music | dance | theatre | visual arts |...

music | dance | theatre | visual arts | 2015-16

FOUNDER Dorothy Maynor (1910- 1996)

PRESIDENT EMERITUS Betty Allen (1927-2009)

BOARD OF DIRECTORSCharles J. Hamilton, Jr., Esq.Chairman

Janice Savin WilliamsVice Chair & Secretary

Alton McDowellTreasurer

ARTISTIC DIRECTORAlfred Preisser

ADVISORY COUNCILRobert LevinsonChair Emeritus

Cover Photos by Reudi Hofmann & Steven Schnur

Lydia CarlstonDawn Davis-LaFolletteLisa Davis Lisa Diller Michelle Fizer-PetersonMarc GoldfarbSteven P. Henry Dr. Henry JareckiJulian JohnsonChristopher M. Keogh

Robert LemonsRhonda MimsGabriella E. MorrisLuis R. Penalver David A. PiconRona SebastianAlexander SmallsKenneth W. TaberStephen S. UsherLawrence S. Zilavy

Alicia AdamsDeborah BerkeJason BermanDaniel BrewsterDr. Rev. Calvin O. Butts IIIMary Schmidt Campbell Gordon J. DavisBrett EganKatherine G. FarleyBruce GordonHerbie HancockMilton IrvinKeisha Sutton James

Jeffrey LaikindSpike LeeReynold LevyCarol Sutton LewisMargo LionRachel Allen LovettWynton MarsalisJulie MehretuJason MoranArturo O’Farrill Phylicia RashadCharlie ShorterLana Woods

CONTENTS

History of HSA 2

Vision & Mission 3

Meet Our Program Directors 4

Music Department 6

Dance Department 12

Theatre Department 18

Visual Arts Department 22

HSA Prep Program 28

How to Register 32

FAQs 35

Administrative Staff 36

Contact Us 36

2015 -16 SCHOOL TERM

September 29, 2015 - June 11, 2016

For updated course information,

upcoming events & more visit

www.HSAnyc.org

I’d like to welcome all of our students, families and friends to Harlem School of the Arts at the Herb Alpert Center!

In March of 2015, I was appointed as the first Artistic Director of the Harlem School of the Arts, with the mission of creating a unified vision for excellence through programming and production. In light of the now twenty year relationship I have enjoyed with HSA, I find this new position to be a great challenge and a profound honor. There are so many spectacularly dedicated artists here at HSA, so many rare talents among our professional and student community, and now is the perfect time to start combining our talents to create interdisciplinary events that will unite our Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts students in powerful and exciting ways.

Founded fifty years ago by Dorothy Maynor one door south at St. James Church, HSA remains dedicated to enriching the lives of young people from Harlem, the five boroughs and all points beyond. As one of New York City’s premier community arts institutions, our staff and faculty commit themselves each day to engaging our students in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. Exploring the arts is a life affirming and transformative experience for our young people at HSA, and there’s nothing like our school anywhere else in the city. There’s something for everyone at HSA, with offerings available across all four disciplines, ages 2 through adult. Whether you are a beginner, an aspiring professional or a parent who just wants to explore private guitar lessons or take an acting class there is something for you under our roof. Additionally HSA offers competitive full scholarships for teenagers in all four art forms, and plays host to world class Resident Artists. This past year alone HSA has featured Residencies and Master Classes with Grammy winner Arturo O’Farrill (Music), Ronald K. Brown (Dance), Phylicia Rashad, Khalil Kain and Timothy Stickney (Theatre) and Paco Cao (Visual Art).

Thank you for choosing The Harlem School of the Arts, the next 50 years begins today with you. I look forward to working with you all to make our journey together at HSA as rich and vital as it can be, and to always serve the best interests of our students and families.

Alfred Preisser Artistic Director

DISCOVER HSACELEBRATING 50 YEARS!

3

VISION Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) envisions a world where ALL children have access to a quality arts education, empowering them to become the creative thinkers and innovative leaders of tomorrow.

MISSION

Harlem School of the Arts enriches the lives of young people and their families throughworld-class training in and exposure to the arts across multiple disciplines in an environment that emphasizes rigorous training, stimulates creativity, builds self-confidence, and adds a dimension of beauty to their lives.

THE MISSION IN ACTION

We believe that art is for everyone, and an engaged community supports the growth and development of its youth. HSA stands apart among the premier arts institutions in New York City as the sole provider of quality arts education in 5 disciplines – music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.

HSA enriches the lives of young people and their families by providing unrivaled on-site arts instruction at its Herb Alpert Center and vital outreach partnerships with New York City schools; presenting quality community performances and programs attracting diverse audiences to our dynamic cultural arts facility; and providing essential workspace for aspiring artists. Through these activities, HSA connects students to the rich cultural traditions, diversity, and talent of Harlem.

Harlem School of the Arts achieves its mission with the exceptional participation of our family of loyal donors, talented faculty, dedicated parents, involved alumni and generous guest and resident artists. Together we create and sustain an extraordinary and engaging place to discover the power of great art!

2 | HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 2015-16 COURSE CATALOG

A FUTURE IN THE ARTS BEGINS HERE

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AND INSPIRATIONHISTORYIn 1964, internationally acclaimed concert soprano Dorothy Maynor, brought a gift to Harlem: her fervent belief that world-class training in the arts stimulates the child, strengthens the family and gives pride of ownership to a community. She opened Harlem School of the Arts in the basement of the St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem at a time when the community suffered severe physical blight, high levels of poverty, and few cultural resources for its young people. From toddlers to adults, the students who came through its doors developed an invaluable sense of purpose and focus, whether or not they pursued professional careers in the arts.

In May of 1979, under the leadership of Maynor’s handpicked successor, legendary opera singer Betty Allen, HSA opened its state-of-the-art 37,000 square foot, award-winning facility nestled at the base of historic Hamilton Heights. Along with the Studio Museum in Harlem, Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Apollo Theater, HSA became one of the pioneering cultural institutions whose robust presence uptown became a linchpin of Harlem’s renewal.

