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nwitimes.com
March 16 2014
The arts offer solid avenue for children to develop emotionally
Damian Rico, The Times
When schools have their budgets pinched, they must adjust their
curriculum accordingly. Unfortunately, the arts usually takes a great
hit during these challenging times.
"It's very unfortunate but it's always the arts that suffer," said
Michelle Golden. "And the arts are the vitality behind a child's
natural progression."
Golden, the executive director for an after-school nonprofit coined
Books, Brushes and Bands for Education has seen her program grow from
hundreds of students and dwindle to 60 percent in some cases.
"Our program's focus is on the underserved communities but is open to
everyone," said Golden. "Unfortunately, many of our parents pull their
children when times get tough. Some come back but many promising
students never do."
Golden and her organization are currently at the height of their
struggle as they are at about 50 students for their chorale, band and
advanced band classes. One of their most popular classes called Let's
Sing introduces elementary aged students, as young as 4, to the basics
like reading music, understanding pitch and harmonizing.
"It's great to provide a solid foundation and the younger the better,"
said Michael Cierski, Let's Sing director. "What we are teaching at
that age is for our students to develop a sense of pitch and how music
can fit into their everyday lives. It's a huge confidence builder,
which has a carryover effect."
Gary native Crystal Taliefero is a powerful testament to the wonders
of music education. Picking up her older brother Charlie's
instruments, she garnered the attention of her sibling/mentor who
would later recruit her into his band. Taliefero, a notable
multi-instrumentalist, would spend much of her adult life being a
sought-after musician.
Taliefero has performed with a "who's who" of legendary musicians that
includes Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, Brooks and Dunn, Joe Cocker,
Bruce Springsteen and has been a staple in Billy Joel's band since
1989.
"Music is so powerful," said Taliefero. "It reaches and speaks to the
soul. Learning and performing music as a child were the first steps
towards independent thinking and making choices. I was encouraged and
challenged very young and quickly learned to never give up on my
dreams."
Taliefero claims her success was the direct outcome of encouragement
and challenge at a young age by her family who taught her never to
give up her dreams.
Last spring, Taliefero and a group of colleagues launched
Nashville-based Rodidah Productions, an all-female music
entertainment/production company specializing in encouraging young
musicians in the industry to pursue their dreams. Taliefero also is
launching a nonprofit aimed at mentoring children with career
aspirations in the arts.
Shanoor Devarj said his father encouraged him to use his emotions to
create. The Armenian-American artist channeled the devastation of
Sept. 11 for a series of masterpieces he refers to as Extreme
Conditions.
"Ever since I was a child my father challenged me to be process things
and with his words, I was able to take devastation and translate it
onto the canvas," said Devarj. "Growing up, a box of crayons were like
gold."
Devarj, executive creative director of Devarj Design Agency, is quick
to point out that many good artists, musicians and writers must be
simplistic and honest to make their work have meaning.
Devarj will showcase his work in April during an Early Learning
Partnership fundraiser and speak to community leaders about investing
in children and encouraging their development.
"No matter what socioeconomic background children come from, they can
achieve greatness if they are given the tools and support," said
Devarj. "Teaching children the ability to develop a continual love for
learning is vital to their overall growth."
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/special-section/now/the-arts-offer-solid-avenue-for-children-to-develop-emotionally/article_4279897a-2a32-5a66-b94a-04c513d6261e.html
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
March 16 2014
The arts offer solid avenue for children to develop emotionally
Damian Rico, The Times
When schools have their budgets pinched, they must adjust their
curriculum accordingly. Unfortunately, the arts usually takes a great
hit during these challenging times.
"It's very unfortunate but it's always the arts that suffer," said
Michelle Golden. "And the arts are the vitality behind a child's
natural progression."
Golden, the executive director for an after-school nonprofit coined
Books, Brushes and Bands for Education has seen her program grow from
hundreds of students and dwindle to 60 percent in some cases.
"Our program's focus is on the underserved communities but is open to
everyone," said Golden. "Unfortunately, many of our parents pull their
children when times get tough. Some come back but many promising
students never do."
Golden and her organization are currently at the height of their
struggle as they are at about 50 students for their chorale, band and
advanced band classes. One of their most popular classes called Let's
Sing introduces elementary aged students, as young as 4, to the basics
like reading music, understanding pitch and harmonizing.
"It's great to provide a solid foundation and the younger the better,"
said Michael Cierski, Let's Sing director. "What we are teaching at
that age is for our students to develop a sense of pitch and how music
can fit into their everyday lives. It's a huge confidence builder,
which has a carryover effect."
Gary native Crystal Taliefero is a powerful testament to the wonders
of music education. Picking up her older brother Charlie's
instruments, she garnered the attention of her sibling/mentor who
would later recruit her into his band. Taliefero, a notable
multi-instrumentalist, would spend much of her adult life being a
sought-after musician.
Taliefero has performed with a "who's who" of legendary musicians that
includes Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, Brooks and Dunn, Joe Cocker,
Bruce Springsteen and has been a staple in Billy Joel's band since
1989.
"Music is so powerful," said Taliefero. "It reaches and speaks to the
soul. Learning and performing music as a child were the first steps
towards independent thinking and making choices. I was encouraged and
challenged very young and quickly learned to never give up on my
dreams."
Taliefero claims her success was the direct outcome of encouragement
and challenge at a young age by her family who taught her never to
give up her dreams.
Last spring, Taliefero and a group of colleagues launched
Nashville-based Rodidah Productions, an all-female music
entertainment/production company specializing in encouraging young
musicians in the industry to pursue their dreams. Taliefero also is
launching a nonprofit aimed at mentoring children with career
aspirations in the arts.
Shanoor Devarj said his father encouraged him to use his emotions to
create. The Armenian-American artist channeled the devastation of
Sept. 11 for a series of masterpieces he refers to as Extreme
Conditions.
"Ever since I was a child my father challenged me to be process things
and with his words, I was able to take devastation and translate it
onto the canvas," said Devarj. "Growing up, a box of crayons were like
gold."
Devarj, executive creative director of Devarj Design Agency, is quick
to point out that many good artists, musicians and writers must be
simplistic and honest to make their work have meaning.
Devarj will showcase his work in April during an Early Learning
Partnership fundraiser and speak to community leaders about investing
in children and encouraging their development.
"No matter what socioeconomic background children come from, they can
achieve greatness if they are given the tools and support," said
Devarj. "Teaching children the ability to develop a continual love for
learning is vital to their overall growth."
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/special-section/now/the-arts-offer-solid-avenue-for-children-to-develop-emotionally/article_4279897a-2a32-5a66-b94a-04c513d6261e.html
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress