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Arts a la Carte Department of Visual & Performing Arts February 2018 - March 2018

Westfield Public Schools Westfield New Jersey

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Congratulations to Westfield High School students accepted to 2018 CJMEA Region Honors Ensembles!

2018 CJMEA Region II Orchestra Kelly Eagan- Bass

Kevin Li- Violin Junlin Yi- Violin

2018 CJMEA Region II Ensembles

Brooke Walden- Flute/Piccolo Andy Zhao- Clarinet

Kailey Zhao- Bassoon Amanda Latowsky- Alto Clarinet

Aprina Wang- French Horn Kenneth Meyer- French Horn

Max Tennant- Trumpet Lucy Ritter- Percussion

Michael Charlton- Timpani

These students performed in a region ensemble in January and auditioned for All-State on January 20th. We are honored that they represented our school in a region group this year.

2018 /2019 All State Band & Orchestra

In addition to the Region-level ensembles, Sophomore Brooke Walden was selected to the NJ All-State Wind Ensemble & Orchestra for the second straight year. Brooke was the top scoring piccolo player, and ranked third on the flute. She will perform in February

with the Wind Ensemble and in November with the Orchestra. Congratulations Brooke!

Congratulations to the following Westfield High School students who were accepted into the 2018 Region Chorus!

These students performed in a concert with students around the central NJ area at Monroe Township High School on January 28th.

2018 Region II Chorus Russell Cohen

Charlotte Geary Samantha Horvath

Zaria Katz

Joseph Maldonado Matthew Meixner

Vincent Mora Abby Rothenberg Matthew Siroty

Special recognition to Abby Rothenberg who has been accepted into Region Chorus for all four years in high school!

Congratulations to our Intermediate students who were accepted into the 2018 CJMEA Region II Ensembles!

Edison Intermediate: 7th graders; Kevin Chen (Viola), Steve Wang (Violin) and Clara Yu (Cello); 8th graders; Conor Daly (Trombone)

and Amy Xiao (Piccolo, Flute & Violin)

Roosevelt Intermediate: 7th grader; Julian Hamilton (Viola); 8th grader; Meredith Shepherd (Viola)

Congratulations!

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Arts a la Carte February 2018 - March 2018

Westfield

High School

Art

Ceramics 1

Coil Pots ready for Glazing

Ceramics 1

Slab Constructed Textured

Cylinders

Ceramics 2

Students finishing up their last

project for the semester on a Textured Slab Constructed Lantern

Ceramics 2

Slab Constructed Mugs with Wax

Resist Surface

Crafts Exploration students have

been hard at work learning about and creating various types of

sculptures. We began the sculpture/3D unit by creating a

felted animal of their choice. When the animal is complete, they

will have to create a part of the

animal‟s environment using various materials. The photographs show

the very beginning of the project and the final outcome. We will

then move on to designing and

carving an initial and decorating it with an indented Zentangle

pattern. The sculpture unit will be complete after the students finish

carving a piece of soapstone.

As the first Semester winds down, this is a look at many of the

amazing projects the Ceramics

students have created. The shelves in the kiln room are jam packed

with colorfully finished projects as well as a few projects waiting to

be glazed and fired.

February 2018 - March 2018 Arts a la Carte

Drawing students are exploring mixed media, creating large works

with subject matter of their own design. They will investigate a

variety of graphite, watercolor and layers of color working with pastels

of various types. Texture, negative

space, scale and overlap will be manipulated creating unique

individual works. Value, luminosity and create the illusion of form and

depth are next.

Composition students continue

their exploration of intentional organization. Works at home and

in class are being created emphasizing personal content,

while incorporating historical

armatures. With every project they display their expanding knowledge

of composition and group critiques. Techniques of acrylic painting will

be introduced next.

Advanced Portfolio Prep & Art History (Art IV) students have

just completed their mid-term

exams and marking period 3 Art History presentations. They are

working on student designed projects and adding to their

portfolio, as we march closer to

the Art Show.


Foundations of Art: Chambers Students just completed marker

drawings based on principles of design. The marker drawings

illustrated a chosen design principle while using gradual

blending of color values. The

students have also been studying positive and negative space. They

are in the process of creating negative space sketches of

detailed objects from observation.

When the sketches are complete, the negative space will be inked in

over the top of the marker drawings to allow the colored

designs to show through the positive spaces.

The Computer Graphic Design

I classes just completed original

marker comprehensive drawings influenced by Rube Goldberg

machines. The designs show multiple steps that create a

complex chain reaction that leads

to some kind of simple task. One and two point perspective was

emphasized to give the illustrations more depth. The drawings will be

transferred to computer using Adobe Illustrator using complex

gradients and gradient meshes to

further illustrate depth, and create more realistic compositions.

Foundations of Art: Jarvis

Color theory/color schemes and

the psychology of color is the current unit; as Foundation of Art

students mix hues to form tints, tones and shades. The unit will

include an acrylic painting to be added to the portfolio of each

student feverishly working towards

the Westfield Annual District Art Show in May, which will exhibit the

works of art!

World Crafts Sampler students have honed their skills of

marbleizing paper following the

traditional technique of floating paintings on thickened water and

contemporary method of using chalk on the water‟s surface. The

assignment included binding a

handmade journal.


Music

WHS Music 8th Grade Day On Wednesday, January 10th, the

WHS Music Department hosted the

Sixth Annual 8th Grade Day. Accompanied by their music

teachers, students from EIS and RIS were bussed to the high

school for an interactive day of discussion and music-making

alongside the WHS Wind

Ensemble, Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra. Guest

speakers included Principal, Derrick Nelson and Supervisor of Fine Arts,

Tom Weber. We look forward

to seeing many of these 8th graders in next year‟s WHS

ensembles!