TODAYHarlem School of the Arts, at the newly named Herb Alpert Center, is thriving. It annually serves approximately 4,000 young people from across the greater New York Metro area. From its humble beginnings with 20 children taking piano lessons in the basement of St. James Presbyterian Church, HSA has blossomed into an extraordinary cultural institution that has served more than 50,000 students over the last 49 years, many of whom directly credit Harlem School of the Arts for having changed their lives.

HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 2015-16 COURSE CATALOG | 3

OUR PROGRAM DIRECTORS

ALFRED PREISSERArtistic Director & Director of Theatre

ANA RUIZ-CASTILLODirector of Visual Arts

YOLANDA WYNSDirector of Music & Voice Chair

AUBREY LYNCH IIDirector of Dance

Mr. Lynch is a former dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and an original cast member and Associate Producer of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Disney’s The Lion King. He has taught at many dance institutions including Steps on Broadway and The Ailey School. He has designed and lead workshops and programs for Theater Development Fund, mentored student contestants at the prestigious Young Arts Week, and coaches children for film, television, and Broadway. Mr. Lynch is the founder and Artistic Director of Aubrey Lynch Extra Essential Arts, empowering youth through arts. He attended University of Michigan and has appeared on “The Cosby Show,” and videos for En Vouge and George Michael. He is also a professional visual artist, actor and musician.

Returning to the HSA family following a previous successful tenure as the department head from 1999 - 2007, Mr. Preisser has directed and produced over fifty professional shows in New York, regionally and in Europe. His work has been recognized with The American Theatre Wing Award, Drama Desk Award, Edwin Booth Award, Lucille Lortel Award and numerous Audelco Awards. His productions of Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death and Caligula are archived at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and his production of King Lear fea turing Andre’ De Shields’ opened the 75th Anniversary Season of The Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. As an educator he has taught and guest directed at CCNY in Harlem, The Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center, and Stella Adler NYU.

Ms. Ruiz-Castillo was born in Spain, where she graduated from the School of Ceramics in Madrid. In 1993, she moved to NYC, where she enrolled the Art Students League and took classes for over 5 years. She has been teaching at HSA for the last 14 years as well as in numerous Public Schools through out the city and Massachusetts. She has created staff development courses and has served as a panelist for the Brooklyn Arts Council Arts Regrant twice, the Har-lem Arts Alliance and ApexArt. She works sculpture and painting in her Brooklyn studio and shows her work throughout the area. Recent shows include University of Bridgeport (CT), Biennal Latinoamericana del Bronx, Centro Español, Lincoln hospital, and the Queens Museum of Art.

Ms. Wyns is an educator, vocal coach, and veteran performer on the New York and international music scene, with decades of performance experience including classical, popular, rhythm and blues, and gospel genres. She’s toured with major R&B performers including Freddie Jackson and Stephanie Mills. She’s also a well- respected Broadway performer, appearing most recently in “The Color Purple”. Ms. Wyns has served as Vocal Chair and director of the Dorothy Maynor Singers,an acclaimed ensemble, named after the American soprano, opera singer, and founder of HSA. Ms. Wyns is a graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and an Alumnus of Manhattan School of Music where she studied vocal performance. In addition to her acting roles, recording projects and performances, she works with artists to develop their vocal and performance skills through vocal coaching.


DANCE THEATRE VISUAL ARTS MUSIC

MARIA AHNStrings Chair

BERNARD PHILLIPSWind Department Chair

MAJOR SCURLOCKPiano & Percussion Chair

D.D. JACKSONJazz & Contemporary Studies Chair

Ms. Ahn is the visionary guiding force behind the unique voice of the Ahn Trio and HSA’s String Department Chair. Dubbed “classical revolutionaries” by New York Newsday, Maria and her Trio are constantly pursuing cutting edge projects by commissioning original works from composers ranging from Pat Methheny, Michael Nyman, Maurice Jarre, Mark O’Connor to Kenji Bunch and DJ Spookly. The Ahn Trio’s passionate dedication for arts education, firmly planted while working with the Lincoln Center Institute and Aspen Music Festival’s educational outreach programs early in their careers, has led to the trio’s focus in building and nurturing numerous residencies and outreach programs. In 2014, Maria Ahn released a cello solo album of David Bowie covers on the cello, “Je t’aime Bowie” available on iTunes worldwide.

Mr. Jackson, HSA’s Jazz & Contemporary Music Department Chair, is a Canadian-born, New York-based jazz pianist/composer and composer for film, t.v. & media. His work ranges from 12 CD’s as leader or co-leader featuring his original music, 2 jazz-influenced operas, regular arrangements for and performances with “The Roots”, music for Emmy Award-winning shows such as “Peg + Cat” and “The Wonder Pets”, and appearances all over the world with some of the most acclaimed names in jazz including Jack Dejohnette, James Carter and David Murray.

Mr. Phillips is a lecturer in ethnomusicology, music theory and cultural studies at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, since 1998. He was Director of Music at the HSA from 1999 through 2004 and before that appointment he was principal flute of the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra for fourteen seasons. He has taught advanced flute studies at the HSA since 2005. He played solo flute in the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” and substituted in many long running shows. He served as music director in a theatrical collaboration with Rudy Dee in New York, Los Angeles and London. He has performed flute and piccolo with the New York City Opera Orchestra, in the Stage Band at the Metropolitan Opera and the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra’s Educational Concerts. He is currently working toward the Ph., D., in ethnomusicology focusing on African Americans in classical music at Hunter College/CUNY.

Mr. Scurlock’s compositions have been performed nationally to great acclaim. A sought-after collaborator, he has worked with choreographers Hope Boykin, Germaul Barnes and Desmond Richardson. At Juilliard, he was awarded a full tuition scholarship for both his degrees in Piano Performance. Mr. Scurlock has appeared as a soloist at The Blue Note, Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Hall, Aaron Davis Hall and Juilliard’s Peter Jay Sharpe Theater. As a Producer/Curator, he has produced concerts featuring artists including Living Colour, Vijay Iyer and Imani Uzuri. In 2010, Mr. Scurlock was awarded a Residency at Dance New Amsterdam for Act I of his Electro-Funk Chamber Operetta titled Black Moon, which was based on Arnold Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire. Major’s writing style can be summed up as a continuous inspiration of musical environments both academic and non-classical.


