Camden Hills Regional High School

Raising Our Voices in Camden Hills Regional High Schools’ Sister Act

Program cover Rafi Baeza

Raise Your Voice! becomes the central theme of the current musical production at Camden Hills Regional High School’s production of Sister Act. Based upon the hit 1992 Touchstone Pictures’ movie, and with original music by Alan Menken, this upbeat musical is sure to have audience members tapping their toes. When Deloris Van Cartier (Rebekah Schade) takes refuge in a convent after having witnessed a murder at the hands of her boyfriend Curtis (Nick Watts), she discovers that she has a gift that is even greater than her star-struck dreams of being on the stage – sharing the power of music. As the nuns discover the joy of raising their voices and “shaking their booties” they, including Deloris, also begin to discover a new strength and resolve inside of themselves.

Photo Marti Stone

Musical theater, with its costumes, lights, dancing, and amazing sets is a spectacle for the whole community to enjoy. Yet parents of impressionable young children are cautioned that the directors have rated this show PG 13 for violence and suggestive language. Some children may simply enjoy the chance to see live theater; and parents may find that the story line is a springboard for important conversations. In Sister Act, musical theater becomes instructive as well as entertaining. The subject of domestic abuse becomes an undercurrent in an otherwise light and humorous story. The writers have presented this serious topic in a comedic manner by distracting the listener with zany “thug” characters. However, as we look closer at the material, we find that the theme of “raising one’s voice” is the lesson embedded in the story line. Within the plot, tension mounts in the finale of the show as Curtis discovers where Deloris is hiding and makes plans to “keep her silent” for good. In solidarity, the sisters of the convent (including the rigid character of Mother Superior (Molly Mann)) raise their voices and make a vow to protect Deloris.   In addition, Deloris finds her own voice, and takes a powerful stand against Curtis – with the strength of her sisters, she is able to “raise her voice” and stand up to the bully. The theme of justice prevails, as we find out what happens to Curtis and his thugs in the final number.

Photo Marti Stone

On Broadway, Sister Act was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, and Additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane, Sister Act is being presented by CHRHS in special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.MTIshows.com

The CHRHS production of Sister Act will play November 4, 5, 11, 12 at 7:00 PM and November 6 at 2:00 PM.   Advance ticket sales are $12 for Reserved (front section) seats and $10/$6 for General Admission. At-the-door prices increase to $15/$12/$8. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at stromtickets.com or reserved by calling 236-7800 ext 282. Email stromtickets@gmail.com for ticket orders and more information.

 

Professional Development

Opportunities across the state

The Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) Mega Regional Conferences will be held throughout the state during the next five months. Each site will have different sessions offered so you may wish to attend more than one Mega. Sessions will be provided by MALI Teacher Leaders and Teaching Artist Leaders. In addition, almost all sites will have technology offerings as well. A portion of the afternoon will feature a Teaching Artist and information on the statewide arts education census that was conducted during the 2015-16 school year. The report will be officially released in December.

The cost to attend each Mega is $25 (unless otherwise indicated). Contact hours for full participation – 5.5 contact hours. In the listing of conference dates below are links to registration for two of the Megas. The others will be available in the near future. For more details (and also to register) please go to http://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/MALI-Mega-Regionals.

The Megas provide multiple opportunities for the Maine Arts education community to engage in professional development specific to come together to deepen our knowledge, make connections, and learn from each other!

• Monday, November 21, Ellsworth High School – Registration is now open!
• Wednesday, January 4, USM, Portland
• Thursday, February 2, UMaine, Orono
• Friday, March 17, Hebron Station School, Hebron
• Wednesday, March 22, Easton Schools, Easton
• Wednesday, April 26, UMaine, Orono – Theatre conference, registration is open! Free!

MEGA ELLSWORTH

SESSION I

Where are your Art Standards within the Studio Habits of Mind! presented by Janie Snider, Hancock Grammar School Visual Arts

This workshop will explore the National Visual Art Standards and how they co-exist with the Studio Habits of Mind. The NVAS are written for pre-K through high school. There are many ways to align these standards with the SHOM that already exist in your classrooms! I will share ways that work for me in my K-8 art classroom. Grades K-8

Ellsworth High School VPA Academy presented by Rebecca Wright Ellsworth High School, Performing ArtsLeah Olson Ellsworth High School, Visual Arts Shannon Westphal Ellsworth High School, Visual Arts