The event concluded with a special

band concert with performances by the EIS and RIS Concert Bands,

the WHS Wind Ensemble and the WHS Marching Band. At the end of

the concert, Intermediate and High School students stood side by side

in a combined performance of

Brian Balmages‟ Rhythms and Riffs. Bravo to all for a great day

of music-making! WHS Concert Bands

The WHS Wind Ensemble is working hard to prepare for their

performance at the NJ Music Educators Association Conference

on February 22nd. Special guests, Dr. Joe Higgins and Mr. Bruce

Yorko from Rowan University, will

be visiting the students to help them prepare for this exciting

event! As an added bonus, the students will have the privilege of

playing alongside featured soloist,

Andrew Hitz. Mr. Hitz is a world renowned tubist from Virginia who

will perform From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific.

WHS Jazz Bands You won‟t want to miss the three

WHS jazz bands in action this spring. Mark your calendars!

March 3rd- All Bands @ Rotary Club Breakfast with the Bands,

WHS Cafeteria 8:00 am: WHS Stage Band

8:30 am: WHS Jazz II 9:00 am: WHS Jazz I

9:40 am: RIS Jazz II

10:10 am: RIS Jazz I 10:40 am: EIS Jazz

11:10 am: Blue Devil Treble

March 23rd - Jazz I @ Scotch

Plains-Fanwood HS Jazz Festival, Time TBA

April 21st - Jazz I/II @ Princeton HS Jazz Festival, Time TBA

May 12th- All bands @ Annual WHS JAZZ NIGHT, 5:30pm Start,

WHS Courtyard

June 7th- All bands @ Spring Jazz/Percussion concert, 7:30pm,

WHS Auditorium

Dr. Thomas Visits Westfield

High School Choir

On December 7, the students in Concert Choir and Chorale were

visited by the Director of Rowan University Choirs, Dr. Christopher

Thomas. Dr. Thomas is also the

President of the American Choral Directors in NJ and will be

conducting the NJ All State Choir next year. Dr. Thomas worked

with both choirs and reinforced elements of musicianship, vocal

technique, and choral blend.


8th Grade Music Day On January 10, students from EIS

and RIS came to the High School to experience life as a music

student. The 8th graders were treated to performances by the

High School band, orchestra, and

choir groups. They also rehearsed a combined piece, “River in

Judea,” which the students performed at our district choral

night. Students in both the

intermediate and high school groups had a great time singing

together and spending time with one another.

District Choral Night

On January 17, students in the WHS, EIS, and RIS choirs

performed at our annual District Choral Night. There were

performances from 8th grade

choirs, Sharps and Flats, Broadway Singers, Blue Devil Treble, Men‟s

Chorus, Concert Choir, and Chorale. It was an evening of

joyous singing, camaraderie

between students from 7-12th grade, and an opportunity for

students in the intermediate schools to learn about the high

school choir program.

WHS Choir Classes

After a successful winter concert, students have now begun

preparing for choir placements for

next years‟ ensembles. Students will be singing a prescribed

audition that was practiced during class periods. Students will be

given recommendations in the

middle of February for next years‟ groups.

In addition, the choir students

have also been introduced to elements of music theory. Note

reading, interval recognition and ear training have been reinforced

using whiteboard activities as well

as technology.

Night of Love Songs, Feb. 10 The WHS Choir will be presenting

our annual Night of Love Songs in Cafeteria B on February 10 at 7

PM. The evening will include solo and small group performances as

well as ensemble performances

from WHS Bel Coro, Concert Choir, Chorale, and Blue Devil Treble.

In addition to the performances

from our students, the night will

include basket raffles and refreshments.

See Page 18 for Night of Love Songs

Flyer

Annual Band and Choir Christmas Tree Pickup

The annual band and choir Christmas tree pickup was a huge

success this year! On January 6th, student and parent volunteers in

the choir and band programs

picked up well over 500 trees from around Westfield.

Thank you to the Westfield

community for your support!

CJMEA Region II Choir

Pictured left to right:

Russell Cohen, Joseph Maldonado,

Matthew Siroty, Vincent Mora, Matthew Meixner

Samantha Horvath, Zaria Katz, Charlotte Geary, Abby Rothenberg


WHS Orchestra On January 10th the WHS Music

Department hosted its Annual 8th Grade Music Day, in which

musicians from both Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate were able

to come into the high school,

watch performances by the Chamber Orchestra, and sit in with

WHS Orchestra musicians. As always, it was a great experience

for the students involved. It is

good to see the current WHS Orchestra students with their soon

to be future classmates. The following evening, January 11th,

was the 2nd Annual District Orchestra Night Concert. The

concert featured performances by

the EIS 8th Grade Orchestra, the RIS 8th Grade Orchestra, the WHS

String Orchestra, and the WHS Chamber Orchestra. There was a

grand finale that featured all of the

orchestra members on stage together! All told there were 125+

student string musicians on stage for the spectacular finale.

The WHS Orchestras have started

2018 off with lots of news and events. This year started off with

the CJMEA - Region 2 Orchestra concert. This year 3 WHS

Orchestra students (pictured at

right) were accepted into this highly rigorous and exclusive

group. Junlin Yi (Violin „18), Kevin Li (Violin „19), and Kelly Eagan

(Bass „21) performed with this

group made up of some of the most talented young musicians in

central New Jersey on January 7th, 2018 at Montgomery High School.

Being accepted to this group means that these students will

have a chance to audition for the

NJ All-State Orchestra in March. Congratulations to Junlin, Kevin,

and Kelly!

