual arts program promotes students natural curiosity to direct their learning. Children need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space for children to explore is crucial to their personal growth. The visual arts curriculum provides a substantive framework to guide teacher instruction. Middle School Visual Arts In Grades 6-8 visual arts, students develop a sense of creativity through research, application of skills and creation of original artwork. Students will learn how to reflect upon and evaluate artwork, take responsibly for proper usage of art materials and supplies, communicate ideas and concepts through art and develop an appreciation of exemplars in varied cultures and historical periods. Upper School Orchestra Students have the opportunity to continue their study of music by learning the violin, viola, cello or bass. The classes meet twice a week as part of the academic program. Students are required to rent or purchase an instrument for home practice. Students will apply their knowledge for strings and advance into a traditional orchestral setting, thus learning large group performance technique, decoding of music and building analytical skill as a musician. The orchestra performs in various concerts and events throughout the year. 4

5 Upper School Band Beginning band students in Grades 6-12 who did not take band during the previous academic year, are fit on one of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone or tuba. After choosing an instrument, they rent their instrument from a music store. Students will learn how to read notes and how to play them on their instrument. Students will be required to attend one performance per quarter - four per year. Students also have the opportunity to perform on band trips at local venues, such as theme parks, professional athletic games and retirement homes. Advanced band students in Grades 6-12 must have taken band in the previous year. The emphasis is placed on tone, technique development and sight-reading. Students will begin to learn advanced music and become more efficient on their instruments. Students will be required to attend one performance per quarter - four per year. Students will also have the opportunity to perform on band trips at local venues, such as theme parks, professional athletic games and retirement homes. Upper School Music Production Under the International Baccalaureate (IB) guidelines, this course combines music appreciation, history, theory and production for students in Grades This course will guide students to appreciate different types of music, identify composers and major compositions related to historical style periods, develop listening skills concerning the various elements of music, notate melodies through listening, prepare an analysis of listening selections, produce original songs on a CD using GarageBand, ProTools or Reason computer music programs. Units include Sound Reproduction, Garage Band, Expressing Emotions through Music, and Film Score. Students will orchestrate and arrange a composition using four-part harmony, problem-solve issues related to music making, and participate effectively in critiques. Upper School Visual Arts The purpose of Grades 9-12 visual arts is to enable students to communicate ideas and concepts through basic two-dimensional design and composition, and develop an appreciation of exemplars in varied cultures and historical periods. The Arts serve as the primary signature of a culture, carrying individual and collective images and ideas from one generation to another. The Arts are a distinctive way of understanding, and they give purpose to learning, provide tools for interpreting life s experiences and develop a child s identity and sense of self-worth. The student as an artist is guided to share feelings and impact others while encouraging self-discipline. Art is a vehicle for knowing and understanding the world and our Jewish heritage. 5

6 Pep Band After School Programs Band students in Grades 6-12 have the opportunity to be part of the Pep Band. Pep Band musicians advance on their instrument at a quicker pace than the class pace. This group will perform for events on campus, as well as off campus. Students will also learn the many styles of Jazz, including Swing, Blues, Funk and Latin. They will learn complex rhythms, blues scales, and they will study the art of improvisation. This program runs Mondays, 4:10-5:10 pm; the fee is $200 for the school year. Please contact band director Mr. Matt Villa at [email protected] for information. Drumline Students in Grades 6-12 learn basic to advanced drumline skills in order to build coordination, strength, discipline and creativity. Drumline participants showcase these skills in performances at school, sporting events and throughout the community. To join Drumline, students must be enrolled in Band where they learn the fundamentals of multiple percussion instruments, including keyboard mallets and the nonpitched instruments such as snare drum and bass drum. This program runs Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:10-5:30 pm; the fee is $200 for the school year. Please contact Drumline Director Mrs. Dionne Lockett at [email protected] for information. Orchestra Students in Grades 3-8 are introduced to the String Orchestra through their chosen instrument of violin, viola, cello or bass. As students show advanced competency in the general music curriculum during the school day, they will be invited to join the after school orchestra. This program runs Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00-4:45 pm and 4:45-5:30 pm; the fee is $200 for the school year. Please contact Orchestra Director Ms. Linda Shapanka at [email protected] for information. 6

7 Musical Theatre Grades 3-5, 6-8 It s show time! The goal of Musical Theatre is to instill in students the importance of collaboration and teamwork, the value and rewards of self-discipline, time management, hard work, a passion and commitment toward their work, and an appreciation for the performing arts. Children practice comprehension of the written word, how to ask questions for clarification, memorization and recall, and develop public speaking skills. The shows are filled with magnificent musical numbers, acting, innovative scenery, and colorful costumes. What most people don t get to see is the personal growth of the performers, how they became a collaborative team, that moment they took a risk and challenged themselves to do something new, that precious moment when they put their arms around a fellow cast member who was feeling down, or that day when they had the courage and confidence to surpass anything they ve ever done before. Auditions are held at the start of the school year. This program runs twice a week until the production of the show: Grades 3-5 Mondays and Wednesdays; Grades 6-8 Tuesdays and Thursdays. The rehearsal schedule intensifies during the weeks leading up to the productions: Monday-Thursday rehearsals 4:00-7:00 pm and two Sunday rehearsals 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Please see the production schedule for the complete schedule with dates and times. The fee is $200 for the school year. Please contact Musical Theatre Director Mr. Anthony Campisi at [email protected] for information. Technical Theatre Students in Grades 6-12 work to develop wide skill sets within audio and lighting for technical theatre. This program affords students the opportunity to work in a professional setting with their work on display on the main stage. As students work their way up to running the technical theatre for events, shows and productions, these skills are practically applied and put to use with state of the art equipment. Students in this program make up the technical crew for all main stage productions and must commit to the full production schedule for all productions. This program runs one day every other week, 4:10-5:10 pm, in addition to the full production schedules for the two main stage productions. The fee is $100 for the school year. Please contact Assistant Technical Director Mr. AJ Oberlender at [email protected] for information. Mini Art Society: Grades 3-5 Students in Grades 3-5 enhance their creative process by learning basic framing and art display techniques, sculpting, drawing, painting, watercolor, jewelry making and much more. As members of the Mini Art Society, this select group actively participates in school activities. Space is limited to ten very enthusiastic and talented students interested in pursuing art education. This program runs Tuesdays, 3:45-5:10 pm; the one-time semester fee of $250 includes supplies. Each session is one semester; there are two sessions per school year. Please contact art teacher Mrs. Rosa Benattia at [email protected] for information. Note: After-school programs are contingent on enrollment, and subject to acceptance. If a program for which you register is not offered, you will be notified and fully refunded. 7

8 National Art Honor Society Honor Societies The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) is designed specifically for students in Grades In 1978, the National Art Education Association began the National Art Honor Society program to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art. The NAHS strives to aid members in attaining the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. Tri-M Music Honor Society The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for students in Grades It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. International Thespian Honor Society The International Thespian Society (ITS) is the Educational Theatre Association s student honorary organization. ITS recognizes the achievements of theatre students in Grades Since 1929, EdTA has inducted more than two million Thespians into ITS. That number continues to grow, with more than 36,000 students from around the country being inducted each year. 8