Arts to Grow

Arts to Grow (ATG) is currently in its fifth year of musical theater programming at Cypress Hills Local Development Corp (CHLDC). Each year, all middle school students and staff in CHLDC’s after-school program at IS 171 collaborate on a full-scale Broadway-inspired production, led by ATG teaching artist Patricia Runcie. From January - April, through intensive acting and play-writing workshops and rehearsals with Runcie, Arts to Grow Teaching Artist and Broadway guest artists, students master stage presence, character development, singing, dancing, and costume/set design. Students also assume leadership roles as stage managers and assistant directors, exploring the wide range of careers in theater.  

This year, students’ hard work culminates with Under the Rainbow, an original production inspired by the musical The Wiz.  We hope you will come out and experience this unique event! 

• Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Place: IS 171, Auditorium, 528 Ridgewood Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208 (Between Nichols & Lincoln Avenue)
• Via Public Transportation: Take J to Crescent Street and head East. Make a Left on Nichols Ave. to Ridgewood Ave. 
• Cost:  FREE!

Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Time: 6:00 pm

Place: IS 171, Auditorium, 528 Ridgewood Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208 (Between Nichols & Lincoln Avenue)

Via Public Transportation: Take J to Crescent Street and head East. Make a Left on Nichols Ave. to Ridgewood Ave. 

Cost:  FREE!

Arts to Grow’s musical theater class at Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation/ I.S. 171 in Brooklyn will perform a full-scale musical Under the Rainbow.  Our 5th-8th graders, directed by teaching artist Patricia Runcie, are sure to wow you with lyrical solos and foot-tapping ensemble numbers. 

While students learn how to focus and work together, they also take to heart the lessons that Under the Rainbow has to offer - the importance of believing in yourself and thinking positively to reach your true potential. The success of our program is highlighted as two ATG graduates, now attending a performing arts high school in Manhattan, have served as Assistant Director and Stage Manager! 

The pilot program from the N.J. Symphony “Orchestra at University Heights Charter School was a great success.  For 6 weeks, 25 students met three times a week after school with NJSO artists.  For many, this was their first experience with a string instrument.  The program was a success from both the school and the students’ point of view.  

“The program really aligns well with our focus on character, scholarship and leadership,” school executive director, Misha Simmonds said. The students have learned discipline, focus and grit, he said. “It has fulfilled all of its expectations.”

Music programs like this allow children a venue to express themselves.  “I like it because you can express all your feelings — any emotion you have you can play it out with the violin,” said fourth-grader Precious Kehinda, 10.  “One day I came to violin and before I’d had an argument and I was mad, but once I started playing everything that I held in came out.”

We at Arts to Grow have witness the power of music in schools.  Why don’t you join us in our efforts to bring more music programs to NY / NJ schools?  Check out our gift registry to find out how you can support our upcoming music programs.  

The importance of arts education in school is understood around the world.  As India becomes a world power, it’s reviewing its education system. Among the initiatives being put in place, one of which is to provide a more holistic process for their future generations by providing physical education, arts education, and work education in their primary schools.  The program will call for over 6000 part-time teachers to be put in place to provide such programs to ensure an all-around development of children at this critical age.

As the world becomes one global economy, we need to pay attention to how we can prepare our children for their future success.  If the world can recognize the importance of arts education, shouldn’t we?  We must do right by our children.  Learn more about engaging our politicians on this important topic here.