First, a huge shout out to all the families that stopped by the Fine Arts Hall during conferences!! We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to take the time out of your schedule to visit with your student's teachers. Conferences is a time for us as teachers to not only brag about the amazing progress your student has been making, but give some constructive feedback on how we can all get on the same page to make sure that your student is successful! Ultimately, that is the main goal, to create a learning environment that every student can be successful in!
We have some amazing things coming up! We are starting to enter the theatre arts season with all 5 DMPS high schools putting on productions that will demonstrate the amazing talent DMPS has to offer! If your drama student would like a free ticket to North High School's production of Peter Pan please see Mr. Williams!
Harding will also be presenting The Crazy, Mixed-Up Island of Dr. Moreau and Improvapalooza! November 13th and 14th! Tickets are ONLY $3 for adults and $1 for students. If you enjoyed the improv group from Fine Art Night, just wait! We have even more tricks up our sleeve!
Finally, if you or your student is interested in buying a T-shirt promoting the shows, we have them available for sale. They are $15, the nice thing about the shirt is, your student can wear it any day and still align with Harding's dress code!! See Mr. Williams for more details!!
A quick and easy way to stay connected to the wonderful things going on in Harding's Fine Arts!
Friday, October 23, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Fine Arts Night!
First and most important, a HUUUUUGE thank you to all of our volunteers for Fine Arts Night! This was our second year putting on a night showcasing the talented students at Harding and what a night it was!
Our students had the opportunity to perform for an audience of 400+... wait! WHAT?!! That's right, over 400 people came together to create an atmosphere promoting the arts!! Audience members were able to get a sample of the amazing work that is going at Harding. From band to choir to orchestra to visual arts to even some improvisation, all arts disciplines were showcased to promote of culture of creativity! Audience members were even given the opportunity to listen to Mr. Williams do some atrocious stand up. Sorry about that y'all!
Being a Turnaround Arts school is not just about using art strategies to enhance the learning environment, being a Turnaround Arts school (or any school that places importance on the arts) is about creating a environment that encourages creativity, community, and support. I hope that message was conveyed to our audience tonight!
Thank you again to all that attended, we would not be able to do the things we do if it weren't for you taking the time to show some love to these young performers! Make sure to take a second to thank/hug your student for their amazing work!
Our students had the opportunity to perform for an audience of 400+... wait! WHAT?!! That's right, over 400 people came together to create an atmosphere promoting the arts!! Audience members were able to get a sample of the amazing work that is going at Harding. From band to choir to orchestra to visual arts to even some improvisation, all arts disciplines were showcased to promote of culture of creativity! Audience members were even given the opportunity to listen to Mr. Williams do some atrocious stand up. Sorry about that y'all!
Being a Turnaround Arts school is not just about using art strategies to enhance the learning environment, being a Turnaround Arts school (or any school that places importance on the arts) is about creating a environment that encourages creativity, community, and support. I hope that message was conveyed to our audience tonight!
Thank you again to all that attended, we would not be able to do the things we do if it weren't for you taking the time to show some love to these young performers! Make sure to take a second to thank/hug your student for their amazing work!
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Why YOU Matter!
In case you haven't been told this today, YOU are important!! Here's some reasons why:
You inspire people to be better!
You are intelligent and have SOOOO much knowledge to share with this world!
You are caring and kind and can offer a smile or helping hand to someone that truly needs it!
You are creative and that is a gift that must be shared with the world!
You are a friend and we know that friendship/companionship is a basic human need!
You are innovative! In this world, we need innovative people to address the future!
You are compassionate! We can lose sight of the bigger picture but your compassion for others reminds us that we are all in this together!
You are special!! Why? Because you are you!
Spread love! It is a priceless gift that does not cost a thing! And yet, it can mean the world to someone!
You inspire people to be better!
You are intelligent and have SOOOO much knowledge to share with this world!
You are caring and kind and can offer a smile or helping hand to someone that truly needs it!
You are creative and that is a gift that must be shared with the world!
You are a friend and we know that friendship/companionship is a basic human need!
You are innovative! In this world, we need innovative people to address the future!
You are compassionate! We can lose sight of the bigger picture but your compassion for others reminds us that we are all in this together!
You are special!! Why? Because you are you!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Put Harding Fine Arts Night on Your Calendar NOW!
