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Organization: College of the Canyons
Date: September 18, 2008
College of the Canyons Launches K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program
SANTA CLARITA — In keeping with the college's mission to provide relevant academic education and lifelong learning programs for community members of all ages and educational levels, the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons (PAC) is launching a new K-12 arts education outreach program.
The program will seek to use the college's vast cultural and community resources to expose students to the visual and performing arts — while also collaborating with teachers and administrators in school districts throughout the area to develop an enhanced arts education curriculum and a variety of unique educational opportunities for all students.
"This is a chance for College of the Canyons to begin communicating a different vision in terms of the college's participation in arts education throughout our community," said Adam Philipson, PAC managing director. "It's important for the arts to be introduced to younger audiences so they can realize the powerful affect art can have on their lives, and that's something we are committed to here at the college."
To kick-start the new program the college has partnered with the Saugus Union School District (SUSD) to host a group of more than 600 elementary school aged students who will visit the PAC October 3, for a special performance and presentation by the comedic acrobatic duo, The Tweaksters.
As an added feature of the day's events, students will also visit the campus art gallery to view "The Sculpture of Brad Howe" exhibit featuring a selection of Howe's internationally known colorful steel sculptures, some designed specifically for this exhibition.
"This event is just a peek behind the curtain in terms of what we hope to achieve with this program," said COC Foundation board member and longtime friend of the college Rita Garasi, who is assisting with the program's implementation.
"Utilizing the resources of the college to host these events and expose both students and teachers to the world-class artists who visit the PAC is a natural outreach that represents yet another aspect of the college's role in serving the community," added Garasi. "The PAC is not just a theater, it's a cultural arts center where students will be able to see all that COC has to offer in terms of music, theatre and dance. The college is like a treasure box in that regard."
Among the many goals of the new program will be the promotion of arts education teaching and learning strategies, which could potentially be passed on from artist to teachers in a variety of different settings — including workshops, artist classroom visits, special presentations, mentor programs and various teaching/learning community partnerships — to help better communicate the arts to their students.
"Exposing students to the arts is one of the Saugus Union School Districts critical areas of focus," said Michelle Morse, SUSD Director of Childcare and Preschool Programs. "This partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for professionals within the arts community to become involved with our teachers and students in a variety of ways.
"Partnerships and teamwork make for a stronger community," commented Morse, "so we're thankful to College of the Canyons for the opportunity our students will have to experience the world of performing arts."
Noting that the function of the program will be to augment, not replace, the various arts education programs already helping to meet the needs of students and schools affected by limited resources and state budget constraints, Philipson is confident the program will be a success.
"There are many statistics showing what happens to students when they are versed in the arts and educated in the visual and performing arts standards," said Philipson. "The interest from the community needed to step up and encourage the arts and make this program a success is out there, and the college is in a position to help bring it all together."
Prior to coming to COC Philipson served as an arts administrator in various positions at Santa Monica College. While at SMC, Philipson was involved in number of community-outreach and arts education programs, including collaborations with the Los Angeles Opera Company and The Museum of Tolerance, to offer an after-school Opera Camp. In addition, Philipson played a role in the development of various K-12 arts education programs and performances in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
With Philipson and Garasi leading the charge, and with the college's full support, Santa Clarita can look forward to introducing their students to a world of high caliber live performances.
For more information about the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program or to get involved please contact Adam Philipson at (661) 362-5303.