8th Grade Music Day EIS, RIS & WHS Chamber Orchestra

Junlin, Kevin, and Kelly at

CJMEA Region II Concert

Finally, congratulations to Morgan

Eng (Violin „19) on becoming the winner of our 2nd Annual WHS

Orchestra Concerto Competition! Morgan won with Haydn‟s Violin

Concerto in C major and she will have the opportunity to perform as

a soloist with the rest of the WHS

Chamber Orchestra at our Spring Concert on May 24th, 2018.

Drama

WHS Spring Musical

FOLLIES!

Performance dates: March 15, 16 & 17 at 7:30pm

The Westfield High School Theatre Department will be presenting

Follies!, as their spring musical production. A true theatrical event,

this legendary masterpiece is considered by many to be the

greatest musical ever created.

Surreal, sophisticated, compelling, heart wrenching and epic in scope,

Follies!, by Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman, uses the musical

theatre as a metaphor for the

collapse of American innocence and naiveté in the post-Kennedy

years.


In Follies!, the time is 1971, and the iconic Weismann Theater, now

a crumbling shell of its former glory, is about to be demolished to

provide precious NYC with a parking lot. Broadway impresario

Dimitri Weismann arranges a

reunion of the actors, singers, and dancers who peopled his famous

Follies as a farewell tribute to the doomed building. In a shabby yet

sparkling atmosphere of

bittersweet nostalgia, a wide variety of faded glamour girls

reminisce, brag, boast, express regret, and perform the numbers

which made them famous, trailed by the ghostly memories of their

younger selves. Against this

volatile atmosphere, a decades-old love quadrangle receives a revival

as well when Sally and Phyllis, and their respective husbands, Buddy

and Ben, meet again. During one

night of romance and regret, two crumbling marriages are put to the

test. Follies! is a glamorous and fascinating look into a bygone era,

and a clear-eyed look at the

transformation of relationships over time.

The WHSTD production, featuring

over 130 student actors, technicians and musicians, once

again capitalizes on the myriad

talents of the WHS fine arts students and their various

disciplines as well as continuing our tradition of producing

theatrical outstanding works which

explore contemporary musical theatre via lesser known

productions.

Tickets will be available February 23, 2018 by visiting the

WHSTD.BOOKTIX.COM. For more

information regarding past and present performances, you can

visit the WHS Theatre Department website at: teacherdjd.wix.com/whstheatredept.

Follies cast members learning

choreography

WHS Theatre Class

The Westfield High School theatre students have been diligently

engaged in furthering their studies of the world of theatre. In Intro to

Theatre, the students have just

completed their exploration of Medieval Theatre and its

contributions to world theatre. In addition to the historical aspects of

the period, the students also examined the specific elements

from the time period still seen in

contemporary theatre via the

performance of scenes from Arthur Miller‟s classic drama All My Sons. The Theatre Workshop students have completed their study of

Shakespearian theatre, focusing on Elizabethan comedy. This

exploration included analysis and

performances of scenes from Twelfth Night. Currently, the

students are exercising their technical foundations through the

investigation of Sanford Meisner

and his repetition technique. In Advanced Theatre Technique, the

students have been examining Modernist Realism and

contemporary American drama. This investigation concluded with

extremely impressive

performances from Anton Chekov‟s play The Seagull, which were

representative of the overall student growth throughout the

semester. WHS students are also

continuing their exploration of the

world of theatre behind the scenes

in Stagecraft. The students have been engaged in learning the

various roles that exist in the technical theatre and the

numerous employment

opportunities they present. Currently, the students are

learning the fundamentals of Makeup Design and Scenic

Painting as well as the various techniques used within the

theatrical production process.

http://whstd.booktix.com/

http://teacherdjd.wix.com/whstheatredept


Roosevelt

Intermediate

Art

The New Year is well under way in

Miss Suchy‟s art classes at Roosevelt. Her 7th grade classes

have expanded their understanding of the Middle Ages

by studying parts of castles and

their architectural design. Combining this knowledge with

two point perspective, they were able to create their own Medieval

Castle designs.

The 6th graders in Miss Suchy‟s

classes studied the works of

Wassily Kandinsky to create their own asymmetrical abstract

designs. Using contact paper and tape, they carefully marked up the

paper in geometric shapes and

lines creating a well-balanced composition. They then used

analogous colors to paint the entire paper with watercolors. The

tape and contact paper was peeled to reveal crisp white shapes and

lines. These 6th graders closely

examined these works to decide which orientation was best to hold

their projects and planned which part of their compositions needed

to be more evenly balanced. To

fill in these spaces they added more geometric patterns and

designs using sharpie markers.

Music

RIS Bands On January 10th, all of the 8th

grade music ensembles from

Roosevelt spent the afternoon at WHS for our annual Recruitment

Day. Band, orchestra, and chorus students had the opportunity to

hear performances from the top music ensembles at the high

school. They also spent time

rehearsing with these groups and the high school directors in

preparation for special recruitment concerts. The Roosevelt 8th Grade

Concert Band performed alongside

the 8th grade band from Edison Intermediate, the high school Wind

Ensemble, and the high school marching band on the evening of

the 10th. This annual concert is a wonderful chance for 8th grade

students and parents to get a taste of what the high school program is

all about. As always, it was a

fantastic evening, and Mr. Doyle and Ms. Hauge want to thank Mr.

Vitale and Mr. Sindorf for all of their hard work putting the concert

together!


Currently, the 7th and 8th grade

band students are preparing for

their next performance, Chamber Music Night on Tuesday, March

27th. This performance will feature nearly 20 small ensembles, some

groups as small as three members. Part of the student preparation

involves practicing and rehearsing

in their small groups, without the aid of a teacher or conductor. This

helps students develop their own practice and rehearsal skills, and

gives them independence and

autonomy in their learning. Come support our young musicians on

the 27th, in what will be our first band performance in the newly

renovated Roosevelt auditorium!

