Renaissance School for the Arts - a homeschooling co-op that feeds the creative soul

May 25, 2:29 PMNorfolk Homeschooling ExaminerSherene Silverberg

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Homeschooling co-opratives come in all shapes and sizes.   Many are associations of homeschooling parents who take turns to teach classes, and others, like, Renaissance School of the Arts (RSA) and Young Musicians of Virginia, are associations of parents who hire professionals to teach the classes.

Most co-ops are primarily academic co-ops.   Thankfully, in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area, we are lucky to have two outstanding co-ops that feed the artist in our children viz., the Renaissance School of the Arts and Young Musicians of Virginia.  Why do I say thankfully?   It is easy to ensure that your children receive the academics they need.  There almost are more curricula available than children who are homeschooled.  However, quality instruction in the arts is much more difficult to obtain. 

The Renaissance School of the Arts  in Suffolk provides homeschooled students with a superb education in the visual and performing arts, in a creative and diverse environment. The mothers who run this co-op are the warmest, most creative women I know.  Their creativity and generosity of spirit flows through every aspect in this school.

RSA is a unique school with an eclectic mix of professional instructors and talented families. They welcome members and instructors without regard to race, religion, sex, culture, creed, orientation or ethnic background. They foster an atmosphere of creativity, fun, tolerance, integrity, and celebration of our unique differences and talents!

The list of classes that RSA offers is more than impressive.   Most of them are classes that would be almost impossible for a lone homeschool mom to duplicate.  More to the point, why would a lone homeschooler wish to duplicate the classes that are offered by these gifted and talented teachers?

Basic Drawing (5 to 8) Pam Kitchen – Fall Session

Students will move beyond stick bodies and learn to use basic shapes to form simplistic subjects such as people, animals, and landscapes in completed compositions.  They will also be introduced to various forms of art such as pointillism, cubism, and mosiac design.

Fun With Stories (5 to 8) Pam Kitchen – Spring Session

This class will read books together (fiction, non-fiction, historical, and biography).  Crafts, games, and other activities will be used to highlight each book.  The children will worlk writing their own (very short) story, as well as creating props and costumes to present at the end of the year.This class will read books together (fiction, non-fiction, historical, biography). Crafts, games, and other activities will be used to highlight each book. The children will work writing their own (very short) story, as well as creating props and costumes to present at the end of the year.

Drawing, Building, Creating (8 and up)  Angelia Armstrong

Design and build three dimensional objects including bridges, buildings, and vehicles. This class will focus on design and building techniques using Legos, K’nex, recycled materials and more. We will focus on planning, researching a project and working as a team. This could be a lead up to starting a First League Lego Team.

Fiber Art, Basics I (8 and up,) Angelia Armstrong

We will study various techniques in art with an emphasis on fabric and fiber pieces. We will use sketching, color study while creating fashion designs and objects of clothing and decoration. The class will study using different types of fabric and mixed materials techniques to create art pieces. Each student will work on creating a design journal through out the year.

Mixed Media Art (9 to 12) Elizabeth Pasieczny (supply fee)

This class will create art, using various mediums (such as paint, ink, etc).  There will be lessons and practice in drawing technique, as well as other artistic methods.

Fiber Art, Fashion and Interior Design II *(9 and up,) Angelia Armstrong

We will study various techniques in art with an emphasis on fabric and fiber pieces. We will use sketching and color study while creating fashion designs and objects of clothing and decoration. The class will study space planning and style through creating inspiration story boards, design files and charts for interior design. We will create textile accessories for interiors as well. Each student will work on creating a design journal through out the year. *Basic sewing and sketching skills or Fiber Art Basics 1 class required.

Adding Character to Art (12 and up) Elizabeth Pasieczny  (supply fee)

This course is designed to enable the student to utilize the world around them and apply the learned lessons into their art.  The student will use a variety of mediums including photography, digital mediums, paint, ink, and graphite.  The object of the course is to instruct the student in the techniques of observation, deciphering, recording, and application, all within the realm of visual communication (this does not include audio communication).

Yearbook Design (13 and up) Pam Kitchen 

This class will work with various graphic arts techniques to create a Yearbook for the students of RSA.  In addition, there will be skills learned and practiced in layout and design, digital photography, and committee collaboration.  The finished product will be shared with RSA students in the spring!  This course can be listed on college applications as participation in the High School Yearbook Committee.

