Welcome!

We would like to say a great big "WELCOME" to any new families who have either joined the co-op or have signed up for the newsletter to get more information before joining.  If you have already joined our group that is fantastic!  We look forward to getting to know you during the next school year.  If you are still not sure if you are going to join us, that is OK too!  Hopefully the articles in this newsletter and some of the previous articles will give you more information so that you can make an informed decision.  We would love to get to know your family as well!

Below is an email written by one of our Moms, around this time last year when she first joined the co-op.  We hope that all of you are equally as excited as she was!  ARC

I am super excited about a co-op that I joined this summer, and I wanted to let you all know about it!! I have my bachelor's degree in music education, and I taught public school for a few years before I started having my own kids. I have stayed home since then, but I am thrilled to be teaching my passion again- CHOIR!!! You probably already know that music is a unique medium that uses many parts of your brain at once, so it can really enhance your intelligence, and get the two sides of your brain to communicate better! I also know that some people want something fun to do with other homeschoolers!! So here's the lowdown...

If you hurry, you can get involved this semester with Galveston Performing Arts Co-op (GHPAC)!!!

This Co-op meets on Fridays at First Baptist Church in Galveston for music classes from 8:30- 12:15, and  after a lunch break, we also offer Dance & Drama from 1:00- 3:00.

There are choirs, bands, music theory, music composition, rhythm band, recorder, brass, woodwind, percussion, strings, and a string ensemble available.

There are creative movement and theater classes also available.

All families participate in some way, shape or form, but you don't have to have musical training!  There is free nursery care for little ones, and study hall for older ones not taking music classes.

You may register online at www.galvestonhomeschool.net

If you are thinking it is too far to drive, just know that there are member families that drive from Lake Jackson! It is a high quality program!

Counting the Cost

We recognize that joining any co-op involves a financial commitment as well as a time commitment.  We would like to give you some information to help you count the cost before making a decision on whether or not to join our co-op.  If you have any further questions please contact a board member.  We want you to be as informed as possible!

Your role as a parent:  The only way we are able to keep our costs low is to use each parent according to their abilities.  We do not require that you teach a class, however, if you have any abilities in choir, band, strings, theory, drama or dance we will use you as much as you are willing!  If you don’t have any specific abilities regarding performing arts we still have numerous positions for helpers, nursery workers and different coordination positions.  Each parent is expected to be at the co-op the entire time their children are there and we will assign you a position for each hour you are there.  If you are not going to be teaching a class you will find out what duties you’ll have at the mandatory parent’s meeting before the semester begins.

Financial:  Each semester there is a flat family fee of $120.00.  The family fee is the same regardless of the size of your family.  Each class in the morning is $12 per class per child.  Each drama class is $24.  This is because the drama classes are two hours long instead of just an hour.  Theory class is mandatory through the Level 3 theory book.  Books for the theory classes are $9 each.  A nursery and study hall are provided each hour although there is no fee for either one.  We have several fundraising opportunities throughout the year and in most instances, half of the money you raise is deducted from the next semester’s tuition.

Time:  We meet for 15 Fridays each semester.  We know that things happen and stuff comes up, but we do ask that you are there on Fridays as much as you possibly can be.  We have such a limited time to meet together that your child will miss quite a bit every day they are not at the co-op.  Four absences in a class will result in your child not being able to perform at the concert.

           There will be a mandatory parent’s meeting before each semester begins.  As the name suggests, the meeting is mandatory!  If for some reason you will not be able to attend you will need to contact a board member to let them know.  We also have an opening meeting each Friday that begins at 8:30.  It is imperative that you are there for the morning meetings.  This is the time we go over all pertinent information and important announcements that need to be made. 

           All of our students except the youngest performers have a practice log they will be expected to fill out each week.  Individual teachers will determine how much practice needs to be completed, but the average is 30 minutes, 5 days a week, not including practice on Fridays at co-op.  None of our students can gain the proficiency they need without practicing at home.  The practice log gives accountability for each student, as well as the parents.  Insufficient practice for 4 weeks will lead to the student being moved to study hall for the remainder of the semester and they will not be able to perform at the concert.  We don’t do this to be tyrannical, but to ensure that all students can move forward at the same pace.

We hope this information was helpful.  If you have any other questions please feel free to contact the following board members:

Jeannette Duke, President                                   409-762-5193

Darlene Smith, Dance and Drama Liaison             409-762-6310

Leslie Hurd, Secretary                                         281-337-5077

Anita Christmas, Treasurer                                  713-456-9760

ARC

Parting Thoughts

Our Spring Concert was a fantastic way to end a great year!   There are too many people to thank individually, but we don’t want to end the year without a few parting words.

To our students:  Your hard work, dedication and the hours of practice you put in were evident as you presented a wonderful concert for your family and friends.  We hope that you felt a sense of accomplishment as you finished the year strong.  We are proud of what you did this year and look forward to working with you again next year! 

To our teachers:  Each of you should be incredibly proud of your group.  Not many people can pull off what you do in the amount of time you have with your students.  Thank you for everything you give of yourself for our children.

To our parents:  We know that much of what is accomplished at our co-op is due to what happens at home.  Thank you for staying on top of your children’s practice so that the teachers could pull it all together on our days together.  Whether you are a teacher, a helper or someone who works behind the scenes, we couldn’t do it without you!  We’re looking forward to seeing you again next year!

And now we can take a deep breath, heave a sigh of relief and enjoy our summer vacations!  But don’t get too comfortable!  Registration is already open for the Fall 2011 semester.  We’ll see you in August!

ARC

Countdown to the End!

     WOW!  It is already May!  This year has been full of hard work, many hours of practicing, hopefully at least a little bit of learning, and probably a few tears. So many people put so much work into this co-op to make it successful, and much of it is done behind the scenes where no-one ever sees.  We want to say thank-you for everything that everyone does.  Our co-op can not be successful without everyone working together and pooling our individual talents to create an environment where our children can have a comprehensive performing arts education.
     To our new members who joined us this year:  We hope that our group was everything that you thought it would be!  You and your children brought new talent and new energy that we so appreciate.  We look forward to you returning next year and continuing to use your individual gifts to enhance the co-op as a whole.
      To our other members:  You were aware of the time and sacrifices that would be required of you, and you came back anyway!  Whether you teach, work in the nursery, or offer assistance wherever it is needed, your job isn't easy.  And working with your children to make sure they put in the time needed for their classes is nothing to scoff at either!  Thank you for continuing on, even when you (or your children) felt like quitting.  We wouldn't be what we are today without all of you!
      It is our sincere prayer that all of you will come back and join us again next year.  You add a vital piece to the puzzle that wouldn't be that same without you!

ARC

Just a few things to remember!

      I know, I know, another list of things to remember!  But if you are anything like me, as the school year starts winding down and the summer starts filling up with things to do, I lose track of everything that is going on.  So in order to make our dress rehearsal and performance as seamless pain-free as possible, here is a list of things to remember for the next two weeks.

May 6th is the last day to turn in program ads.  Because it is only one week before the performance we  will not be able to accept any ads later than Friday.

Now would be a good time to check uniforms for your children.  Black pants, white button down shirt and black shoes are the required uniform.  Band and Strings students also need to have their jackets and vests presentable!

Registration is now open for next semester.  You can register now and pay the tuition fees later.  The sooner you register the easier it is for teachers who are preparing for next year.

Don't forget the pizza party we will be having after our dress rehearsal on May 13th.  If your family is planning on eating please give Anita $10 to help cover costs.

Along with our pizza party, we will be having an informal parent forum.  The board would like to hear what you like about the co-op, what you would maybe like to see changed (be nice--we're only humans!), and any other suggestions you might have.  Be prepared though--if you suggest something we're probably going to ask you to be responsible for making it happen!

       See--that wasn't so bad!  I'm sure there is more, but you'll hear all about those on Friday!  Looking forward to seeing everyone soon and finishing off our year strong!

