2015-276-E Arts - Estes Hills Elementary School PTA Arts Grant

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DocuSign Envelope ID:8COC6AOF-56EE-46F5-A733-01 0A357A1 EFA Jabali African Acrobats –The Jabali African Acrobats from Mombasa, Kenya performed two shows at our school, one for our K-2nd grades and one for our 3rd-5th grades. Making use of acrobatics, contortions, tumbling, human pyramids, chair balancing skills, and dance, they amazed our students and kept them on the edge of their seats, while exemplifying the link between athletics and the arts. PROPOSED USES OF GRANT FUNDS Over the past few years, income to our PTA and thus the Cultural Enrichment budget has decreased. This has been due in part to the nationwide economic downturn and in part to the closing of the Carrboro branch of the PTA Thrift Shop during construction of an entirely new building. While that building is now complete, operations are just beginning and the organization has not yet been able to provide district PTAs with the sustaining funds that they have provided in the past. As a result, grant funds are greatly needed and appreciated in order to provide our students with cultural opportunities that they otherwise might not experience. The Estes Hills PTA Cultural Enrichment Committee plans to use the grant to help fund four shows during the 2015-2016 school year. Performances will take place in the gymnasium during the regular school day, to best utilize the students' time and the committee's budget. For space considerations and developmental reasons, we divide the audience into two age groups consisting of the younger students (kindergarten through 2nd grade) and the older students (3`d grade through Stn grade). The 2015-2016 performances will be: Red Herring Puppets will perform their show, "ELECTRICITY!" twice on October 20tH 2015, once for students in grades K-2nd and once for students in grades 3rd-5tH. During the show, students will learn about the earth's magnetic force and static electricity from large, Bunraku-style, tabletop puppets who will portray famous scientists and other historical figures. The students will watch as puppets use careful observation to make discoveries, build upon each other's knowledge, and make related discoveries such as the invention of the lightning rod, the electric generator, the battery, and the light bulb. Mister G will perform one show for our K-2nd classes on November 12th, 2015. Mister G holds a Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Education. He also won a Latin Grammy nomination for his album, "ABC Fiesta." Mister G's work weaves together Spanish and English lyrics, creating catchy, educational, inspiring tunes in a variety of musical styles, including bluegrass, funk, jazz, reggae, and rock. Mister G's performance will either be a sing along of his original bilingual children's songs or an interactive musical composition. Didgeridoo Down Under will perform one show for our 3rd-5tH grade classes on January 8t" 2016. A didgeridoo is an instrument, typically a hollowed out tree trunk, known for its otherworldly sound. It has been played by Aboriginal Australians for over 1,500 years. Didgeridoo Down Under combines Australian music and culture with science, literacy development, and anti-bullying themes using comedy, puppetry, and audience participation. The Beast: Sankofa—African American Music from Spirituals to Hip Hop will perform twice on January 27th, 2016, once for students in grades K-2nd and once for students in grades 3`d-5tH Led by Professor Pierce Freelon, The Beast will introduce students to a revolutionary new style of music through their own original songs as well as play some classic songs. In each performance, The Beast incorporates elements of jazz and hip-hop with the blues and old spiritual standards. Estes Hills Elementary School, Page 3 of 3