On Saturday, March 3rd, the RIS

Jazz Ensembles will take part in the annual “Breakfast with the

Bands” event at Westfield High School. This event is a fundraiser

for the Westfield Rotary Club, an

organization that provides many scholarships and grants for

Westfield students and community programs. Hundreds of people

attend this event each year, as bands from Roosevelt, Edison, and

the high school perform while the

audience enjoys breakfast.

We hope to see you soon at an upcoming performance!

RIS Chorus

The month of December was a busy one for the RIS Vocal Music

Department. We started out the

month with our concert prep and we took our Sharps and Flats to

perform at the Rotary Club Holiday Lunch. The Rotarian's are always a

great audience and are very

supportive of our singers.

On December 20th we had our Holiday concert at Westfield High

School. It was a bit of a challenge for our 6th and 7th graders but in

the end all groups sounded great

and for the first time singing in a new space, we did a great job!

Next it was off to the Holiday Tour

on December 22nd to Wilson,

Washington and Franklin Schools. It is so wonderful to see our

students return to their elementary school and perform for their

former teachers. Our students love

this experience and it was a wonderful day!

After the break the 8th graders and

Sharps and Flats were busy preparing for 8th Grade

Recruitment Day at Westfield High

School and the District Choral Night Concert on January 17th.

What a great night of singing from all the performing groups and

everyone sounded fantastic! It was

truly inspirational to be part of such a talented dedicated faculty!

Now we are looking forward to the

Black History Month Assembly on February 2nd where our Sharps and

Flats will sing with the Newark

Boys Chorus. Our singers have been very busy and have done an

amazing job!

Drama

RIS Spring Musical

Performance dates: March 9th and 10th at 7:30pm Sunday, March 11th at 2:00pm Box Office Information 789-4560 or purchase tickets at the door

Congratulations to the RIS 8th

graders on their Winter Scene

Showcase!

A very entertaining show with

comedic and dramatic scenes

Bravo!

Edison

Intermediate

Art

Students in Mrs. Frees 6th grade classes have been learning about

creating the element of art Form in both 2-D and 3-D media. The

students were drawing using value

to show depth. The students then


were working with creating an armature with wire, paper, and

other mixed media to create a bird sculpture. We had discussions on

color choices, we created a side project of a Batik (painting with

wax resist, and dyes) and we had

a great working studio. The students had a wonderful time

with this project and they are going to move onto another form

lesson that involves plaster and

group work.

Seventh grade students were leaning to draw figures in

proportion. We discussed the use of value, shading, and color

choices (tint and shade) and

drawing from life. I taught the students how to draw a human

figure using the measurement of 7 ½ heads high. I showed them how

to use the head to measure other

parts of the body, and the even measurement of the bicep and the

forearm. The students had to draw their teacher, in five minute

measurements, and we also went over drawing in a seated position.

The students then had to create

their own moving figure on a large

scale. They had a 24x24 piece of board and they had to draw a

figure in motion. The students were encouraged to help each

other demonstrate how the body would look when throwing a ball,

running, kicking a soccer ball, and

dancing for example. In connection with the history

curriculum students are learning to draw the face in proportion. We

are using Gargoyles as a way to

explore drawing a face using the history they are learning about in

social studies. Students in Mrs. Messinger‟s class are learning

about Norman castles. They are building 3-D models and we are

going to learn perspective through

drawing castles from that period.

The 8th grade students are participating in several projects.

They are working on paper

making, they created a Russian doll, and they are working on a

plaster mask based on the art of the Pacific Northwest Native

Americans. We are using the

mask face form and then creating the animal on top of the face

keeping some human features as the Native artists did in their work.

The last project we will do will be using molds, and a quick dry

technique I learned at the art

conference to make a Native American wedding vase.

Music

EIS Bands It is a very exciting time for the

EIS bands. Eighth grade students

had the opportunity to perform at the District Band Night in January

with the RIS 8th grade band and WHS Wind Ensemble. The band

performed the very musical piece,

“Black Forest Overture” by Michael Sweeney and then were joined by

the RIS & WHS bands to perform

“Rhythms and Riffs” with over 150 students playing together. The 6th

and 7th grade students have been working on fundamentals in class

in preparation for an increased challenge in their band music in

the spring.

2018 has brought some major

accomplishments and accolades for the EIS Bands. In January, 20

students auditioned for the CJMEA

Intermediate Region Band. This was one of the largest turnouts for

any single school in central Jersey. In addition, the EIS Flute

Ensemble was selected to perform at February‟s NJMEA Music

Educators Conference. The group

was one of only 3 middle school groups selected to perform at this

prestigious conference in front of music teachers from all over the

state.

The 8th Grade Flute Ensemble is

hard at work preparing their audition piece for Lincoln Center‟s

Young Ensemble Concert. These 8

students have been practicing many hours before school, after

school, and outside of school on the advanced piece “Views from

Falls House.”

The Jazz Band has been working

to put together set lists for spring performances at the Breakfast with the Bands fundraiser and the Jazz Night concert. Playing some hits

from Count Basie and Duke

Ellington, the band is learning how to play improvised solos. The jazz

band is also looking forward to performing for the Six Flags

festival this spring.


Drama

EIS Spring Musical

The Sound of Music

Performance dates: March 22nd at 4:00pm March 23rd at 7:30pm March 24th at 7:00pm

Come see Edison Intermediate

School‟s interpretation of the

classic musical “The Sound of Music”. The final collaboration

between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of

Music has become a play beloved

around the world. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family

Singers, this play captures a personal tale of growth and hope

amidst the horrors of World War II. The Sound of Music tells the

tale of young postulant Maria

Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and

regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother

Abbess to serve as the governess

for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the Von Trapp

family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled

with joy, with laughter, and with

music amidst the backdrop of what will become World War II. Come

see the musical that will have you

“Climb Every Mountain… till you find your dream.”

