Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 11
Flute Recital
6 pm
Sunday, May 19
Winds Recital
3 pm
May 6-21
MCAS:
Science and Math
|
Conservatory Lab
25 Arlington Street
Brighton, MA 02315
617.254.8904
www.conservatorylab.org
|
|
|
| Family Notes
May 10, 2013
|
 |
Dear Families,
Thirty years ago, in a small, dusty room in Caracas, Venezuela, an economist stood in front of a small chamber ensemble of local children with instruments scrounged up from neighbor's attics. They began to saw and squeak together for hours on end, until one day a tune materialized. Harmonies took shape, rhythms emerged, and at some point the musicians looked up to find their strain had been joined by hundreds of thousands of young musicians all around the world. El Sistema was born.
When we launched our El Sistema program three years ago, we were the only program in Boston adding 2.5 hours of free, intensive music instruction in a climate where many programs were cutting back on the arts. This year, we are thrilled to have seven other El Sistema inspired programs join us on June 1 for the first annual Greater Boston El Sistema Showcase. All around the world, the movement is growing rapidly.
Last week, four of our resident artists traveled to Venezuela to experience El Sistema at its source. They met with founder and director Jose Antonio Abreu as well as Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. They watched rehearsals, lessons, and performances at some of the country's premier music schools.
Part of the spirit of El Sistema which they experienced is the openness to and eagerness for new ideas. As visitors, our resident artists expected to be learning, but they were also asked to teach. Venezulans were eager to learn about our school and the unique ways that we integrate music and academics.
We have much to gain and much to share within the growing network of El Sistema programs. As our children perform with students from other programs, as our teachers join forces, we draw energy and inspiration from one another.
Warmly, 
Diana Lam
|
 |
|
Resident Artists Visit Birthplace of El Sistema
On May 19th, 2013 a team from Conservatory Lab set off on a pilgrimage to Venezuela, the birthplace of El Sistema. Led by board member and El Sistema USA president Mark Churchill, Resident Artists Adrian Anantawan, Josue Gonzalez, Kathleen Jara and Chris Schroeder visited programs throughout Caracas and Barquisimeto, soaking up the culture and practices that have given genesis to this internationally celebrated model of music education.
The trip was an exchange of ideas and resources. In a meeting with Bolivia Bottome, Director of International Exchange, they shared repertoire from Conservatory Lab and discussed the unique ways in which Conservatory Lab integrates music with academics. "One of the biggest takeaways for me is that we are doing really authentic work at Conservatory Lab," said resident artist Chris Schroeder, "there is always more we can improve, but the spirit of the program is the same."
|
|
|
A Model of Exemplary Teaching
Jenna Gampel, our 2nd grade teacher was one of the five finalists in the 2014 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Program. The program annually recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contribution of educators across the Commonwealth. Selected from hundreds of nominees after a rigorous application process, Ms. Gampel, along with the four other finalists and six semi-finalists will be recognized at the annual Teacher of the Year award ceremony held on June 13 at the State House in Boston. "Jenna was born to teach," remarks Diana Lam our Head of School." Walking into Jenna's classroom, visitors are struck by the palpable excitement and level of engagement, as well as the seamless structures that allow students to take leadership of their learning. Her boundless energy, compassion for students and their families, and passion for teaching and learning inspire those around her."
Jenna's work with 2nd graders has inspired educators around the country through the original music video, "Snakes Are Born This Way". The video is the final student product in an extended life science unit that has been praised for motivating students to master Common Core Standards.
Ron Berger, chief Program Officer of Expeditionary Learning says "Jenna Gampbel is one of the finest teachers I have observed in over 35 years of education." He gives many keynote speeches to educators around the country and frequently refers to Jenna's work in his presentations.
Kudos Ms. Gampel we are extraordinarily proud of you and feel so lucky to have you in our midst!!!
|
|
|
All-School Assembly Gives Students a Chance to Shine
The May All-School Assembly began with a reprise performance of the K2 Nutrition song, "Some Food Is Healthy". The lyrics were written by the students based on the research they conducted during their Expedition, "What's On Your Plate?" and the song was based on the tune of "New York" by Alicia Keys. Next up was a series of brave and beautiful vocal performances: 4th grader Ajarae Wolcott sang "Gift of a Friend by Demi Lovato, 4th graders Kayleen Guzman and Mckenzie Kelly sang "Shine Your Way" by Owl City and 5th grader Arianna Rodriguez sang "Just Give Me a Reason" by Pink. We are so proud of these girls and their stage presence in performing for the entire school community!
The final performance of the assembly was a special version of the Cadence by the Percussion Ensemble who then graciously consented to "play us out" as students and teachers returned to their classrooms. Please join us for our final Assembly of the year at 9 AM on Friday, June 14th. We are already planning for a great set of performances!
|
|
|
Tasty Treats Toast our Extraordinary Teachers
Tuesday, May 7th was National Teacher Appreciation Day. The greatest resource this school brings to our children is our superb teaching staff. To celebrate all our teachers, Ms. Lam ordered a delicious, nutritious and vegetarian-conscious Armenian meal. In Armenian recipes it's easy to eliminate meat altogether without sacrificing taste or nutrition. With the inclusion of so many vegetables, whole grains and legumes, the Armenian diet is pretty healthy. The menu included tabouleh (made of bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped), hummus ( dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and salt), falafel (deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas), baba ganoush (dish of eggplant mashed and mixed with virgin olive oil and various seasonings, grape leaves, tzatziki (Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce), Armenian-style potato salad and, of course, lots of pita bread and olives. One could taste the exotic influences of many Near Eastern cultures such as Greek, Turkish, Syrian, Persian and Arabic cuisines intermingled with this Armenian cooking. It was a multi-cultural treat for all taste palates!
|
|
|
Under the Big Top
On Thursday, May 2, 2013, the K-1 Students, along with 11 adult chaperones, boarded a big yellow school bus and drove to Government Center to conduct field work at The Big Apple Circus. The children are currently studying about actions, characters, and parts of a circus in preparation for a grand performance at the end of the school year.
The K-1ers used their skills of observation to complete field notes, which asked them to look for actors or animals, as well as reflect on their favorite parts of the experience. Though the clowns were not their overall favorite part of the show, the experience was powerful and joyful and the children's minds and conversations were humming with show ideas for our own circus performance. Look to the hallways for student-made flyers about the date and time of our K-1 Little Big Top!
|
This is a special reminder from Ms. Sevelius on how to be a successful learner.
|
Upcoming: Flute and Winds Recitals
On Saturday, May 11th at 6 pm, Conservatory Lab flautists will be performing a recital for friends and family at the school.
On Sunday, May 19th at 3 pm, Conservatory Lab Wind players will be performing at the Boston Conservatory, 31 Hemenway St, Boston as part of a collaborative recital with students from the North End Music and Performing Arts Center and Keys for Kids, Lexington. Both events are free and open to the public.
|
|
