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Special Teaching Resources in the Arts (Spectra)

Image from SpectraFest at Westwood

Our goal is to make the arts an essential part of every student’s education.  SPECTRA artists represent some of Tuscaloosa’s best.  These artists are highly skilled professionals selected not only for artistic excellence, but also for the ability to communicate effectively with young people.  For students, a tremendous variety of in-school arts activities allow student involvement in visual arts, music, and acting.  Concerts, demonstrations and other activities are also available both in-school and on site throughout the community. 

The In-School Concert/Demonstrations and Plays for Children offer a careful balance of performance and instruction.  Space needs are flexible.  Program lengths vary from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the program and audience age.  Some experiences are offered in workshop format only, in which a classroom size group works closely with an artist and has the opportunity to participate more effectively in the artistic process.  Maximum class size has been established to assure successful involvement of all students.  Teachers must remain with students for the duration of all activities.

Prices for each event vary and are listed with each program description.  When maximum numbers are exceeded, the program fee may increase.  Schools outside Tuscaloosa County may be charged an extra fee for mileage.
Programs are scheduled subject to the availability of the artists.  To schedule a program, contact Sharron Rudowski, Director of Educational Programs, at 758-5195, ext. 4, or by email at education@tuscarts.org.  It will be helpful to have your school’s calendar, daily schedule and enrollment figures when calling.  A confirmation/invoice will be sent after scheduling.  

All scheduled and confirmed programs are considered binding.  Two weeks’ notice must be given by the school if the program is to be rescheduled.  Should illness, inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances prevent the artist from performing, SPECTRA will offer the school the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

 VISUAL ART AND CRAFTS
1  BOOK ARTS FOR KIDS
An exploration of the book as an art object.  A brief history of handmade books will be presented, with an emphasis on bookbinding.  Students will be instructed on how to create books out of paper, thread, glue and card stock, then they will write and illustrate their own book.  Up to 60 minutes.  GRADES: 1-5,6-8    FEE: $80   SUPPLIES:  $2 per student 

2  INDIAN CRAFTS
Students can create their own dream catcher and weave a talking feather while learning the folklore behind the craft through storytelling as well as hands-on experience.  The University of Alabama Museums lead this hands-on experience.  Designed for small groups (30 or fewer).  Three hour project.  GRADES:  2-6    FEE:  $100  SUPPLIES:  $2 per child

3  NATIVE AMERICAN POTTERY
Two part class - Session 1 (2 hours): Overview of Southeastern Indian pottery, how to hand build and decorate a pot and make an “animal effigy.” Pottery is taken away to be fired.    Session 2 (1 hour): Fired pottery is brought back to the class for students to paint with acrylic paints then seal.  Designed for small groups (30 or less) but can accommodate up to two separate classes at the same school per day.  GRADES:  3-6    FEE:  $100  SUPPLIES:  $2 per child / Federal mileage rate applies for distances longer than 100 miles round trip.

4  BASKETRY 
Students learn about Native American baskets, examining a wide variety.  Stories told about Grandmother Spider and how she brought weaving to native people.  Each child then weaves a small basket and attaches a leather strap.  2 – 3 hours. GRADES:  4-6    FEE:  $150 SUPPLIES:  $3 per child / Federal mileage rate applies for distances longer than 100 miles round trip.

5  ORIGAMI PAPER ART
Children are taught the Japanese art of paper folding.  Satoko Seale, retired from the UA Japan Culture and Information Center, presents this program.  30-minute lesson planned for small groups (30 or fewer).   GRADES:  1-6    FEE:  1st Session $50 / 2nd Session – Same day at same school - $35    SUPPLIES:  $1 per child

6  PAPERMAKING
Students will make their own paper from old jeans, t-shirts and various plants and will have the option of embedding their paper with seeds to plant.  Presented by Claire Siepser of the Alabama Art Kitchen.  One hour.  Grades: K - 5   Fee: $75    Supplies:  50¢ per student

7  GOURD MASKS 
Students learn why certain masks were important to Native Americans with a variety of gourd masks displayed for reference. Precut gourds are available to make similar projects. Each student picks the mask they will make, cleans and prepares the gourd and decorates their mask.  Designed for small groups (30 or less) but can do up to two separate classes at the same school per day.  1.5 - 2 hours.   GRADES:  2-6    FEE:  $100 instructor fee  SUPPLIES:  $4 per child / Fees include mileage for a 50 mile radius.  Federal mileage rate applies for distances longer than 100 miles round trip. 