Media Design (13 and up) Pam Kitchen (no supply fee)

In this class, students will learn the basic concepts used in creating eye-catching graphic arts designs for projects such as fliers, stationary, newsletters, etc. Projects, worked on individually and as a team, will not only teach practical skills of presentation, but will benefit RSA. Projects will be designed, edited, photographed, written, compiled, and produced from start to finish by students of this class. These are practical skills of presentation that can be used in many areas of future need such as individual art projects, college and business presentations, and promoting groups of personal interest. Projects considered will be the RSA newsletter, yearbook, and/or programs, fliers and fund-raising projects. Computers and software will be provided by RSA, although personal laptops may be brought to class and utilized, when appropriate.

GROUP MUSIC CLASSES (group performances will be scheduled throughout the year)

Music and Motion (5 to 8 yrs)  Michelle Holst

Music and Motion will be a FUN class focusing on rhythm, listening skills, motor skills, social skills and intellectual skills.  Your child will be introduced to a variety of musical styles, dance moves, songs with motion, tumbling and basic music theory knowledge.  This class will also provide a great outlet for exercise.  Come and join us as we explore the wonderful world of music and movement!

Group Voice (11 and up) Charlotte Rockswold

How do you learn to sing?  By singing!  We will sing, sing, sing!  Through singing a variety of songs and using sheet music; we will work on correct breathing technique, correct vowel pronunciation, and correct vocal tone.  

 Community Drumming (all ages) - Connie Ralston

Basic hand drumming techniques are taught, playing songs from many cultures. Instruments are provided. Using a variety of percussion instruments from around the world, Connie Ralston brings a working knowledge of various styles and rhythm patterns to share. Names, origins, and voices of instruments are introduced, as well as the proper way to hold and play each. Skills emphasized include careful listening, following directions, responding to changes effectively, and blending of energies to achieve a shared goal. Pieces reflecting African, Cuban, Mid-Eastern, and Native American cultures are shared. Layered rhythm patterns are accomplished, and individual spontaneous creativity is encouraged. Participants are led to expand their comfort zones and discover new ways to express themselves through drumming and rhythm together. Emphasis is on FUN!

Advanced Hand Drumming (all ages) Connie Ralston

Build your repertoire, learn to read notation, explore your inner primal rhythm and exercise your creativity!

String Ensemble (all ages) Karen Stowe

PRIVATE AND SMALL GROUP MUSIC INSTRUCTION (Recitals are scheduled throughout the year to give students an opportunity to perform. If an audition or instructor approval is required for placement, please contact us for more information)

Guitar, Bass, Mandolin – Mark Fitzgerald

Piano – Charlotte Stanley

This course uses the Alfred method as it teaches chords from the beginning. Students become familiar with musical notation by direction and interval using one or two notes as guideposts before actually learning to read music. Theory of music is stressed, and performance of accomplishments is encouraged.

Piano – Michelle Holst

Michelle Holst believes that with proper music training, a child has improved coordination, a broadening of interests, a discovery of the importance of self-discipline and the appreciation of a fine art. She uses the Alfred’s Basic Piano Library for student’s studies. That includes lesson, technique and theory during a 30 minute lesson. She currently has 48 students in her home ranging in age from 4 to 68, and says that you are never too young or too old to learn the joy of music!

Suzuki Piano – Heidi Bloch

The Suzuki method encourages the development of ears and finger dexterity long before actual note reading is introduced. Students must have an acoustic (not electric) piano at home. Students learn how to practice efficiently and how to listen carefully to the sounds they are producing. Parents are an integral part of the whole approach. Parents quietly take notes during the lesson, and then use those written notes to help their child practice at home in a way that mirrors what was accomplished during the lesson time.

Suzuki Violin/Viola – Karen Stowe

Private Instruction, all levels – Karen Stowe

String Ensemble – Karen Stowe

By placement audition

Drumming – Connie Ralston

See Community Drumming (above) for philosophy and teaching style. Private and small group lessons are available.

DANCE (group performances will be scheduled throughout the year)

Irish Dance I – (6 to 9) Lisa Hunt

Beginning Irish Dance

Irish Dance II - (10 and up) – Lisa Hunt

For students who have taken Irish Dance for at least one year

Irish Dance III (Advanced Tutoring) – (9 and up) Lisa Hunt

(by instructor placement) Special tutoring work in Irish Dance in 30 min. sessions, group or individual. To be arranged with Instructor.

 DRAMA/THEATRE (performances scheduled throughout the year.  Musical Play is scheduled for March 2009)

Short Skit Drama (6 to 11)  Jason Wiedel

This course offers opportunities for first stage experiences. It focuses on stage presence, role-playing, story-telling, and comedy techniques with an active emphasis on FUN! Students in this class will be preparing to perform in The Comedy Club Show.