ARC

The Adventures of Drama Education

       The following article was written by Karen Hyatt, who has taken on the Drama Administrator position for next year.  We so appreciate Karen stepping up and taking on this responsibility!  Below is her review of the drama performances from last weekend, as well as some general information about our drama program for those new families who may be interested in drama next year!  ARC

              GHPAC had our Drama performances this past weekend. The performances helped remind us why all the hard work and effort we put in each year is worth it!  First, the Creative Movement had their puppet show telling the story of “The Little Red Hen” as well as performing a skit.  The students in Creative Movements are ages 3-6, and they did a fantastic job!  Next, the Junior Drama group, ages 6-13, presented “A Modern Day Prodigal Son”. They worked on this play for 2 semesters and their hard work definitely paid off!  Then last, but certainly not least, was the Senior Drama.  These actors presented “Looking Glass Land”.  What a funny production!  The time, practice, and effort these students and teachers put in was evident to all!  Great job to everyone!

            Some readers may ask, “What is Drama Education?” or  “What are the benefits of Drama Education?”  We have a great curriculum that helps us answer these questions. 

            Drama Education is a mode of learning designed to: 

1. Increase awareness of self (mind, body & voice) and others.

2. Improve clarity and creativity in communication of verbal and non-verbal ideas.

3. Help with understanding of behavior, diversity, culture and history.

             In Drama Education, we use costumes, props, scenery, music, and sound to enrich the learning experience and act out stories.  Students experience the roles of actor, designer and audience member.  We learn various art forms such as pantomime, clowning, drama games, story telling, puppetry, improvisation & many more.

            There are so many benefits to having Drama Education; it may be difficult to list them all.  Drama Education helps develop self-confidence. Over the 4 years that I have been involved in the drama classes in GHPAC, many students who were shy and stand-offish became confident in their own abilities.  Cooperation is another benefit of Drama Education.  Theater arts require everyone to participate in discussions, rehearsing and performing.  We use problem solving through communicating the who, what, where and why to the audience.  Improvisation helps with quick solutions.  An increase in the ability to memorize is also a benefit of Drama Education.  Rehearsing and performing words, movements and cues strengthen the skill of memorization like a muscle.  However, fun is the greatest benefit!  So much laughing, playing and creating helps reduce stress, both for students and for teachers!  After all, if the classes aren’t enjoyed why offer them at all?

            There are so many more benefits of Drama Education; to list them all would make this article too long. This year has been full of hard work, dedication and fun, culminating in the amazing performances given by all our drama students!   We look forward to what the next semester brings! 

Drama, Drama, and More Drama

     Thirteen plus four equals thespians galore!  That's right.  Seventeen teenagers meet in one room for two hours every Friday for the Senior Drama class.  What a super group of kids we have this year!  This being my first year to participate with our co-op group makes it impossible for me to compare with other drama groups in years past.  However, I know a good group of kids when I see one.

     I took over this class at the beginning of the spring semester when the last drama teacher regretfully had to step out of the program.  Stephanie Land spent the first semester working with the kids on integrity in dramatic portrayal, relaxation techniques, character development and many other facets of acting.  She chose the play "Looking Glass Land" by James DeVita.  As you may have guessed, this is an adaptation of Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass".

     Thankfully, Mrs. Land also cast all of the students and worked out most of the blocking for the play (fyi, "blocking" is deciding where each person enters, exits, and moves around during each scene).  We are still "tweaking" some of the scenes but very glad to have the foundation laid by Mrs. Land.

    Many from the senior drama have been able to meet outside of class and work on some of the set and scenery.  We will continue to complete some of this prep work during class-time.

    At the beginning of this semester, we spent a portion of class-time playing drama-related games.  These activities were each geared toward strengthening specific skills that will help them with the production (i.e. public speaking, communicating emotions, working together as a group on stage and off).  This energetic group really seems to enjoy games of any sort. 

    As the performance date draws nearer, we are spending more focused time on the play itself.  The kids have been great about voicing ideas, suggestions and volunteering their strengths to make this play a success.  I really enjoy seeing them work together toward a common goal.

    I also want to thank everyone, parents and teachers alike, for their patience with me this semester.  I do not have much experience with drama production and am thankful for all of the help I can get, whether it is with ideas or execution of a plan.  Along this line, I want to publicly thank my wonderful assistant, Katie Kirton.  She will do just about anything I ask of her and even goes beyond my limited brainpower to think of things I am not.  I could not do this without her.

    We are finding new ways to improve the scenes each week and the teens seem to delight in watching each other further develop their characters.  I am really looking forward to seeing the final production, but am enjoying the process along the way just as much!

Lara Slawson