This session will be an overview of the Ellsworth HIgh School Visual/Performing Arts Academy.  The program is in its fourth year and graduated 8 students in 2016. Currently there are approximately 25 students in the program grades 10-12. We will review how the program came into being, the nuts and bolts of how it works, view samples of student work from last year’s capstone and internship projects and you will get to meet some students currently in the program. You will get to interview the students as well as be supplied with samples of our documents and a Q&A session.  Grades 9-12

Using Multiple Intelligences to Teach Students with Disabilities presented by Brigid Rankowski Teaching Artist

Learn how teaching using multiple intelligence can be a way to unlock learning goals for students with disabilities. Grades K-12

More Cowbell presented by  Tim Hart MLTI Apple Learning Specialist

Playing and composing songs on your own is a blast for some, however there’s something special about making music in collaboration with other like-minded folks that just can’t be beat. In this hands-on, music making session, participants will use GarageBand to learn the basics of song writing and music production. Participants will have plenty of time to explore and experience the fun of collaborative music creation. Musicians of any and all skill levels are welcome. Make sure to bring your Mac and/or iOS device with GarageBand installed. All grade levels. Grades K-12

Illustrating to Write presented by Ann Marie Quirion Hutton MLTI Apple Learning Specialist, former Art Educator

One creation lends a hand to the other. Illustration is a part of many great stories, extending the ability of ideas to be shared, and increasing enjoyment and comprehension on the part of the reader. Apple technology provides many possibilities for creating illustrations, making drawing and visual images a part of the overall literacy experience. Learn how to use your MacBook Air to draw and paint creative illustrations in this “hands on session”. Bring your MacBook Air with Acorn installed (included with your MLTI participation). Grades K-12

SESSION II

Bringing It All Together! presented by Sue Barre Waterville Junior and Senior High School Music

In the summer of 2015 the Waterville Senior High School music faculty developed a portfolio. The portfolio has been the piece that guides our work on four school wide initiatives from teacher evaluation to Proficiency Based Education. Participants will receive the portfolio and accompanying rubrics.  Grades K-12

 

Evidence of Learning Through Google presented by Charlie Johnson Mount Desert Island High School Visual Arts Digital Arts Media/Photography

Google offers numerous educator tools within it’s web browser and multiple apps, encouraging exploration and adaptation to almost any teaching style. While Google Classroom has caught on with many educators, this workshop will demonstrate the direct use of not only the Chrome web browser, but also Google Drive, Communities, and Google Draw. As important elements in a structure of collaboration and information sharing and gathering, the endgame of this workshop is that learners can and will produce a summative electronic portfolio in the form of what can be a ubiquitous .PDF file! Grades 7-12, Adaptable for K-6

Visual Notetaking/Doodling in Class presented by Ann Marie Quirion Hutton MLTI Apple Learning Specialist, former Art Educator

A combination of sketching and traditional note taking results in rich educational documents to support learning. Studies show that sketching leads to better retention of information and helps clarify ideas. Sketching is one of our original forms of communication. Visualizing ideas is a great way to learn. Why not bring this creative form of learning into your classroom? Explore how visual notes support learning. Discover techniques to create, share and integrate visual notes into your instructional practice. Visual notetaking, often called sketch noting, uses two parts of your brain, which is referred to as Dual Coding Theory. This has been found to improve learning. Research has shown that people who doodle while listening retain 29% more information (Andrade, 2009). Join this hands-on session and start sketching your notes today. Please bring your updated MLTI iPad, if available, with Notability installed. Arts supplies will also be available.  Grades K-12

Making 8-bit Art presented by Tim Hart MLTI Apple Learning Specialist

Beginning with early Atari and Nintendo video games, the 8-bit aesthetic has been a part of our culture for over 30 years. No longer just nostalgia art, contemporary 8-bit artists and chiptunes musicians have elevated the form to new levels of creativity and cultural reflection. In this session, we will focus on tools that assist in creating 8-bit images, animations, and music.  Please bring your MLTI MacBook.  Grades K-12

Looking in the Mirror:  The Importance of Student Self-Reflection presented by Mandi Mitchell Hermon High School Visual Art

Self-assessment is a crucial part of learning. In the arts, it is easy for us to see a concrete product of their learning and understanding of a topic. We don’t always see student learning that happens beneath the surface unless it is verbally or orally communicated. With regular self-assessment integrated in your classroom, students become more aware and take ownership of their learning. All grade levels.  All content.

If you have any questions please contact me at argy.nestor@maine.gov.