8  FACE JUGS FOR LITTLE FOLKS
In the traditional style of Southern folk potters, children will love sculpting faces on pre-made mini-face jugs.  Presented by Kerry Kennedy.  GRADES:  K-6    FEE:  $8 per child

9  GLASS BEAD-MAKING DEMO
The art of bead-making, also known as lampworking,  will be traced back to its origins while demonstrating the complexities and creative potential of ornamental bead and glass design.  Refer to www.setinglass.com.  GRADES:  K - 8   FEE:  $125 per day for multiple demonstrations or $55 for a single class demonstration

10  MOSAICS
Explore the exciting and fun art of mosaics.  Students will learn about the different types of materials and tools used to make mosaics.  A mosaic piece will be created for your school to display after the demonstration.   GRADES:  K - 6   FEE:  $200 per demonstration day plus supplies

11  PATCHWORK HISTORY MOSAICS
Students learn about the historical Quilters of Gee’s Bend, AL, the elements of design and the art of stained glass mosaics in an arts/social studies integrated program with DANA Teaching Artist, Linda Muñoz.  Students make a stained glass mosaic quilt to hang in their school.  Fee: (Includes supplies) 1 Day Program (1 hour): $225 - students will make a small quilt panel (24inches x 24 inches); 2 Day Program (1 hour each day): students will make a larger quilt panel (36 inches x 36 inches): $425; 3 Day Program (1 hour each day): students will make the larger quilt and will grout it: $600

12  DESIGNING A BIRDHOUSE GOURD
Students will create a fun, colorful temporary gourd home for migrating birds.   Missy Miles will lead the class in painting techniques, lessons on composition/scale,  and the interesting history of the gourd.  grades: 1-6    FEE:  $75   SUPPLIES:  $4 per student

MUSIC AND DANCE
13  GET RHYTHM!® 
An interactive rhythm program with award winning teacher, John Scalici, this program puts a drum in the hands of every student as they learn about respect, communication and teamwork through rhythm.  Emphasis on the Djembe (West African drum), its meanings and its worldwide impact on music and society.   GRADES:  3-8    FEE:  1) $600 for Full Day Program = all classes by rotation throughout the day; 2)$500 for Assembly Style (preferred by artist) = assemble in one location with students/teachers rotating through drums.  Fees are all inclusive.

14  A BLAST OF BRASS
A fun-filled 45-minute program designed to introduce students to the brass family of the symphony orchestra.  This narrated program is presented by the Tuscaloosa Symphony Brass Quintet.  Designed for audiences up to 500.  GRADES:  K-6    FEE:  $275

15  SINGING FROM BACH TO ROCK
A varied program by Shelton State Community College singers demonstrates unique vocal styles that can be heard from classical arias to Broadway and pop styles.  GRADES:  K-6    FEE:  NO FEE 

16  IT’S A STRING THING!
This fun, hour-long program introduces students to the string instruments in a relatable format while giving an exciting overview of the periods of classical music through the genre of the string quartet.  Students will have a chance to play instruments.  Presented by members of the UA Student ASTA chapter.  30 or fewer.GRADES:  K-5   FEE:  $55 

17  SYMPHONIC PETTING ZOO
Children will receive hands-on experience with a variety of symphonic instruments such as violin, trumpet, flute, etc. from the Tuscaloosa Symphony Guild.  Limited to 30 students per half-hour.  GRADES:  3 - 5    FEE:  no fee

18  WHAT IS JAZZ?
A fun look into jazz through performance and interaction between students and musicians.  Jazz is put into context for students then introduced to the jazz style, repertoire and history.  Presented by faculty and students in Jazz Studies at UA.   20 - 25 minutes.  GRADES:  K-6    FEE:  $175

19  DANCE THROUGH THE MUSIC
Explores movement and its development from its origins to the present.  Students participate in an interactive program that explores dance in relation to the evolution of music then create their own work.  45 minutes; designed for groups up to 30.GRADES:  K-5    FEE:  $80

STORYTELLING AND THEATRE
20  THE PLAY'S THE THING
The Peanutbutter & Jelly Players present a hands-on acting workshop for children to learn the basics of acting through theater games, improvisations and short scenes from adapted fairy tales and fables. Can accommodate up to 30 children. Sessions 1 hour. GRADES:  3 - 5    FEE:  $75

21 SHAKE HANDS WITH SHAKESPEARE
The Peanutbutter and Jelly Players present a friendly, hands-on introduction to the mysterious bard, in which children will explore some of the academic basics and will be involved in staging adapted scenes from the author’s best loved plays.  Can accommodate up to 30 students.  Sessions 1 hour (2 day session recommend). GRADES:  5-8   FEE:  $100 a day 

22  STORYTELLING
Some of West Alabama’s finest actors are available to tell a variety of tales or those that are appropriate to your current curriculum with advance notification. GRADES:  K-6    FEE:  $55

23  ROMANCE, DANGER, ACTION!  AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MUSICAL STAGE 
UA Opera Theatre offers an action-filled workshop in which students bring characters to life through singing, mime, improvisation, puppetry, and dance.  Designed to introduce musical theatre and opera, from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Mozart. Concludes with short scenes created and performed on the spot by students.  GRADES: K - 5, 6 - 8, 9 - 12    FEE:  $275

