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The importance of multicultural programming at Glenwood cannot be overestimated. We <br /> believe that, by inviting performance artists who present multicultural perspectives in their <br /> dance, music and storytelling,we could take our goals for multicultural curriculum to a new and <br /> exciting level. Studying and reading about various cultures provides only a basic level of <br /> knowledge relative to multi-culturalism. Actually seeing and hearing multi-culturalism in art will <br /> bring a whole new appreciation to Glenwood's students and families. The Performance artists <br /> who could bring their unique take on multicultural education in music and drama would make an <br /> enormous impact at our school which has already primed students for a global world view. We <br /> are requesting the assistance of the Orange County Arts Commission in bringing the following <br /> performers to Glenwood Elementary; The Bright Star Touring Theater and the Ballet Folklorico <br /> Mexico. After careful consideration, we have decided that these performers most closely align <br /> with our curriculum objectives at Glenwood. <br /> Glenwood Elementary adheres to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for <br /> guidance in curriculum standards. An essential learning outcome in the State arts curriculum is <br /> "COMPETENCY GOAL 9: The learner will understand music in relation to history and culture." <br /> We believe that, in addition to the learning activities in Glenwood's music program, Bright Star's <br /> "Bluegrass and Tall Tales" presentation would be an extremely valuable way to educate our <br /> students about America's best storytelling and musical traditions. Another goal in the N.C. <br /> Standard Course of Study states, "3.07 Describe art, music, and craft forms in the United States <br /> and compare them to various art forms in Canada, Mexico, and selected countries of Central <br /> America." What better way to excite interest in the art forms of Mexico than to see the Ballet <br /> Folklorico Mexico in person? <br /> The Bright Star Touring Theater, offering two shows for$1125.00, would greatly enhance <br /> both our literacy and social studies curriculum in multicultural storytelling and song. The"Blue <br /> Grass and Tall Tales" performance, appropriate for grades pre-K through 5, would allow all of <br /> our students to participate in the stories and music of Americana. The emphasis on American <br /> Tall Tails would reinforce the 5th gr. literacy unit on American folk tales and make it come alive <br /> for the students. The second Bright Star production, "Soundtrack to Freedom,"which presents <br /> American history through song, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, tribal songs, <br /> and music of the Civil Rights era, would facilitate a level of appreciation and excitement in our <br /> students which books and computers could not. Likewise, for$700-800, the Ballet Folklorico <br /> Mexico, known worldwide for their vivid presentation of the dance and music of various regions <br /> in Mexico, would add a layer of excitement to our multi-cultural curriculum that would make <br /> everyone want to celebrate. <br /> Glenwood Elementary is well equipped to host these exciting groups. Our school has a <br /> performance stage which could easily accommodate the casts of each group. The <br /> administrative staff of Glenwood fully supports our efforts to bring these groups to our school. <br /> Our Parent Teacher Association is prepared to host the events and the arts and music <br /> departments are prepared to help finalize details of the shows. Representatives of our PTA are <br /> I <br />