What does it mean to be culturally literate in music? What are the benefits of this form of cultural literacy? How can a classical education contribute to this?
Cultural Literacy and Music
Tag: fine arts
The Power of a Demonstration
There are a number of mistakes I have made teaching throughout the years, but I think perhaps the biggest was not providing enough studio demonstrations when I first started teaching art. Back then I had a fear that my demonstrations would not turn out well and I would lose credibility with the class if they… Continue reading The Power of a Demonstration
Quality Over Quantity
Self portrait, by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1790). The most frequent piece of advice I have given students over the years is to slow down on art assignments. It is very easy to become impatient in the studio and want to skip steps or move forward prematurely. Admittedly, I am guilty of often becoming… Continue reading Quality Over Quantity
Playing Bach in the Foyer
Mary C. and Trevor S., two members of the high school string ensemble. After making an appearance at grammar school assembly this morning to entertain our Kindergarten-5th grade students, Mr. Stiglich's high school string ensemble held a little concert for the front office. The acoustics in the foyer are beautiful, and as they performed a… Continue reading Playing Bach in the Foyer
Shakespeare’s The Tempest: Our Fall Play
For the past semester, a group of our middle and high school students have been spending their afternoons rehearsing Shakespeare's The Tempest. This weekend they had their final performance at our first ever theater competition, hosted by Meridian World School. Competing against Meridian and Gateway Academy, our theater students won numerous awards, represented our school… Continue reading Shakespeare’s The Tempest: Our Fall Play
Rehearsals for Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Under the guidance of Mrs. Panzica and Ms. Hamm, our theater department is really taking off this year. The fall play, Shakespeare's The Tempest, is one of my favorites, and I stopped by rehearsals after school today to take a look at the opening scene in its very early stages. It's a really impressive scene--a shipwreck… Continue reading Rehearsals for Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Students Shine in Annual Talent Show
Every year in the spring, Grammar and Upper School students put on a talent show, and it's always one of the best school events we do. This year, the show was organized by the House of Herodotus, and it was beautifully done: Guests arrived and were seated in the gym. Those in the VIP section… Continue reading Students Shine in Annual Talent Show
Learning the Ukelele in 8th Grade Music
This afternoon, our 8th graders practiced transitions between ukelele chords in Mr. Stiglich’s Music class. In the upper school, fine arts education includes theory and appreciation, but also practice. A student who completes the Core Knowledge music curriculum can read music, compose his or her own songs, sing, and play the recorder and ukulele.
Ballroom Dancing in Grammar School PE
October 2017 In PE, Coach White and Coach Jones are teaching ballroom dancing to our students. A couple of weeks ago I watched from the bleachers as each of our our 5th grade boys confidently and politely asked a girl to dance, then led her on to the floor. Our girls learned how to accept… Continue reading Ballroom Dancing in Grammar School PE
The Classical Classroom 