Starring some great Edison

students; such as Olivia Alpizar, Ava Bracco, Sammy Bauer, Sierra

Ciasco, Emelia Fowler, Chloe Gavula, John Gonzalez, Manny

Gonzalez, Kayla Louison, Eden

Wilcomes, and many more in our cast and crew.

Tickets are $8 pre-sale and $10 at

the door with a special $5 performance on Thursday at 4:00.

We look forward to seeing you at The Sound of Music!

Congratulations to the cast and

crew of Edison's Eighth Grade

Showcase Edison Night Live for a brilliant performance on Friday

January 26th in the EIS Cafeteria. The night was filled with laughter

and fun and the students delivered memorable performances that had

the audience laughing the entire

time. Great job!

Daniela Agne

Olivia Alpizar

Ally Baker

Sammy Bauer

Amy Broughton

Bella Conway

Chloe Gavula

Alexa Gonzalez

Reagan Hickey

Matilda Horn

Kaitlyn Jackson

Rachel Jacobson

Rachel Jones

Shreya Jyotishi

Isabella Lagatta

Sydney Logozzo

Emma Naeseth

Riley Pantalena

Amanda Rickert

Karishma Sachdev

Carly Saunders

Rachel Weiner

Franklin

Elementary

Art

At Franklin School, the art students

in grades 2 through 5 are busy

with color, line, shape, texture and space. A variety of projects and art

vocabulary can be seen and heard. They are exploring and developing

their creative selves under the direction of Mrs. Coveney.

The 2nd grade students are participating in a school wide

project connected to the Character Education Program. They are

learning the difference between

Organic shapes and Geometric shapes. Each student has been

introduced to the book “Only One You” by Linda Kranz and a “rock”


is being transformed into a decorative one of a kind fish.

These fish will be permanently installed on the Franklin school

grounds come this spring. What a colorful display it will be.

The 3rd grade students are learning about positive shape and negative

space. A body with its proper proportions is in a doable pose.

The student becomes the model of

this pose and color enhances the drawing. Complementary colors

are introduced and warm and cool colors are reviewed. Colored

sharpies create a very pleasing result.

The 4th grade students are beginning “Lines of the City”.

Foreground, Middle ground and Background can be seen within

their cityscapes. Lines will be

reviewed which create texture and movement. They add them onto

their overlapped buildings with black sharpies. Space, depth and

contrast can be seen throughout

the drawing as the sky is colored with warm and cool colors behind

their black and white shapes.

The 5th grade students reviewed the color wheel with the primary

and secondary colors. They

observed and discussed the Scarlet Macaw with all its layers of colorful

overlapping feathers. The “woodless” colored pencils were

the medium of choice to create

their drawings of this most colorful bird. Success could be seen and a

review of value was a part of their art vocabulary.

Many a project can be seen and

learning is evident.

Music

While it may be chilly outside,

things are heating up inside as the Franklin students develop new

musical skills and knowledge this winter. Our 1st graders have been

developing their understanding of

musical form by identifying different sections of music in their

songs. They‟ve also been developing their aural skills by

singing and playing back sol-mi patterns on the barred

instruments. Along with keeping

the steady beat on the xylophones, they have added a color part on

glockenspiels to their songs. Throughout February, they‟ll place

sol-mi-la on the music staff as they

develop their note reading skills.

Second graders have become masters at identifying different

sections of music and following a

musical score with multiple verses, repeats, and first and second

endings. To explore their creative side, the movement concepts of

positive and negative space were introduced to create snowmen

shapes with their bodies in small

groups that accompanied the song “Building a Snowman”. In the folk

song “Turn the Glasses Over” the students identified its form and

worked on the folk dance that

includes a very tricky dance move called “ring the rag”. All of this was

performed in a concentric circle, which is usually reserved for 3rd

grade.

Our 3rd graders had a fun time

identifying the rhythms of highlighted lyrics in the song “Big

Rock Candy Mountain”, and then they created their own lyrics for

the B section matching those

rhythms. These were then performed in small groups for the

rest of the class. They have also worked on their movement

concepts such as mirroring, shadowing, levels, and body facing

and practiced these using the hand

drum as a prop. (see picture) These were then performed with

Debussy‟s “Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune”. As we begin studying

the music staff in February, the 3rd

graders will use the whole diatonic scale to develop their note reading

skills and play some fun games to reinforce those concepts.

As we entered 2018, the joyous welcoming song “Fanga Alafia”

was taught and danced to by our

4th graders. Not only is this a great way to introduce the concept of

form, but it‟s also a great way to teach community and culture in

the West African tradition. Also


studying styles of music, the 4th graders were given picture clues

that related to different styles of music and were then asked to

identify various styles of music through listening. Another

multicultural dance taught was

“Sasha”. During the B section the students learned the importance of

silence and eye contact as they had to find a new partner by the

end of this section before erupting

back into the boisterous A section.

During January, the 5th graders took a look at different styles of

music and learned about the history of Broadway and its

musicals. They even rapped to

Hamilton‟s popular song “My Shot”. The 5th graders are also

revisiting the music staff and building upon their knowledge of

major and minor modes by

exploring the other modes such as Dorian, Phrygian and Mixolydian to

name a few. After playing through each mode, the fifth graders

described them in terms of feelings

and scenarios. Lydian often felt pleasant yet confused. Phrygian

was suspenseful and dark. They‟ll continue exploring the modes and

intervals during the month of February.