Puppetry and Kid's Theatre (6 to 11)  Jason Wiedel

Learn techniques of putting on a puppet show.  Have fun being different characters, learning voice projection, and operating puppets.  In Kid's Theatre, children will learn and practice acting skills, leading up to a presentation at the May Variety Show.  

Comedy Club (12 and up)  Jason Wiedel

Students will learn and practice techniques of stand-up comedy, skits, improvisation, and more. The class will plan and perform in November at our own first RSA Comedy Club Night!

Acting Technique (12 and up)  Jason Wiedel

Students will learn advanced acting skills that separate the novice actor from the experienced actor. Participants will learn about method acting, developing characters, and expressing genuine feelings.  This class will lead up toshort performances at the May Variety Show.

Musical Play Production (11 and up)  Elma White/Gail Barker

This year, there will be a Theatre Production of "Kokonut Island", a comedy which will include instruction in singing, dancing, and theatre acting.  Students are also accepted as technical crew, learning lighting, costuming, and stage management skills. 

 Film-Making (11 and up)  Elizabeth Pasieczny

This course is designed to expose the student to all levels of the film making process. The class will write, produce, shoot, direct, and market their films. The class will work together as a group and films will be made.

ACADEMIC COURSES (these are supplemental courses for our students)

Elementary Science Winter Workshops (6-9) Rosemary Ayres    

Four weeks in January of Weather and Electricity science projects.  Emphasis on hands-on, fun activities.  Come explore science with us!

Architecture and Building (6 to 9) Rosemary Ayres - (supply fee $20)

February to May - In this hands-on class, your child will learn about famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry, famous (and some not so famous) structures- from ancient times to modern. From pyramids and castles to bridges and skyscrapers, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Guggenheim.  Drawing on the architecture, culture, science, and math behind these structures, your young architect will build his or her own creations such as cantilevers, castles, and skyscrapers, utilizing such materials as graham crackers, K-nex and clay.  We will also take a look at how cities are designed, then design and build our very own!

Middle School Science (9 to 13) Susan Hemingway (supply fee)

A fun, interactive exploration of Physical Science, with lots of projects and labs.  Many areas will be covered, using the textbook "Interactive Science for Inquiring Minds - Volume B" (which can be found on the Singapore Math website).  Topics will include:  ENERGY- light, electricity, photosynthesis and respiration,  INTERACTIONS - force and pressure (concepts,calculation, applications, work), heat (effects, applications, conduction, convention, radiation), chemical changes (reactions, heating, mixing, exposure to light, passing an electric current through substance), POPULATIONS, COMMUNITIES, AND ECOSYSTEMS - (food chains and webs, flow of energy, nutrient cycles, decomposers, recycling nutrients).  How much is covered will depend on the time available. Students will be expected to read required material before class (no reading level required, can be done with parents).  Emphasis will be placed on hands on projects and fun exploration of each topic, with a lot of student interaction. 

High School Science (14 and up) Susan Hemingway (supply fee)

This class will cover Biology topics at a high school level, using the textbook Biology Matters G.C.E. Level O (which can be found on the Singapore Math website).  There will be many labs and hands-on activities, including dissections.  If time allows, the class will also cover Heredity and Molecular Genetics.  

NOTE: This class will not cover Evolution, Intelligent Design, or Creation Science.  These topics are left for parents to teach at home using whatever methods and materials they choose.

Middle School Reading Group (10-13) Lisa Cooper

In this course we will approach reading artistically or hands-on. Each week we will read a middle grade chapter book, selections of poetry, a short story, or listen to an audio book selection. We will incorporate craft/art exercises relevant to the readings into most class sessions. This course emphasizes reading comprehension and cross-curricular application of themes.

Native American Culture (6 to 10) Connie Ralston

Come explore the culture of the First Americans in a class using children’s books and activities. Fun and interactive stories. Adults welcome to participate with their children.

Creative Composition (13 to 15) Lisa Cooper

(Middle school and early high school)

This course will cover the techniques of academic and creative writing using a variety of prompts and exercises geared to stimulate the thought process behind developing sentence structures, paragraphs and eventually essays. This is an ongoing course and can be repeated. Students will be required to turn in an assignment each week.

Creative Writing (16 to 18) Lisa Cooper

Creative Writing/Film, Short Stories, and Novel (upper high school or by permission of instructor)

Students will learn the craft of short story writing and analysis by examining modern and post modern pieces. Students will be required to write a total of five short stories to be included in a portfolio. We will also attempt for each student to write a novel from beginning to end throughout the course of the year. In addition to short story and novel writing, students will be required to write reaction papers to movies available on DVD. Field trips to the movies are also an option