Argy’s Arts Blog

During the remainder of the school year art exhibits and music, dance, and theater performances are taking place throughout the state.  Please include in your post:

1) What the event is

2) Where it is located

3) Date and time

And a short description of what the event is so folks can get a snapshot.

This time of the year is a time for reflection… how fortunate we are to do the work of bringing the arts to students everyday.  So, as an act of Thanksgiving please tell us one good piece of work you’ve been busy with and for which you are grateful.

Recently I received an email from a high school arts educator informing me that the use of “iphones and ipod touch have been banned from her school with the reason being a teacher will not know if a student is on the phone or illegally taking pictures”.
•    What’s your opinion on the topic?
•    Is there a policy in your school on electronic devices?
•    Is your school using ipods as a teaching tool?
•    How have you been innovative with this technology?
•    If your school has put policy’s in place, what is the reason for this change?

There seems to be a decrease in a commitment to band programs, as we know them (especially at the elementary and middle school level). Two examples:
1) the level of involvement in District Festivals is down
2) scheduling has become more difficult.
Are you finding this to be true in your school? If so, what is the reason for this change?

During the last four months you have received information on proposals for reorganizing Maine school districts.  Proposals are still under discussion in the legislature.  Some of you have followed this story through a variety of media.  Please give your opinion on how you think a reorganization might affect visual or performing arts education.

What do you do to promote the visual and/or performing arts in your educational role?

Since we’re celebrating Music in Our Schools Month, Youth Art Month and National Theater in Our Schools Month I know many of you mark these occasions in a variety of ways. Please tell us what you do to recognize kids and their accomplishments in the arts. You might be plan these for during March or another time during the school year. Thank you for sharing your ideas which will help others in planning celebrations, large and small.

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This past week we had an initial conversation about a Visual and Performing Arts conference. The conference will be held at the Samoset in Rockport on October 28th and 29th. The planning committee will have their first meeting on March 21st. The committee will be made up of teachers from each of the four professional arts teachers organizations. In this first blog entry, please give suggestions on what you would like to see for workshops at the conference and let me know if you are interested in attending.

Argy