Things are booming over on the Northside!! Band, orchestra, and choir are seeing INCREDIBLE increases in their numbers ensuring that ALL students have access to music education. Research has shown that students that engage in music not only perform better on assessments (both standardized and formative) but we also see a drastic reduction in dropout rates. The arts can give a student that might struggle in a traditional classroom a reason to come to school.
With the growth that we are seeing in the arts at Harding, we would like to cordially invite you to our first BIG event of the year, Harding Fine Arts Night! This night will showcase all of Harding's fine arts programs so that we can create a culture of creativity. It will surely be an electric night filled with vibrant young performers demonstrating their hard work and talent.
HARDING FINE ARTS NIGHT TAKES PLACE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15th! Mark it on your calendars now!!
In other exciting news, the Northside had the incredible honor to have a very special guest visit us this past week. President Barack Obama visited North High School on Monday, September 14th. He discussed his college accessibility initiative, but also took some time to address the importance of the arts in our schools. Below is video from his visit:
Fast forward to the 55 minute mark to hear what President Obama has to say about the arts!
Here is a photo of some of our students getting ready to listen to the words of our President:
We are also excited to announce that our Turnaround Arts Artist Mr. Kal Penn will be joining us September 28th and 29th! We have some really awesome things planned with Mr. Penn, so please be on the look out!!
With the growth that we are seeing in the arts at Harding, we would like to cordially invite you to our first BIG event of the year, Harding Fine Arts Night! This night will showcase all of Harding's fine arts programs so that we can create a culture of creativity. It will surely be an electric night filled with vibrant young performers demonstrating their hard work and talent.
HARDING FINE ARTS NIGHT TAKES PLACE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15th! Mark it on your calendars now!!
In other exciting news, the Northside had the incredible honor to have a very special guest visit us this past week. President Barack Obama visited North High School on Monday, September 14th. He discussed his college accessibility initiative, but also took some time to address the importance of the arts in our schools. Below is video from his visit:
Here is a photo of some of our students getting ready to listen to the words of our President:
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
What a FANTASTIC First Week!
The school year is off to a crazy fast start and at Harding we have some AMAZING things going on! To stay up to date with all the things going on be sure to check out the Calendar tab on the home page of this blog!!
We had a fantastic turn out to our auditions for The Crazy Mixed Up Island of Dr. Moreau as well as our Improv Showcase. It's going to be a couple of great nights in November, make sure to clear those dates now! ;o )
In addition to the wonderful things going on in the theatre arts, our band and orchestra departments have the wonderful problem of seeing their numbers boom! With that said, we're having a difficult time keeping up with student demands. Please take a second to consider visiting their Go Fund Me page at THIS LINK
Any size donation would be greatly appreciated in order to make sure ALL kids have access to the happiness music brings!
It's so amazing to work in an environment that is positive and uplifting. In conversations I've had with fellow teachers, we all feel that there is something special in the air this year! Harding will continue to grow and blossom into one of the elite middle schools in the state!! Keep looking out for more information, but to end this blog, enjoy a little video to demonstrate how we're feeling!
We had a fantastic turn out to our auditions for The Crazy Mixed Up Island of Dr. Moreau as well as our Improv Showcase. It's going to be a couple of great nights in November, make sure to clear those dates now! ;o )
In addition to the wonderful things going on in the theatre arts, our band and orchestra departments have the wonderful problem of seeing their numbers boom! With that said, we're having a difficult time keeping up with student demands. Please take a second to consider visiting their Go Fund Me page at THIS LINK
Any size donation would be greatly appreciated in order to make sure ALL kids have access to the happiness music brings!
It's so amazing to work in an environment that is positive and uplifting. In conversations I've had with fellow teachers, we all feel that there is something special in the air this year! Harding will continue to grow and blossom into one of the elite middle schools in the state!! Keep looking out for more information, but to end this blog, enjoy a little video to demonstrate how we're feeling!
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
First Day of School!!!
It's here y'all!!!
Get pumped!!!
A little motivation:
Here's to a new year filled with knowledge, creative risk taking, and fun!!
Remember that you have a support system, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you need it! Also, a smile goes a long way! You never know when a tiny smile can make the world of difference in someone else's day!
And when times get tough, just remember this:
See you all soon!!
Get pumped!!!
A little motivation:
Here's to a new year filled with knowledge, creative risk taking, and fun!!