MU

SIC

The HSA Music Department introduces students to the irresistible force that is music. The goal of the Music Department is to equip each individual with the tools to be a proficient musician, while fostering their creative spirit. Whether laying a foundation for the beginner or helping a more advanced musician refine their technique, our faculty offer a rigorous introduction to the discipline of making music while instilling in each student a love of music as an art. At HSA we offer private and group instruction in strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, percussion and voice. In addition to a long tradition of excellence in Western classical music, our faculty also offers instruction in jazz and a variety of folk and popular music. We encourage all students taking private lessons to participate in an ensemble and take a musicianship class. Ensemble and group experience offers the joy of creating music with others, encourages a cooperative work ethic, and allows students to enhance their overall technique.

FACULTY

PercussionDonald EatonDavid GreenawayThemba MkhatshwaReggie Nicholson

BassDavid Baron

CelloMaria Ahn

FluteDavid MillerBernard Phillips

GuitarIsabella AbbonnizioBob DeeJohn O’Donnell

TrumpetEli Asher

PianoJane BlackstoneFima FarbergD.D. JacksonCharles JonesClifford JonesTsyala Khudad-ZadeMarcus PersianiOlga RossalesMajor ScurlockSonelius Smith

Violin Iymaani Abdul- HamidDavid BurnettElektra KurtisBeverly Somach

VoiceLucia Bradford- WigginsRobert HughesSteven Kirby La Rose SaxonYolanda Wyns

DIRECTOR Yolanda Wyns MUSIC CHAIRS

Strings Chair Maria Ahn

Jazz & Contemporary Studies Chair D.D. Jackson

Wind Department Chair Bernard Phillips

Piano & Percussion Chair Major Scurlock Voice Chair Yolanda Wyns

A MUSICAL EARLY CHILDHOOD (AGES 2-6)Young children are naturally sensitive to musical sounds that communicate feelings, emotions, and beautiful images. They love to imitate, explore, and express themselves through activities that engage every aspect of their physical, sensory, and imaginative beings. Music making that provides speaking, singing, playing, moving, and composing opportunities for young children will develop the following skills and understandings1:

• articulate responses to aural stimuli; follow guided directions for co-created outcomes;

memorize through repetition lyrics, chants, rhythms; recognize, identify, and differentiate music materials, concepts, participants, and performers.

• make interpretive choices and respond imaginatively.

• reflect upon their own and their classmates’ music making.

World of Music Discovery Ages 2-4Experience the world of music with your child under the guidance of an expert music teacher, trained in introducing music to infants and toddlers. Children accompanied by a parent will learn songs and develop music appreciation while stimulating motor and auditory skills.

Musical Explorations Ages 5-6This preparatory course introduces young musicians to rhythm and melody and working together with one another. This is an ideal class for children wishing to progress to private or group instruction in an instrument or voice.

Intro to Keyboard Ages 4-6This course encourages groups of young students to discover music in a fun-filled atmosphere. Basic hand position, fingering and sight-reading are covered. This class is the perfect foundation for private piano instruction.

Group Violin 1A, 1B, 2A Ages 4-6This three-semester sequence teaches the basic skills of violin technique in a fun-filled atmosphere. Students develop posture, hand position and listening skills, while learning to play in a group setting. This class is the perfect foundation for private violin instruction.

African and Latin Percussion Ages 4-6Students are taught hand patterns and rhythmic structures from West African, Cuban and other Caribbean traditions.

Children’s Choir Ages 4-11A training ensemble with songs selected from traditional vocal repertoire, as well as the popular genres of gospel, spiritual, folk and contemporary songs. Rehearsals for special events, touring and attendance at outside performances are required.

GROUP CLASSES & ENSEMBLES


THE ELEMENTARY MUSICIAN (AGES 6-11)At this stage, children become increasingly keen observers of their world. They enjoy inventing games, working cooperatively, and creating personal codes and languages. An increased attention span enables memorization and the enjoyment of lengthened musical experiences. It also allows greater involvement in activities that require small muscle control and dexterity. Through ongoing participation in musical studies, students develop the following skills and understandings1:

• deepen peer relationships through group endeavor, exploration, discussion,

sharing, creating, and evaluating. • differentiate, perceive, interpret, inquire, and analyze musical experiences. • create fantasy-inspired compositions, musical dramatizations; they initiate and evaluate musical activities. • notice, envision, and act upon pportunities to be designers of their own musical learning.

Group Violin 1A Ages 6-8Group Violin 1B Ages 6-8 Group Violin 2A Ages 6-8This three-semester sequence teaches violin technique in a fun-filled atmosphere. Students con-tinue to develop posture, hand position and listen-ing skills while learning to play in a group setting.

Group Guitar Ages 6-8Group Guitar Ages 8-11Group classes include instruction in the techniques of classical, flamenco, folk and jazz guitar styles and explore a variety of traditional, folk and contemporary music literature.

African and Latin Percussion Ages 6-8African and Latin Percussion Ages 9-11Students are taught hand patterns and rhythmic structures from West African, Cuban and other Caribbean traditions.

Beginning Recorder Ages 8-11Students will learn basic recorder technique including sight reading, fingerings and breath control. This class offers good preparation to the child considering studying a woodwind instrument.

Intro to Keyboard Ages 6-8Intro to Keyboard Ages 9-11This course encourages groups of young students to discover music in a fun-filled atmosphere. Basic hand position, fingering and sight-reading are covered. This class is the perfect foundation for private piano instruction. Students may take this class for a maximum of two semesters.