24   A PIE IN YOUR FACE!  COMEDY ON STAGE
UA Opera Theatre offers a workshop introducing what makes an audience laugh through skills such as timing, pratfalls, slapstick and mime.  Short, funny scenes, songs and arias will be performed, and the students will create their own comic music drama.  GRADES:  K - 5    FEE:  $275

25   BRUSH UP YOUR SHAKESPEARE
A 50-60 minute, fast-paced and captivating compilation of scenes and monologues drawn from Shakespeare’s most popular works.  Features the professional actors of Stage Centre Company who travel with props and costumes.   GRADES:  K-6    FEE:  $330

26  IN-SCHOOL ACTING WORKSHOPS
These workshops introduce students to the concepts of performance through theatre games and improvisation.  30 students or fewer per session; 1 to 2 hours in length (can accommodate class schedule).  GRADES:  K-6    FEE:  $55 per session

SPECIAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
TUSCALOOSA FEDERAL BUILDING AND COURTHOUSE
The new facility features 16 (14’ x 9’) murals located on the second floor and painted by artist Caleb O’Connor.  The subject matter includes depictions of the history and industrial growth of Tuscaloosa, North Alabama and the nation.  Judicial tours are also offered.  Tours can accommodate groups up to 50.  All ages.  Call 561-1670 for more information or to schedule a tour. 

TUSCALOOSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INTERMEZZO CONCERTS
Intermezzo Concerts bring sections of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra into your venue.  Musical selections may be catered to your individual needs, such as supplementing curriculum, incorporating movement and other interactive elements.  Call 752-5515 or email tso@tsoonline.org for more information.  
 
TUSCALOOSA MUSEUM OF ART:  HOME OF THE WESTERVELT COLLECTION
Come enjoy one of the most breathtaking collections of fine art in America, nestled on the banks of the Black Warrior River.  The  Westervelt Collection embodies primitive, fine and decorative arts from around the world.  Experience history anew as you travel from the heart of the Americas to the Far East in original masterpieces.  Featuring such artists and artisans as: John Singer Sargent, George Luks, Edward Potthast, Andrew Wyeth, Jamie Wyeth, Edward Hicks, Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt, Basil Ede, Duncan Phyfe and Charles Lannieur.  Call 205-562-5280 or email kthurman@westervelt.com or whawkins@westervelt.com for more information.

MURPHY AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM
The Murphy African-American Museum offers innovative educational programs and changing exhibits that increase the knowledge of the accomplishments and contributions of local African-Americans in Tuscaloosa and the country as a whole.  Admission is free, and donations are accepted.  Call 758-2861 to schedule a tour. 

JAPAN CULTURE AND INFORMATION CENTER
The Japan Culture and Information Center offers a variety of programs for small school groups.  For more information call 348-5311. 

UA SCHOOL OF MUSIC 
Option 1. UA large ensembles (orchestra, band, choir) will open dress rehearsals for students to gain an appreciation for many types of music and preparation of concerts.  
Option 2. UA School of Music faculty, staff and/or music students (classical or jazz) share information about their career with short demonstrations in a one-hour presentation.    Days/times vary.  Contact Dr. Jane Weigel at 348-6741. 

KENTUCK ART MUSEUM
The nationally recognized Kentuck Art Center welcomes small school groups to tour monthly exhibits and the Art Center at no charge.  For a fee, tours followed by children’s art activities can be arranged, as can clay classes for students for ages 6 and up.  Call 758-1257 to schedule a tour or discuss activity/class possibilities.  Grades K-12/ free.

CHILDREN'S HANDS-ON MUSEUM (CHOM)
CHOM offers a wide variety of educational opportunities and programs for students, preschool-6th grade.  Programs and resources expand the school curriculum and enrich cultural and social education.  Each visit is unique and participatory, and with teacher input, the museum staff will gear the visit toward class objectives.  Admission charged; Reservations are required.  Call CHOM at 349-4235 for information.

ALABAMA MUSEUM OF NATURNAL HISTORY/MOUNDVILLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Field trips to the Alabama Museum of Natural History are tailored to fit the needs of your group.  Call 348-9473 to schedule a tour.  The 320-acre Moundville Archaeological Park features the Jones Archaeological Museum, preserves 26 prehistoric, Mississippian-era Indian Mounds and presents the  Moundville Native American Heritage Days.  Included are traditional Plains-style dancing, storytelling, music, and craft demonstrations.  To schedule a tour, call (205)-371-2234.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA ARBORETUM
The UA Arboretum maintains plant collections for botanical education and appreciation.  It features 2.5 miles of walking trails through a mature oak/hickory forest, wildflower garden, ornamental plants, children’s garden and a tree platform utilized for educational field trips.  Field trips can be tailored to classroom needs.  For more information or to schedule a visit, call 205-553-3278 or go to arboretum.ua.edu. 

For reservations for Bama Fanfare or Fanfare Caravans contact

Sharron Rudowski
Director of Educational Programs
(205) 758-4994 ext 4
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