Jefferson

Elementary

Art First graders at Jefferson have

become very comfortable with art in elementary school. They have

worked diligently on an “Owl

Moon” project – creating a relief sculpture using model magic and a

twig, and painting a background while learning about values of

colors (tints and shades). We will be working on print making with

snow people. We will then be shifting our focus to Kandinsky‟s

concentric circles with an optical illusion weaving project.

Second graders are finishing up

their Facial Proportion unit by

creating self-portrait creatures. It is a project where their creativity

can really shine through. The next project will align with their regular

classroom cultural immersion with

their “Winter Trees” project.

The 3rd graders have begun their big group project, “Aboriginal X-

Ray Paintings”. They learned about the cultural history of

Australia, and made comparisons

between Native Americans and native Australians, known as

“Aboriginals”. They learned about Australian animals and picked the

ones that were the most interesting.

Teamwork, leadership, personal responsibility within the group, and

decision making negotiations are integral parts of this project. For

3rd graders, these social

interactions are sometimes difficult to navigate and the practice they

get sometimes results in more valuable lessons than the project

itself. Thank You to the Jefferson PTO for the mini-grant money for

acrylic paint. This is one of the

many projects that the paint will be utilized.

Fourth Graders are beginning their

one point Perspective “Citiscapes”.

This is the most technically difficult concept that they will learn in

Jefferson School Art, but the results are amazing.

Fifth Grade students have just

learned about Dan “the Monster

Man” Reeder. They have seen a virtual tour of his studio and time-

lapse videos of him creating his artworks. Mrs. Ciotti purchased

one of his artworks years ago and

the kids got to see (and touch) the sculpture. Mr. Reeder is also a

teacher, and sets up his website for maximum immersion into the

art. It‟s an amazing opportunity! The kids are really excited to

create their paper mache,

“Monster Fish”.

Music

It may have been cold this month,

but January was a warm and wonderful month in Jefferson‟s

Music classes! Keeping our voices warm, we traveled through our

Winter Celebrations Unit alongside

our Form/Style “Rock”. The 1st and 2nd graders sang some

African-American Spirituals: “This Little Light of Mine”, “You Gotta

Sing”, “There‟s A Little Wheel-A-

Turnin‟”, “Ev‟rybody Ought To Know” (Call and Response Form),

“Same Train”, “Get on Board” (ABA Form), “Oh Freedom” (Verse

and Refrain Form) and “Free At Last”. While the 1st graders

learned about a silly sequence

song (“A Long Way Home”), the 2nd graders studied musical math.

Third grades celebrated Martin

Luther King. Jr. Day by singing and

studying a code song “Follow The Drinking Gourd” and “Keep Your

Eyes on the Prize”. The 4th graders studied the “Fifty-Ninth

Street Bridge Song” “Feelin‟ Groovy” and Civil Rights song “We

Shall Overcome” in addition to

Teresa Jenning‟s “I Have A Dream” and Karl Hitzemann‟s song

“Frederick Douglass”. In between being voice tested, the 5th graders

researched classical musicians

preparing themselves for a short and informal in-class report in

February. It was amazing how many we already knew! Ahoy

mates! The Chorus has also begun to peek into their spring musical,

“Pirates 2”.


In February, our musical “Rock” will return to Pitch/Melody where

we will find ourselves involved in many fun note spelling activities

and treble/bass cleff games. Beyond that, our songs for

February will include the February

winter celebration such as: Groundhog Day, 100 Days of

School, Dr. Seuss‟ Birthday, Winter / Winter Olympics, President‟s Day,

Chinese New Year, and of course

Viva Valentines!!!

McKinley

Elementary Art

In 1st grade, students will be

introduced to the work of Don Pendleton. Pendleton is most well-

known for designing a wide variety of skateboard graphics.

Pendleton‟s designs often consist of stylistic figures, bold colors,

lines, and shapes. After studying

his work, students will design their own Pendleton-inspired designs

and be filling them in using water color paints. Students will be

learning about primary and

secondary colors during this project and will be given the

option to choose between the two when adding color to their designs.

Second graders will be creating

original watercolor landscapes.

Students will be introduced to the concept of a landscape, as well as

become familiar with the terms horizon line, foreground, middle

ground, and background. We will

be working on layering and creating different value in our

paintings throughout this project.

The 3rd grade students will be working on radial name designs.

For this project, students will be

introduced to the concept of radial symmetry (a type of balance in

which the parts of an object or picture are regularly arranged and

radiate from a central point). As a class, we will go over different

lettering styles, such as block and

bubble letters. When adding color to our designs in colored pencil,

we will go over different ways to create contrast in our works by

using different coloring techniques.

Fourth grade students will be

working on perspective initials. During this project, students will

be learning the basics of one point perspective (making something

look 3D on a 2D surface). Each

initial will be surrounded by a box that will appear as if it is shooting

off of the paper. To help create this effect, we will go over value in

color and how we can create depth

in a work of art using the fade technique. Each design will be

colorful and unique in its own way.

In 5th grade, students will be

learning about the artist George Rodrigue. Rodrigue was known for

creating paintings of a blue dog. Inspired by Rodrigue‟s work,

students will be creating original blue dog paintings of their own. In

this lesson, we will be learning

about monochromatic color and how it is possible to create

contrast in a design by using different values of a color.

Students will learn how to create a

tint (lighter) and a shade (darker) of a color by mixing paints. Even

though every student is painting a picture of a blue dog, it is amazing

to see how stylistic and different each one can be.

Music

The 1st and 2nd graders at McKinley school have been busy learning

about musical form. The 1st

graders created the winter clothes lines that you see in the picture

below creating rhythmic patterns of AB. Second graders have been

working on Rondo form by listening to Kodaly's Viennese

Musical Clock. They created Rondo

Burgers to show the pattern of ABACADA. Both grades have also

been applying form to an iPad app called Osmo Coding Jam. Students

create compositions by coding.