HSA “Con Brio” Children’s Orchestra Assessment Required for ParticipationThis class provides beginning students with an introduction to playing in an orchestra. Students utilize sight-reading skills while learning to follow a conductor. Rehearsals for special events and performances are required. This class is the perfect supplement to private violin instruction.

HSA String Quartet Ages 9+Assessment Required for ParticipationAt the HSA String Quartet Program, every young person not only learns many of the great works written for this very popular genre, but they will also learn how to work with other young musicians, a way to communicate through music. Students will gain a great love of music and a better understand-ing and knowledge of interpersonal relationships within the string instruments. This is a great training ground for a serious string player.


THE MIDDLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOL MUSICIAN (AGES 12–17)Physical, mental, and emotional fluctuations render middle school youngsters amenable to an environment that affirms their fledgling self-identity and developmental capacities. For some, the high school music program will serve as preparation for concentrated study beyond the secondary level. Others will elect to develop and explore their musical capacities through a generalized core course of study. Both avenues provide an enjoyable outlet for self-expression, group interaction, and aesthetic growth. Sustained, sequential musical training develops the following skills and understandings:

• Students acquire vocal and instrumental dexterity; discover leadership skills; and

engage in increased peer interaction and group decision making. • Students analyze, differentiate, create, and compare performances, repertoire, and experiences. • Students develop self-expression as music makers; integrate music learning with personal observations and choices.

The Art of Songwriting Ages 12-17Students are taught to use technology to express their musical ideas under the guidance of a composition instructor. The class utilizes the creation of tracks, MIDI, synthesis, sampling, and sequencing.

Composition Ages 12-17 In this advanced course, students create original musical ideas and develop completed compositions, with an emphasis on jazz and popular styles. Topics covered include building melodies, approaches to form/structure, arranging for different instruments and producing compositions in various styles. This course presumes previous knowledge of music notation, some fluency on a musical instrument, and intermediate-level theory.

Jazz Strings ages 11+Want to improvise? Come join the fun and find out all the cool and exciting things you can do on your violin, viola or cello. This course is an introduction to jazz and improvisation for young string players looking to broaden their horizons. Topics covered will include ear training and transcription of the jazz greats, basic jazz theory and harmony, rhythm and bow games, basic jazz history, and improvisation. Class concludes with an end of year performance and jam session.

Chamber Music I & II Ages 12-17Ensembles ranging from piano trios to brass quin-tets and jazz combos are arranged each semester for students. Chamber music groups meet weekly for coaching with a HSA faculty member.

Intro to Keyboard Ages 12-15Basic hand position, fingering and sight-reading are covered. This introductory class is highly recommended for voice students who have not studied piano.

Advanced Guitar & Workshop Ages 12-17Students are exposed to the masterworks of guitar literature as well as contemporary ensemble music in jazz and pop styles. Students in this class are members of the HSA Guitar Ensemble. Assessment is required for participation.

Percussion Ensemble Ages 12-17A study of percussion repertoire, wide ranging in musical styles, which seeks to deepen the student’s technical, ensemble, and improvisational skills. This class meets on Saturdays for 60 minutes. Students should be intermediate to advanced in level. Some exceptions may be made depending on the student.


PRIVATE LESSONSPrivate lessons allow students to receive individualized instruction in technique and musicianship from a distinguished faculty of committed music educators, who are also acclaimed performers.

Students can sign up for individual lessons at any time during the year in 16-week or 32-week sessions and 6 weeks during the summer. In addition to the weekly lesson, departmental recitals are presented twice a year. Throughout the academic year studio showcases feature student ensembles and soloists, offering opportunities for players of all levels to perform for friends, family, and the community.

30 minute lessons are recommended for students under age 8

45-60 minute lessons are for students age 8 and up. Private lessons are also available for adults age 18 and up.

WoodwindsFlute Oboe Clarinet BassoonSaxophone

Brass TrumpetTromboneFrench HornTuba/Euphonium

Voice

Strings ViolinViolaCelloDouble BassAcoustic GuitarElectric GuitarElectric Bass

Piano & PercussionAfrican & Latin PercussionJazz DrumsOrchestral PercussionPiano

Advanced Jazz Combo & HSA Jazz BandEnsembles provide training in performance and improvisation techniques. Students will become familiar with Jazz standards as well as Latin/Jazz idioms. Rehearsals, touring and outside performances are required. Assessment is required for participation.

Beginning Teen Chorus Ages 12-17Teen Chorus introduces choral singing to the teenager with little or no prior experience. The class provides a foundation in vocal technique and ensemble performance. No assessment necessary.

The Dorothy Maynor Singers Ages 12-17For intermediate and advanced vocal students, the repertoire for this group explores a wide range of choral music including Classical, Gospel, Spirituals, Folk, and Contemporary. Rehearsals for special events, touring and outside performances are required. Assessment is required for participation.


DA

NC

E

At HSA, our dance programs seek to nurture talent while strengthening the students’ relationship to their inner self, their fellow students, and their community. Through rigorous dance training, respect, and teamwork a child can aspire to become a professional dancer or simply enjoy dance as an outlet for self-expression. We provide students with discipline, hope, and purpose, stressing the importance of presentation, punctuality, and etiquette. With these skills, our students and their families exemplify what it means to strive for excellence and achieve their unlimited and unique potential.

HSA is proudly one of just five affiliate schools in the world offering the American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) National Training Curriculum. Through this effort, ABT aims to provide dance students with a rich knowledge of classical ballet technique and the ability to adapt to multiple styles and techniques of dance offered at Harlem School of the Arts.

