Upcoming Events
March 21 PAC Meeting 5:30pm
March 20 English Language Arts MCAS
March 25 "Spring Fling"Community Concert, sponsored by PAC
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Conservatory Lab
25 Arlington Street
Brighton, MA 02315
617.254.8904
www.conservatorylab.org
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| Family Notes
March 9, 2012
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Dear families,
Art, science, music, and humanities are siblings that grew up together. The oldest histories-works like the Epic of Gilgamesh and Homer's Iliad-were preserved and interpreted through poetry, theatre, and song. Scientists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Charles Darwin made contributions to the fields of physics and biology through artwork that captured their observations of the world and led to creative hypotheses. When these sometimes estranged academic disciplines are able to reunite, they bring out the best in one another.
Recently two of our classrooms have brought in expert artists to help them with biology. The observation of plants and animals requires acute attention to physical details, being able to see subtle differences among sub-species and recognize commonalities among seemingly distinct creatures. The experience of drawing a subject focuses the eye on the minutest idiosyncrasies.
As our 4th grade class wrapped up their expedition into the Great Migration with their performance at The House of Blues on Tuesday, they helped to tell the story of America through the evolution of its music. As the opening act for the Schoolhouse Band's interactive presentation, they represented the present and future of American music. The musical timeline they are building through their study of many genres of music becomes a framework for understanding the cultural landscape of our country.
As our students develop understanding and proficiency across the disciplines, they are bringing together complimentary perspectives and knowledge. This is a recipe for innovation.
Warmly,
Diana Lam
Head of School
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The Art of Science
Students in grade 5 are taking a closer look into the world of biology, studying the invasive species of Boston's Harbor Islands through the eyes of artists. Under the guidance of Shane DePina, a local artist trained at the New England Institute of Art, students are learning to draw one of a list of creatures whose recent introduction to the Harbor Islands' eco system has upset the ecological balance in some way. They will physically study their chosen invasive species in order to learn more about its physical adaptations.
Their study of invasive species began with Monday's fieldwork to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Woods Hole, where they were able to observe, touch, and even help care for a number of sea creatures, both indigenous and alien to the Boston Harbor Islands. Through their learning expedition, students will investigate their chosen species' diet, predators, role in the eco system, origin, and potential threat to the environment. Each student will become an expert on a particular species, and will present their information through an illustrated report.
 Several grades are currently using art to enhance their study of biology. Students in 2nd Grade are working with local artist and former Conservatory Lab Resident Artist Monica DeVitry to create detailed drawings of their chosen snakes. "When you draw something realistically you have to pay close attention to detail," explained math/science teacher Katheryn Funderburk, "that level of detail is critical to making scientific observations."
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Dudamel Orchestra Plays at Harvard's Historic Sanders Theatre
Sunday, March 4th at Sanders Theatre was the setting for a new set of impactful experiences for the Dudamel Orchestra members.
Honored to be invited by the renowned Pro Arte Orchestra of Cambridge to play the "Aperitif" section of their March concert, the students were struck, as thousands have been before them, by the incredibly beautiful design and acoustics of this historic and revered hall. Chavez was impressed by the "humongous" space and the chandelier. Kelly expressed feeling "warm" and happy" in the space, a credit to the famous design, which makes an almost 1,200 seat theatre, seem intimate. Adam, Ben and Chavez commented on the "echo" which surrounded all of them as they played. And Mark Anthony expressed feeling a sense of accomplishment as he played before the audience in that grand hall!
 This concert was dedicated to the next generation of musicians who play the classics. Featured in the main concert were three outstanding young virtuosos from the local area: Mathew Wooward, 16, both a violist and a composer; Hana Zaks, 12 a violinist, and Leland Ko, 13, a cellist. All of our Dudamel Orchestra members were awestruck by the high level of performance artistry that these young musicians displayed. Adam summed it up nicely, "I felt inspired to go forth and accomplish the same in my playing!"
Listen to Japanese Lullaby, performed by the Dudamel Orchestra.
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4th Grade Makes House of Blues Debut
 On Tuesday morning, the fourth grade class made their debut at the House of Blues, performing original blues songs in which each student took a turn singing a self-composed solo. The students were invited to perform after House of Blues Education Director Jenny Nardone heard the students' songs at their learning celebration in February. The four groups of 4th graders comprised the opening act for the House of Blues Schoolhouse Band performance, which takes students on a musical journey through the evolution of popular music in America, with an emphasis on the influence of the blues. The students had been to see this exciting performance at the beginning of their blues studies, and now experienced it with new ears having become experts on the genre over the last several months. "I recognized so many more of the songs this time," noted 4th grade cellist and singer/songwriter Nora, launching into a litany of artists and recordings now familiar to her, which included WC Handy, Ma Rainey, and Muddy Waters. The four performances from The House of Blues are now on YouTube and can be viewed here. |
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Students Shine at Monthly Assembly
Last Friday, the school gathered for the monthly assembly to enjoy a cornucopia of musical talent. Highlights included an original composition by 1st and 2nd grade percussionists, a performance by a 4th and 5th grade trumpet quartet, an original song by our 4th grade blues band Miscellanious, and a set of flute and guitar duets performed by resident artist Adam Eccleston and guest performer Zaira Meneses.  Resident artists Michael Moore and Josue Gonzales also led the school in the West African celebration song "Pan Loco," from their movement and music class.
Assemblies are an opportunity for students to perform solos and small ensembles, share performances from their learning expeditions, and sing together as a school. Families and friends are always welcome at these events, which take place on the first Friday morning of each month. We hope you can join us for our next assembly, on April 6.
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"Spring Fling" Mounting a Gale Force Momentum
Ma rch 25th at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester promises to be the event that ushers in Spring 2012 in a grand way.
The Conservatory Lab Parent Advisory group is a mighty force that is putting its strength behind making this event at the Strand Theater a delightful activity for the whole family.
Order your tickets today and don't forget to tell all your friends to do so as well! The Strand seats 1,000 folks. Go to the event page now.
Remember all the proceeds go to support the wonderful work at our school.
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