Remember that you have a support system, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you need it! Also, a smile goes a long way! You never know when a tiny smile can make the world of difference in someone else's day!
And when times get tough, just remember this:
See you all soon!!
Friday, August 14, 2015
Why are the Arts SO Important?
In today's educational landscape there is a high priority on all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and although these elements are crucial in the development of young minds, I find that there is one crucial area that is lacking from this focus. Rather than abandoning the STEM movement, my hope is to broaden its definition to one that is inclusive of the arts.
With the inclusive STEAM movement, I truly believe that educators can better motivate their students to reach their full potential and inspire our future society. The following video demonstrates just how the arts can engage youth:
THIS is what student engagement looks like. These students not only learned a song but built a connection to the music (shout out to the student in the red that's just straight killin' it).
So why are the arts so important? I recently read a blog post by Lisa Phillips who, like me, wants to see a change in our current national focus of STEM to one of STEAM. In this post Ms. Phillips discusses "10 Skills Children Learn from the Arts", you can check out what Ms. Phillips has to say by clicking this link. As I read, it got me thinking about why the arts are so important for our middle school students. Listed below are the 10 skills and why these are important for our students at Harding.
1. Creativity - The middle school years are crucial in a child's development. The arts ask students to think outside of the box, to approach a situation that may not have a perfect solution. This is where developing a person's creativity is so important. The jobs of the future haven't been created yet, so it is vital that we give our students practice with thinking on their feet, to use their creativity. We do them, as well as ourselves, a disservice if we don't.
2. Confidence - Public speaking is a part of just about any profession our students will venture into and yet if you poll the population, public speaking remains one of the top fears. The arts gives students a chance to develop their confidence and truly appreciate just how fantastic they are. Last year I had the amazing opportunity to work with a group of students on a production of Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. After the final curtain dropped, I asked the students about the process and what they gained. The thing that stood out to me was that every student mentioned how much their confidence grew. In a time where there might be a lot of insecurity and confusion about who they are (middle school is tough y'all!), the arts allow these students to feel good about themselves. That is the most valuable thing of all!
3. Problem Solving - Tying in a little bit with creativity, the arts allow students to look at problem that may not have a perfect, formulaic solution and to find answers. How do I express myself with this painting? What message does this song promote? The arts allow students to engage in this process and by giving students this practice, we allow them to develop their understanding and reasoning skills. These skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
4. Perseverance - A new skill is not perfected right away. You have to put in the work in order to get better. We (the arts) challenge students to try new skills and although there may be frustration at times, we recognize the beauty of this journey. In fact, often times the journey is just as beautiful as the end result. In our ever changing world, our students will be forced to persevere throughout their entire lives.
5. Focus - The arts requires students to concentrate. They must stay engaged or live in the moment in order to make appropriate contributions to the piece. Without that focus, students may feel that they are letting down their fellow members. According to Ms. Phillips, she states that " Recent research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives."
6. Non-verbal communication - Students are given the tools to appropriately control their bodies in an effort to convey a message to their audience. Whether their audience be an auditorium full of people or their boss/employees, appropriate non-verbal communication is vital for our students to learn. The arts can reinforce these life lessons.
7. Receiving Constructive Feedback - Feedback is a part of life. The arts allow so much abstract thinking, that constructive feedback is a pivotal part of the process. The arts allows students to recognize that feedback is not a personal attack but simply a way to promote self reflection. It's a part of the learning process and when feedback is given it is give our students a chance to identify spots of success and improvement.
8. Collaboration - Working with people is an important skill. Being able to work towards a common goal, to share responsibilities, and effectively communicate with people (whether you like them or not) are things that we focus on in the arts. This is simply the nature of the beast when it comes to the arts, as they are collaborative in nature. I always tell my students that being able to work with people and networking can lead to endless possibilities.
9. Dedication - The nature of most arts endeavors is that there will be some type of performance at the end. Whether it be a band or orchestra concert, an art show, or a performance, students will be able to showcase what they've been working on. Because of this, students are asked to commit to something. Quitting is not an option, not only because it effects the overall performance, but it effects their fellow members. Practices develop a positive work ethic that will serve our students in their future careers. Again, it goes back to the journey being just as beautiful as the end result.