By Invitation or Placement By Audition Only

HSA DANCE PROGRAM PROGRESSION BY AGE (# of weekly classes)

Ages 2-3 Ages 4-6 Ages 7-8 Ages 9-11 Ages 12-14 Ages 15-17

Tiny Moves(1 class)

Young Dancer(1-2 classes)

Pre-Professional +

(2-3 classes)Pre-Professional+

(3-5 classes)HSA Prep++

(6-8 classes)HSA Prep++

(6-8 classes)

Baby Samba(1 class)

Dance Enrichment(1-3 classes)


Pre-Professional+

(5-8 classes)Pre-Professional+

(6-8 classes)



DIRECTOR Aubrey Lynch II

FACULTY

Jim BeckerKaren BrownAlenka CizmesijaMaeve DougalCatherine FosterCarmela GallaceSonia JonesDanys La MoraAubrey Lynch IIBethany MitchellAmanda Pope Briana ReedQuenia RibeiroLeyland SimmonsKristen Stevens

ACCOMPANISTS

Amos AngRenee AngJessica CoxThemba MkhatshwaOlatunji RichardsonVadim RubinskyLauren ShapiroAdrià Torregrosa

DANCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMThis is our most flexible program for dance students ages 7-17 as a way to discover the world of dance regardless of skill level or prior experience. Students may choose classes individually with no minimum class requirement. Auditions are not required for dance enrichment, however all students ages 8 and up interested in ballet or modern dance must be interviewed and assessed for placement. At the end of the year, students participate in final dance performances with their class at HSA’s annual dance recitals and concert.

Please note: HSA reserves the right to reassign a class for any student based on age and/or ability.

TINY MOVERS (AGES 2–7)Movement is integral to the learning process of young children. Inquisitive and active, they are quick to absorb information through their senses, and eager to engage in physical explorations. Dance gives them an aesthetic avenue for creatively expressing feelings and imaginative stories informed by their inner fantasy worlds and their real lives. Children at this stage are whole-body movers who tend toward perpetual motion; balancing and holding stillness are major accom-plishments. Structured dance experiences help them to develop the following skills and under-standings

Students studying dance at this level will gain the following skills1:

• Listening, responding, taking turns and working cooperatively in a group. • Recognizing, recalling, identifying, differentiating,and sequencing movements. • Choosing and expressing preference for dance movements. • Reflecting on their own and classmates’ dancing.

Tiny Moves Ages 2-3A wonderful way to introduce children to live music, self-awareness, and movement. An adult must accompany the child and physically partici-pate in the class.

Baby Samba Ages 3–5Explore music, dance and the art of the Brazilian culture with your child. Afro-Brazilian samba will make your little one dance to the beat of the drum.

Ballet Pre-Primary Ages 3-5Ballet Primary A Ages 5-6Ballet Primary B Ages 6-7 Students begin study of the American Ballet Theatre National curriculum and gain knowledge of classi-cal ballet technique.

Mini Taps Ages 4-7Explore the world of dance through the rhythm of the feet. Students learn musicality, coordination, and the foundation of proper tap technique. Tap dance is a fun way to spark creativity, imagination, and athleticism.

Nimble Jacks Ages 4-6This class series is designed especially for boys and their natural sense of athleticism. They develop coordination, movement, and tumbling skills with music and rhythm. This

class is a great way to introduce a life of exercise and sports to young boys.

DANCE CLASSES & TECHNIQUES


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DANCERS (AGES 7–11)At this age, children have developed a more detailed sense of their bodies’ movement capabilities with respect to space and time, and are capable of challenging themselves to achieve new skills in dance. Group dance experiences with longer-term resolutions, give students a chance to express themselves in a unique and self-affirming way, and develop a sense of personal strength and growth.

Ongoing participation in dance classes develops the following skills and understandings1:

• Rhythmic patterning, fine motor control, isolation of body parts, and transitions between movements.• Initiating, cooperating, co-planning, and respecting others’ opinions.• Classifying, interpreting, comparing, analyzing and generating movement.

African 1 Ages 8-10 African 2 & 3 Ages 9+

Students develop strength, aerobic stamina, coordination, flexibility and rhythmic awareness while acquiring an understanding of the drums, rhythm, and music. These classes feature the energy and spirit of live drummers and teach the technique of Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, and survey other Afro- Caribbean and African dance styles.

Ballet Primary C Ages 7+Ballet 1 Ages 8+Ballet 2 Ages 9+Ballet 3 Ages 10 +Ballet 4 Ages 11+

Students study the American Ballet Theatre National curriculum of classical ballet technique. Teachers will combine scientific principles with elements from classic French, Italian, and Russian schools of training.

* Ballet classes require a placement assessment. Please contact [email protected] to set up an interview or inquire about the assessment process.

Tap 1 Ages 8-10Tap 2 & 3 Ages 9-11Tap is often a required skill for dancers on Broadway. Explore the world of dance through the rhythm of the feet. Students learn musicality, coordination, and the foundation of proper tap technique. Tap dance is a fun way to spark creativity, imagination, and athleticism.

Modern 1 Ages 7-8Modern 2 & 3 Ages 9-11Modern dance classes at HSA are based on the techniques of Lester Horton, Martha Graham, andJose Limon. Students learn how to move creatively and express themselves within these core technique styles.

Dynamic Dance and Boys Performance Workshop Ages 7-11This class series is designed especially for boys to develop the kind of discipline, drive, and focus that dancers share with professional athletes.

Modern, ballet, African and Afro-Caribbean techniques increase coordination and flexibility necessary for a future in dance, gymnastics, or other athletics. No prior dance raining is required.

Jazz 1 Ages 8 - 10Jazz 2 & 3 Ages 9 - 11From classic style of 1940s musicals to today’s So You Think You Can Dance, these classes include various jazz styles. Guest teachers and choreographers are from film, television, Broadway, and around the world.

Hip-Hop 1 Ages 8 - 10Hip-Hop 2 & 3 Ages 9 - 11Seen in music videos, film, and television, the popularity of Hip-Hop is always growing. These classes are structured and are based on real dance philosophy. Students learn body isolation movements, gain a better understanding of rhythm and enjoy learning to dance to popular music.


MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL DANCERS (AGES 11 – 17)Students at this stage of their lives are exploring their relationship to the world, and developing a self-identity. Dance classes provide an enjoyable outlet for self- expression, a challenging mode of staying fit, and an opportunity to explore personal identity.