Below are pictures of the rondo burgers and Osmo Coding Jam.


Fifth graders at McKinley have been working on Composer

profiles. Each student chose a composer that interested them and

created a profile about their composer. Pictured are a few

profiles that they created.

Tamaques

Elementary

Art Grade one at Tamaques School is

currently focusing on primary and secondary colors as well as

abstract form. Using wood pieces and cardboard, they started by

building abstract sculptures. When

finished, they will paint their creations using primary colors to

mix into secondaries to complete their works of art.

The 2nd graders are focused on 3 - Dimensional form. They are

currently plastering the bird sculptures that they built with

newspaper and tape. The students

are eagerly awaiting the painting and feathering phase of the

project! Look for a display in the hallway soon.

Third graders are focusing on

Cubism and Pablo Picasso. They

have learned that the artist could paint realistic portraits perfectly

when he was a young child and that he became bored with realism

and set out to express himself in new innovative ways. To better

understand Cubism, they had fun creating chalk pastel portraits

complete with multiple perspective

viewpoints.

The 4th grade classes are studying color theory. Focusing on color

value, they are busy creating

monochromatic paintings with tints and shades. After transferring

images with carbon paper that students found on the computer,

they practiced creating value scales and began their

masterpieces. They look fantastic!

Fifth graders are working on their

printmaking unit, which completes their study of the Pop Art

movement. Using Andy Warhol as

inspiration, they carved foam plates and are busy making

multiple copies of their artwork. Many will be featured in the

District Art Show.

Washington

Elementary

Art

First graders are hard at work on their African inspired collaged

landscapes. Students used watercolors to paint their

background, construction paper,

and Elmer's glue to create a sandy, rocky African desert, and black

paper to create the silhouette of the animal of their choice. This

lesson helps 1st graders to

improve their fine motor skills as they practice holding a paintbrush,

painting, ripping paper, squeezing glue and cutting out the fine

details of their African animal.

As part of their unit on Asian Art 2nd graders are hard at work

putting the finishing touches on their Chinese vase drawings. Using

a stencil and only a blue art supply, 2nd graders designed their

vase with the motif of their choice.

Using only blue for the details on their vase allowed them to create

artwork that mirrored the traditional Chinese pottery we are

all so familiar with.

Third graders are hard at work

putting the finishing touches on their African inspired masks. We

talked about the traditions of African mask making as well as the

ceremonies they were traditionally

used in. Students were encouraged to think about the

story behind their mask while designing it.

The 4th grade classes learned about the Father of abstract

impressionism, Wassily Kandinsky while creating their abstract art

projects. After following a loose

set of directions, students were encouraged to add their own non-

representation ideas to their artwork and explore a variety of

mediums and techniques while adding color.

Fifth grade has been hard at work creating their self-portrait

drawings. These works of art are part of a larger Washington School

tradition where students create a

self-portrait in 1st grade, then again in 5th grade; then both

portraits are framed and put on display at the big end of the year

awards ceremony. I can't wait for students to see the side-by-sides

of their 1st to 5th-grade portraits

and see how much they've grown throughout their years spent at

Washington School.


Music

Tamaques & Washington

4th & 5th Grade Band

The Tamaques and Washington 5th grade band students had

wonderful and exciting winter

concerts in December! Performing for family and friends at home,

students played favorite Christmas and Winter tunes as well. Many of

the 5th graders are now preparing

for All City auditions, which will take place in early February. All

City is open to any students in 5th grade band in Westfield. These

students have been practicing at home and improving every time I

see them. Good luck to all who are

auditioning!

The 4th graders are seeing wonderful progress on their

instruments! They were also

encouraged to have mini concerts for family and friends on their

instruments, and some students even played duets and trios with

friends at home! We are learning to create beautiful sounds on our

instruments, and expand our

musical knowledge. Songs we have recently played include: “Hot Cross

Buns”, “Go Tell Aunt Rhodie”, “Au Claire de la Lune”, “Mozart

Melody”, and “London Bridge”. We

are looking forward to Music in Our Schools Month, where we will try

and perform some of these favorites for family and friends!

Wilson

Elementary

Art

First grade classes are studying all about penguins, so we created a

penguin mural in art class. Did you know that there are 18 different

kinds of penguins? They are

distinguished by the markings on their head, and by their size.

Although penguins can‟t fly, they are great swimmers. We learned

all about organic shapes, and had

fun creating a very cool mural for each classroom.

Second grade students created a

mixed media collage, introducing

the elements and principles of design. Students learned that the

word collage comes from the French “to paste.” They created

beautiful seascapes, complete with sailboats. This lesson focused how

to create movement through brush

strokes, geometric shapes, and how to mix colors.

Third grade art students in Mrs.

Massenzio‟s class were so excited

to create 3-D Model Magic birds in a cage. This lesson focused on

form, and texture. Form is a 3-D object that has mass and can be

viewed from various angles. These colorful birds were painted, and

feathers were added if desired.

Texture refers to the surface quality, both simulated and actual

of artwork. Students decorated their birdcage, and added finishing

touches such as water and feeding

bowls, and textured wings. The students were thrilled with their

projects, and were excited to bring them home!

Fourth grade classes worked diligently on Mexican folk art

mirrors. Students learned that Folk Art is a term given to artistic

creations that are hand made by local artisans, using traditional

techniques and local materials

available to them. The children used a tooled aluminum technique

called repousse to create the metal frame, and painted it with bright

colors. They learned about

radial symmetry, which is when a design “radiates” in all directions

from a center point. The finished mirrors were just amazing!

