Arts Education in Schools Model Program
Five Star Academy students experience "Music Muscle"
Fairland Public Schools' Five Star Academy was a recipient of the Oklahoma Arts Council Arts in Alternative Education grant this year. The Academy’s Executive Director, Cindy Shero, developed an incredible artistic program entitled “Music Muscle.” The multi-faceted residency allowed Five Star Academy students to appreciate and experience the music industry.
Field trips to Tulsa’s legendary Cain’s Ballroom and the historic Coleman Theatre on Route 66 in Miami allowed students the opportunity to witness the enormous amount of musicians that emerge from or perform in Oklahoma. Students received instruction in composition, recording, performing and promotion. Specific music instruction was given in percussion, guitar, keyboard and vocals. Other artistic disciplines such as visual promotions for CD jacket covers and posters as well as technical exposure in soundboards, lighting and recording were also offered.
Saied’s Music Center Tulsa hosted an introductory musicology course as well as provided students with the opportunity to experience brass and woodwind instruments. As part of the program’s evaluation the classes were to collaborate in the writing, performance and recording of an original song. The program proved to be such a success that the students composed, performed and recorded four original songs.