Ballet Level 5 Ages 12+Ballet Level 6 Ages 14+Ballet Level 7 Ages 16-17Students study the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Curriculum of classical ballet technique. Teachers will combine scientific principles with elements from classic French, Italian, and Russian schools of training. Ballet classes require a placement assessment. Please contact [email protected] to set up an interview or inquire about the assessment process.

Tap 4 & 5 Ages 12+Tap 6 & 7 Ages 14-17Tap is often a required skill for dancers on Broadway. Explore the world of dance through the rhythm of the feet. Students learn musicality, coordination, and the foundation of proper tap technique. Tap dance is a fun way to spark creativity, imagination, and athleticism.

African 4 & 5 Ages 12+African 6 & 7 Ages 14-17Students develop strength, aerobic stamina, coordination, flexibility and rhythmic awareness while acquiring an understanding of the drums, rhythm, and music. These classes feature the energy and spirit of live drummers and teach the technique of Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, and survey other Afro-Caribbe-an and African dance styles

Modern 4 & 5 Ages 12+Modern 6 & 7 Ages 14-17Modern dance classes at HSA are based on the techniques of Lester Horton, Martha Graham, andJose Limon. Students learn how to move creatively and express themselves within these core technique styles.

Jazz 4 & 5 Ages 12 +Jazz 6 & 7 Ages 14-17From classic style of 1940s musicals to today’s So You Think You Can Dance, these classes include various jazz styles. Guest teachers and choreographers are from film, television, Broadway, and around the world.

Hip-Hop 4 & 5 Ages 12+Hip-Hop 6 & 7 Ages 14-17Seen in music videos, film, and television, the popularity of Hip-Hop is always growing. These classes are structured and are based on real dance philosophy. Students learn body isolation movements, gain a better understanding of rhythm and enjoy l earning to dance to popular music.

DANCE CLASSES DESIGNED JUST FOR BOYS!Take advantage of your son’s natural sense of athleticism with classes designed specifically for boys and their competitive nature. Limited scholarships are available.


PRE-PROFESSIONAL DANCE PROGRAM (AGES 8-17)The Pre-Profession Dance Program at HSA is for students exhibiting exceptional potential and a passion for the self-expressive and powerful world of dance. Students are assigned two or more classes per week as part of a pre-determined curriculum.

The pre-professional program assigned curriculum includes invitation-only repertory rehearsals/workshops for both boys and girls ages 8 and up. Performance opportunities include in-studio showings, outside events, and end-of-year dance recitals concert. The program requires at least one ballet class and one or more of the following electives: modern, jazz, tap, African, and hip-hop. Boys’ Ballet is introduced for ages 8 and up. Pointe class is introduced for girls ages 11 and up.

The Pre-Professional Program is by invitation or placement only. Please contact [email protected] for information regarding auditions and placement.

Level 1 (Ages 8 and up) 2-3 classes per week:• 1-2 Ballet classes• 1 Elective

Level 2 (Ages 9 and up) 4 classes per week:• 3 Ballet classes• 1 Elective

Level 3 (Ages 10 and up) 4-5 classes per week:• 3 Ballet classes• 1-2 Elective(s)

Level 4 (Ages 11 and up) 5 classes per week:• 3-4 Ballet classes• 1-2 Elective(s)

Level 5 (Ages 12-14)5-7 classes per week:• 3-5 Ballet classes• 2-3 Elective(s)

Level 6 (Ages 14-16) 5-8 classes per week:• 4-5 Ballet classes• 1-3 Elective(s)

Level 7 (Ages 16-17)5-8 classes per week:• 4-5 Ballet classes• 1-3 Elective(s)

HSA PREP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (AGES 12-17)HSA’s fully funded scholarship program is for our most talented dancers with the greatest potential and commitment to a career in dance. This intensive dance training program is designed for those students exhibiting the highest level of ability, potential and motivation.

The curriculum requires up to eight (8) classes per week with additional repertory workshops, guest artist master classes, performing opportunities, and field trips. At least four to five classes must be ballet and the remaining classes consist of one or more of the following electives: modern, jazz, tap, African, and hip-hop, as assigned by the director. The curriculum also includes pointe classes for girls, Men’s Ballet Class for boys, and partnering classes. Special workshops and master classes with guest artists and choreographers from around the world are offered periodically. These special workshops may culminate in a studio showing or performance.

6-8 classes per week:• 4-5 Ballet classes• 2-3 Electives• Weekly repertory rehearsals


THEA

TRE

Theatre at Harlem School of the Arts explores the many rewarding and enjoyable elements of performing on stage. Through a range of classes, presentations and performances, students share their deep learning and experience with one another and the community. Learning begins with well-trained teachers implementing exciting strategies for rigorous study and innovative performance.

Studying theatre benefits students by seamlessly and richly connecting many learning styles while preparing students with practice in collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. We hope your child will join the substantial and growing group of alumni that are professionals in theatre, and are life long theatre lovers whose learning was deepened by their time at Harlem School of the Arts.

DIRECTOR Alfred Preisser

FACULTY

Tracy Jack Khalil KainAmanda McDowall Jonathan Mesisca Toni Tai SterrettKaili TurnerC. Kelly Wright

EARLY CHILDHOOD ACTORS (AGES 3-5)Young children respond with joy and energy to creative play, drama and storytelling. They like to imitate adult roles and play dress-up. On their own, they generate make-believe scenarios entering an imaginative world of their own creation. These interactions not only engage the imagination, they provide group opportunities to develop social and language skills.

• Listening, responding, taking turns and working cooperatively in a group.

• Recognizing, re-creating, identifying, differentiating, and sequencing dramatic elements. • Choosing, expressing and creating elements of theater.

Early Actor Ages 3-5 Through playing theatre games, working with visual aids and developing language skills this class provides engagement focusing on early social skills, creative learning and a relaxed and fun environment. Parents accompany their child in this introductory class.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACTOR (AGES 5-10)As emergent readers, theater activities provide a venue for children to demonstrate physically and vocally their understanding of character, conflict and action. They also become skilled in memorization, which allows them to use scripted materials in activities and performances. Learning in theater develops physical skills and vocal skills, and facilitates understanding of character and motivation.