The 5th graders in Mrs. Massenzio‟s

classes created beautiful cactus

still life pictures using watercolors and markers. Students had fun as

they explored how the elements and principles of design are used

to produce a work of art. They

developed an awareness of line, shape, composition, and how to

create depth through the use of overlapping shapes. What is a still

life? What does symmetrical

mean? Why overlap shapes?

Music

Around the corner is Valentine‟s

Day! Wilson School‟s 1st and 2nd graders will sing to their parents

during a special assembly celebrating this day of love and

appreciation. In March, the 3rd and 4th graders will present the

annual Music in Our Schools

concert, which will feature repertoire representing a variety of

cultures. The 5th graders have begun exploring Broadway tunes in

preparation for this year‟s Spring

Concert. In addition, they are preparing to write simple

compositions for their instrument of choice, a process which

reinforces the concept of “form” in music. We wish them success!


All students continue to use percussion instruments in

performing drills designed to increase their knowledge of

rhythmic durations and combinations. Many students are

also enjoying the art of

improvisation: rhythmic and melodic!

The Westfield Coalition for the Arts donations benefiting so many students throughout the district this year include: Wenger Cello Rack for WHS Orchestra, Yamaha Tuba for WHS Bands, Yamaha Tenor Sax & Euphonium for RIS Bands Yamaha keyboard with stand & Fox Bassoon for EIS Bands, iPad for RIS Art department and HP Colorjet Laser Printer with 2 Polaroid digital cameras, memory cards and ink for Tamaques Art department.

Lincoln

School

Kindergarteners worked very hard

to create art to decorate the gym for Grandparents Day in January.

Piet Mondrian was the muse for this primary color heart project.

And as we work our way through the elements of art (line, shape,

color, value, texture, form, space),

we will focus on another famous artist. Van Gogh‟s Starry Night will

inspire us to create our own winter landscapes. March will bring

another exciting time at Lincoln

School. We will be creating imaginative artwork to decorate

the gym for our Annual Sing-a-Long.

Our pre-schoolers at Lincoln continue to be busy with the

process of making art. Sculpting, painting, printing, and gluing are

just some of the techniques we are

using during art class. And they love it! President‟s Day, Valentine‟s

Day and Dr. Seuss‟s birthday will give us the motivation to create

even more art.

The kindergartners at Lincoln

School were very busy this past month preparing for Grandparents

Day, held on January 26th.

Students sang classics such as "I love you a Bushel and a Peck",

"I'm Gonna Mail Myself" and a sentimental song to honor

grandparents called "A Song for

Grandparents". After the excitement of Grandparent's Day,

the students will be getting ready for their Sing a Long which will

feature hit Broadway songs! The Sing a Long will be on

Friday, March 23rd.


WESTFIELD COALITION FOR THE ARTS

Dear Westfield Arts Lovers! Fall 2017 The mission of the Westfield Coalition for the Arts is to act as an advocate for the arts in our schools, including music, fine art, theatre, visual art and dance. We speak out on behalf of the arts and their importance in our schools by raising public awareness of the arts‟ programs currently in our schools, supporting the schools when there is no room left in the budget, and encouraging our students‟ artistic endeavors. We cannot do this without your support! We are very fortunate to live in a community that reveres the arts and strongly believes in nourishing the diverse talents of our youth. This community has demonstrated its commitment to the arts‟ programs by donating to the Coalition. Once again, last year you generously gave over $20,000 for us to support programs in all of the schools. For instance, with your donations, the Coalition has helped to maintain our robust arts‟ programs and implement new programs such as: ★ Purchase of 5 marching baritones for the WHS Marching Band

★ A clinic and performance by the Rutgers Bassoon Ensemble and their leader, Dr. Chris Wickham for WHS Band

★ Entry fees and partial transportation costs for the WHS Concert bands to attend the CJMEA Concert Band

Festival ★ Shared transportation costs for the WHS Jazz band to attend the Holmdel Jazz Festival

★ Music staff-lined white boards for the Wilson School music teachers in conjunction with the Wilson School PTO

★ Purchase of equipment for working with glass for the Edison Intermediate School fine art and craft classes

★ Funds for opera singer, vocal clinician and music educator, Maureen Francis to work with the WHS choirs

★ Funding for heavy-duty storage shelving for musical instruments at Edison Intermediate School

★ Continuing education classes for WHS art teachers

★ Purchase of 3 double French horns for Edison Intermediate School

★ Purchase of a bass rack for WHS orchestra

The Westfield Coalition is an independent, nonprofit, organization, and we depend solely upon the generosity of supporters and parents like you! We hope that you will once again demonstrate your commitment to the arts by making a donation today. With your support we can continue to make sure the arts are protected in our schools and that our children continue to have access to outstanding arts programs, supplies, teachers, and extracurricular offerings. We welcome your feedback or any ideas you have to help us with our mission. You can email us at [email protected], visit our Facebook page and visit our website: www.WestfieldCoalitionForTheArts.weebly.com. Please say you will stand with us as art advocates! DONATE TODAY! Simply return the bottom portion of this letter with your donation to WCA Treasurer, 562 Pierson St, Westfield, NJ 07090.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! ~ Margaret Smith, President

Yes, I/we would like to donate! ____ Benefactor $500 _____ Sponsor $75 ____ Angel $200 _____ Sustaining Member $50 ____ Patron $100 Donation $______ In appreciation of your gift of $75.00 or more, your name will be printed in the Winter & Spring concert programs.

NAME: (as you would like it listed in the programs) _______________________________________________

EMAIL: _____________________________________________PHONE:________________________________

NAME OF WESTFIELD SCHOOL THAT YOUR YOUNGEST CHILD ATTENDS: __________________________

YES, I/we are interested in volunteering for the WCA_____________________________________________

Please make checks payable to the Westfield Coalition for the Arts.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.westfieldcoalitionforthearts.weebly.com/

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