10. Accountability - Going hand in hand with dedication and collaboration, students learn about the idea of something bigger than themselves. The students hold one another accountable. Last year, during rehearsals for the musical, our students held one another accountable. If someone was missing, there was genuine concern. Often times the students would check in with the missing person before I was able to.
So, next time you ask yourself or someone asks you, "Why are the arts so important?" I hope you take into account what I've laid out before you! The arts can be a powerful tool in the development of the whole student.
PLEASE feel free to comment, I am interested to hear what you have to say!
Also, don't be afraid to subscribe, we'll have a lot more stuff to post about, ESPECIALLY once the school year gets started!
With the inclusive STEAM movement, I truly believe that educators can better motivate their students to reach their full potential and inspire our future society. The following video demonstrates just how the arts can engage youth:
So why are the arts so important? I recently read a blog post by Lisa Phillips who, like me, wants to see a change in our current national focus of STEM to one of STEAM. In this post Ms. Phillips discusses "10 Skills Children Learn from the Arts", you can check out what Ms. Phillips has to say by clicking this link. As I read, it got me thinking about why the arts are so important for our middle school students. Listed below are the 10 skills and why these are important for our students at Harding.
1. Creativity - The middle school years are crucial in a child's development. The arts ask students to think outside of the box, to approach a situation that may not have a perfect solution. This is where developing a person's creativity is so important. The jobs of the future haven't been created yet, so it is vital that we give our students practice with thinking on their feet, to use their creativity. We do them, as well as ourselves, a disservice if we don't.
2. Confidence - Public speaking is a part of just about any profession our students will venture into and yet if you poll the population, public speaking remains one of the top fears. The arts gives students a chance to develop their confidence and truly appreciate just how fantastic they are. Last year I had the amazing opportunity to work with a group of students on a production of Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. After the final curtain dropped, I asked the students about the process and what they gained. The thing that stood out to me was that every student mentioned how much their confidence grew. In a time where there might be a lot of insecurity and confusion about who they are (middle school is tough y'all!), the arts allow these students to feel good about themselves. That is the most valuable thing of all!
3. Problem Solving - Tying in a little bit with creativity, the arts allow students to look at problem that may not have a perfect, formulaic solution and to find answers. How do I express myself with this painting? What message does this song promote? The arts allow students to engage in this process and by giving students this practice, we allow them to develop their understanding and reasoning skills. These skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
4. Perseverance - A new skill is not perfected right away. You have to put in the work in order to get better. We (the arts) challenge students to try new skills and although there may be frustration at times, we recognize the beauty of this journey. In fact, often times the journey is just as beautiful as the end result. In our ever changing world, our students will be forced to persevere throughout their entire lives.
5. Focus - The arts requires students to concentrate. They must stay engaged or live in the moment in order to make appropriate contributions to the piece. Without that focus, students may feel that they are letting down their fellow members. According to Ms. Phillips, she states that " Recent research has shown that participation in the arts improves children’s abilities to concentrate and focus in other aspects of their lives."
6. Non-verbal communication - Students are given the tools to appropriately control their bodies in an effort to convey a message to their audience. Whether their audience be an auditorium full of people or their boss/employees, appropriate non-verbal communication is vital for our students to learn. The arts can reinforce these life lessons.
7. Receiving Constructive Feedback - Feedback is a part of life. The arts allow so much abstract thinking, that constructive feedback is a pivotal part of the process. The arts allows students to recognize that feedback is not a personal attack but simply a way to promote self reflection. It's a part of the learning process and when feedback is given it is give our students a chance to identify spots of success and improvement.
8. Collaboration - Working with people is an important skill. Being able to work towards a common goal, to share responsibilities, and effectively communicate with people (whether you like them or not) are things that we focus on in the arts. This is simply the nature of the beast when it comes to the arts, as they are collaborative in nature. I always tell my students that being able to work with people and networking can lead to endless possibilities.
9. Dedication - The nature of most arts endeavors is that there will be some type of performance at the end. Whether it be a band or orchestra concert, an art show, or a performance, students will be able to showcase what they've been working on. Because of this, students are asked to commit to something. Quitting is not an option, not only because it effects the overall performance, but it effects their fellow members. Practices develop a positive work ethic that will serve our students in their future careers. Again, it goes back to the journey being just as beautiful as the end result.
10. Accountability - Going hand in hand with dedication and collaboration, students learn about the idea of something bigger than themselves. The students hold one another accountable. Last year, during rehearsals for the musical, our students held one another accountable. If someone was missing, there was genuine concern. Often times the students would check in with the missing person before I was able to.
So, next time you ask yourself or someone asks you, "Why are the arts so important?" I hope you take into account what I've laid out before you! The arts can be a powerful tool in the development of the whole student.
PLEASE feel free to comment, I am interested to hear what you have to say!
Also, don't be afraid to subscribe, we'll have a lot more stuff to post about, ESPECIALLY once the school year gets started!
Monday, August 10, 2015
Time to Get Excited for School!!
First, a few words from a wise soul:
That's right everyone! August is here and you know what that means! A new school year is just around the corner. I'm sure many of you are feeling a whole range of emotions from:
to
That goes with the territory of a new school year. I know that I'm a mixture of excitement (we have some really cool stuff planned this year) and nerves (nothing can go wrong... can it?).
Regardless of whether you're a bundle of energy ready to shine in the classroom or planning on playing it cool, calm, and collected, I certainly hope that you are ready for a lot of great things to happen within the Fine Arts department at Harding.
Just a couple quick reminders to make your last few weeks of summer stress free:
Registration - Remember to register for school! You can do that online here! For assistance you may come to Harding on August 12th and 13th from 9am - 2pm
School Supplies List - A school supplies list for the 2015-2016 school year can be found by clicking here!
Back to School Night - This will take place Monday, August 24th from 5pm - 7pm at Harding. Students will receive their IDs and schedules! Plan on being there!
First Day of School - Wednesday, August 26th! We'll see you at 7:40! Remember, it's an early release day!
Fall Play Auditions - August 31st and September 1st Students will be able to audition for the fall play The Crazy Mixed-Up Island of Dr. Moreau as well as the Improv Showcase
Save these dates!!
Enjoy your the rest of your summer!
That's right everyone! August is here and you know what that means! A new school year is just around the corner. I'm sure many of you are feeling a whole range of emotions from:
to
That goes with the territory of a new school year. I know that I'm a mixture of excitement (we have some really cool stuff planned this year) and nerves (nothing can go wrong... can it?).
Regardless of whether you're a bundle of energy ready to shine in the classroom or planning on playing it cool, calm, and collected, I certainly hope that you are ready for a lot of great things to happen within the Fine Arts department at Harding.
Just a couple quick reminders to make your last few weeks of summer stress free:
Registration - Remember to register for school! You can do that online here! For assistance you may come to Harding on August 12th and 13th from 9am - 2pm
School Supplies List - A school supplies list for the 2015-2016 school year can be found by clicking here!
Back to School Night - This will take place Monday, August 24th from 5pm - 7pm at Harding. Students will receive their IDs and schedules! Plan on being there!
First Day of School - Wednesday, August 26th! We'll see you at 7:40! Remember, it's an early release day!
Fall Play Auditions - August 31st and September 1st Students will be able to audition for the fall play The Crazy Mixed-Up Island of Dr. Moreau as well as the Improv Showcase
Save these dates!!
Enjoy your the rest of your summer!
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Welcome to the Harding Fine Arts Blog!
It's an exciting time for the Harding Fine Arts team!! We are on year 2 of our Turnaround Arts initiative which allowed us to give our roughly 780 middle school students access to arts focused learning. This has not been the only benefit of Turnaround Arts. Every student was given the opportunity to see at least one live theatrical production, whether it be the fluid dancing of Diavolo, the truth of the Mayhem Poets, or even the breathtaking event that was The Lion King. Plus, the students and faculty got to meet with our very special Turnaround Arts Artist, Kal Penn!
It is important to reflect on the past, but I find that I am more excited for what the future holds. Our instrumental music programs are finding that their numbers are skyrocketing! Both vocal music and drama are building programs that will be the envy of every middle school in the state! Our visual arts program continues to produce high quality artists across several different mediums. Even our core teachers are embracing the arts!! From ELL to science, students are engaging in new learning processes that enrich the overall educational experience.
This blog will serve the purpose of keeping you informed about all the amazing arts adventures going on at Harding Middle School. Buckle your seat belt because this train moves fast!
 | ||||
| Group Photo! Kal Penn meets with Harding's Creative Council |
This blog will serve the purpose of keeping you informed about all the amazing arts adventures going on at Harding Middle School. Buckle your seat belt because this train moves fast!
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