• Initiating, cooperating, co-planning, and respecting others’ opinions.

• Classifying, interpreting, comparing, and analyzing works of theater and dramatic literature.• Personal and artistic choices in creating theater and responding to performance.

Musical Theatre I Ages 5-7An introduction to musical theatre songs for beginning actors. The class will work on a repertory of show tunes and popular songs sung in chorus style. Vocal projection, teamwork, and “acting” through song are emphasized, as is an introduction to performing with energy and style. Simple choreography may be introduced to reinforce memorization of material.

Acting 1 Ages 6-8Using theatre games and language exercises young actors begin to explore the concept of ensemble work and scene presentation. Scripts (poems, stories, simple scenes) are introduced at this level, along with continued development of imagination through movement and basic improvisation. Clarity of speech and vocal projection are emphasized, and students are eligible to audition for main stage productions.

Poetry Onstage I Ages 6-8 An exploration of great authors and great children’s poetry for beginning actors. Physical imagination and clarity of speech are stressed, as well as vocal projection and basic public speaking skills. Author’s studied include James Weldon Johnson, Sonia Sanchez, Langston Hughes, Shell Silverstein, Mary Austin, Abbie Farwell Brown, Robert Graves and more.

Musical Theatre II Ages 8-12At level II Musical Theatre adds solos and duets to it repertory of songs. More of the repertory will emphasize material from musical theatre standards and Broadway shows. Harmonies are introduced to choral singing, as well as simple choreography to aid in the memorization and presentation of material.

THEATRE CLASSES


Acting II Ages 9–12Continued exploration of acting through improvisation, movement and language exercises. At this level full scripts (usually 20-30 minute short plays) are introduced and the concept of working as an ensemble is heavily emphasized. Continued work on speech and vocal projection. Acting II students are eligible to audition for main stage productions.

Poetry Onstage II Ages 9-12 At the II and II levels Poetry Onstage evolves into a class that explores the original writing of its members, as well as existing poetic forms. Writing your own material, visualizing and acting it out are stressed, as well as public performance opportunities.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTORS (AGES 11-14)Students at this age are increasingly concerned with meaning and truth, both personal and social, and are beginning to think in more abstract ways and to speculate about origins and outcomes. The turbulent emotions and rapid physical changes of this age group present both challenges and opportunities for the growth of skills and expression in theater. Students are capable of focused work in various techniques and styles of theater, and enjoy the “safe space” that a structured and defined challenge provides. They can investigate and apply complex and varied processes to inventing and executing theater activities.

• Building confidence and a defined sense of self, trust among peers, working independently,

and taking risks. • Accurately executing different styles of theater and considering multiple factors.

Exploring Shakespeare Ages 11-14The basics of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan theatre form are covered: scansion, verse vs prose, and the vocal and speech demands inherent in performing verse plays are all explored. Students learn soliloquys and work on selected scenes, highlighting the adventurous spirit and visual nature of Elizabethan verse.

Improvisation Ages 11-14Working as an ensemble and without a script, students explore theatre games and story building exercises to help encourage spontaneity and free the actor’s impulse in rehearsal and in life. Non-scripted stories/plays are developed, using the concepts of commedia dell’arte stock characters and situations. An extremely fun and creatively liberating approach to storytelling is emphasized at all times.

Poetry Onstage III Ages 13-17A class in performance poetry and taking the spoken word from the page to the stage. Poetry Onstage III explores how contemporary music and popular culture influence writing and performance styles. All students will work on their writing and editing skills, speech and diction, and physicalizing ideas and ver-bal imagery. All work is created to be performed, and this ensemble will identify and create performance opportunities for its members.

Film Makers Workshop ges 13–18A class for young aspiring film makers to explore their ideas, work with camera and editing equipment, and script/shoot scenes and short movies. The rapidly changing digital world and its effect on the idea and process of creating content is discussed, and students are encouraged to write their own material and assert their own ideas and creative personality in the pursuit of a unique artistic vision.


VIS

UAL

ART

S

HSA offers a wide variety of classes in the visual arts fostering individual creativity and expression. Classes include a full spectrum of media, including digital art, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture; taught by a faculty of world-class professional artists and guest lecturers.

Annually, the Visual Arts Department hosts two group exhibitions of the students’ work at the school along with providing several opportunities for students to participate in Harlem community gallery showings. Beyond the curriculum, HSA seeks to cultivate an appreciation of the arts within the Harlem community by presenting guest artist and faculty exhibitions that are open to the public.

DIRECTOR Ana Ruiz-Castillo

FACULTY

Hosea JohnsonRaymond Jones Daniel LujanGhislaine SabitiBegonia Santa-CeciliaWill Vaultz Shanon Weltman

VISUAL ARTS CLASSESYOUNG ARTISTS (AGES 2-8)Young children are active and exuberant explorers. Artistic images capture the physical and sensory aspects of their discoveries. They love to express the movement, feeling and tactile qualities of animals, places and people. They tell stories by combining their observations with their inner worlds of fantasy and include details that capture the important parts of their ideas.

Art making becomes an important spur to the use of imagination.

Art Explorations Ages 2-3Come celebrate with your child by creating art side-by-side. Our youngest students will learn all about shapes, color and texture and have fun with clay, paint, glue and watercolors along with fun materials like feathers, buttons and found objects to create their first master pieces! A parent/caretaker is required to attend class.

Kinder Crafts Ages 3-5In this hands-on course, children discover art right at their fingertips. Through arts and crafts projects, students explore their creativity with construction paper, glue, crayons, markers, and paint.

Art Basics I Ages 4–7Students are exposed to the broad fundamentals of art making including drawing from observation, painting, water coloring, and collage-making using paint, pencil, charcoal, crayons, pastels and printing materials. Harlem Renaissance artists and its vibrant contemporary art scene will also be explored! Students will gain fine motor skills and problem solving skills. A student-supplied, protective smock, apron or t-shirt is required.

Clay Creations Ages 4-6Students will explore the basics of working with clay by learning all the different techniques used in Ceramics, including coiling, slabs, relief, modeling and glazing. Both the art and craft are explored as children create colorful objects such as treasure boxes, personalized cups and other items. A student-supplied, protective smock, apron, or t-shirt is required.

Little DaVincis Ages 4-8This course is designed for students who are interested in exploring painting techniques in watercolor, acrylic and oil paints. While developing their painting skills, students will discover color mixture, texture, lighting and composition. Subject matter includes still life, landscape, and abstraction.


ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL ARTISTS (AGES 7 – 12) By adolescence, youngsters have developed powerful new thoughts and feelings that challenge established world-views. As experiences become increasingly conflicting and diverse, so art making becomes a safe arena for experimenting in the construction of new relationships between inner and outer realities. Painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, and art appreciation become important vehicles for testing ideas, making judgments, forming values and exercising curiosity. In particular, the exploration of new and different ideas about the representation of three- dimensional space helps youngsters express new points of view about themselves and their worlds.

• Through an exploration of art materials and techniques, students exercise imagination,

construct meanings, and depict their experiences.• Students hone observation skills and develop visual arts vocabulary to describe art making.• They learn work together in teams and independently.

Drawing I Ages 7-10In this class students will work in a variety of media — graphite, charcoal, ink and pastels to find their artistic voice. This course will furnish students with the tools to explore the more expressive parts of drawing through observation, imagination and ideas. Children will engage in still life, landscape and portraiture as they learn the fundamentals of rendering, values and contrast, line quality and composition.

Puppets and Masks Ages 7-10In this class, students will imagine and make their own toy puppets and face masks! Based on their original drawings, students will learn how to bring their idea to life using sculptural techniques like papier mache, assemblage, and form-building. Exploration is encour-aged and students will have access to soft and oil pastels, craft and construction paper, and recycled materials to attain their goal.

Ceramics I Ages 7-10Students will explore the basics of working with clay by learning all the different techniques used in ceramics, including coiling, slabs, relief, modeling and glazing. Using their hands and wooden tools, children create colorful objects such as treasure boxes, personalized cups and other items. They will gain fine motor skills and learn about proportion and to successfully engineer and connect parts into a finished piece of art. A student-supplied, protective smock, apron, or t-shirt is required.

Art Basics II Ages 8-12Students are exposed to the broad fundamentals of art making including drawing from observation, painting, water coloring, and collage-making using paint, pencil, charcoal, crayons, pastels and printing materials. Harlem Renaissance artists and its vibrant contemporary art scene will also be explored! Students will gain fine motor skills, problem solving skills, and learn to present their art verbally. A student-supplied, protective smock, apron or t-shirt is required.

Illustration Ages 8-12In this course students will discover the exciting possibilities and variety of techniques used to illustrate everything from traditional book illustrations to popular computer animated gifs. Topics covered will include sequential styles as used in comic book art along with 3D sculptural illustration styles. Students will study different professional illustrators throughout history and learn how to use the Adobe Creative suite professional graphic design software. Other tools used are pencil, ink, paint, collage materials.

Graphic Design Ages 8-12This course introduces students to the endless possibilities of computer art! Students will learn basic print and web design techniques to create magazines, posters, and blogs, while being introduced to a variety of software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver.


Painting and Mural Making Ages 8-12No matter the street, Harlem is filled with beautiful murals! Students will visit several murals during class fieldtrips, work together to draft a mural concept in small scale and then enlarge their individual ideas into a large scale work of art. Both design and composition will be studied in this class.

Into to Digital Photography Ages 9-14Through a series of practical camera-based exercises, this course provides beginning-level camera owners with creative project ideas to explore their camera, compositional and technical skills. Digital imaging is introduced through use of Adobe Photoshop, image enhancement, manipulation and printing. With the goal of creating a comprehensive exhibit of student work, emphasizing conception and presentation.

Fashion Design Ages 9-12This class caters to students interested in building a foundation in the art of fashion. Students will study the fashion figure, sketching, and pattern making. They’ll also survey Harlem’s history of style. Students will learn to create finished pieces!

Manga Mania I Ages 9-12The popular Japanese comics Pokemon, DigiMon, and Bleach serve as inspiration for this fun and creative class! Students will explore storytelling through creative writing, drawing through character design, and comic development inspired by Japenese Anime cartoons and Manga comics. In each class, new drawing and digital color techniques are explored along with a discussion about new Anime and Manga trends. Using the computer, students will learn to use Photoshop professional graphic design software. They’ll also be encouraged to carry a sketchbook out of class to draw often.

Printmaking Ages 9-14In this class students create positive and negative prints of their drawings and print them with a cold press onto textured paper, fabric and other materials. Students comprehend how images are silk-screened onto their hats, t-shirts, fabrics and more.

Ceramics II Ages 10-15Students expand their technical understanding of ceramic techniques including decoration, glazing and firing, with emphasis on design, color and form. They’ll sculpt both figurative and abstract pieces, increase their understanding of modeling and design concepts, and focus on self-expression and problem solving skills. A student-supplied, protective smock, apron, or t-shirt is required.

Introduction to Filmmaking Ages 10-15Discover your inner filmmaker! Through the exciting world of digital video, students will learn the theories and techniques involved in the pre-production, filming, and post-production processes while receiving hands-on instruction with camcorders and editing software. Students will explore the community and our school to create a short documentary.


HIGH SCHOOL ARTISTS (AGES 12 - 17) Some young people are pursuing art as part of their general education. For these youngsters continuing experiences with materials, combining observation and imagination and honing expressive skills, offer a repertoire in which to construct personal meaning. Other young people will be majoring in art and exploring more professional levels of idea making, interpretation, and representation. For both groups, the development of personal expressive voices, the creation of “idea” portfolios, the emergence of critical insight and judgment on their own work and that of others, are critical and central to on-going development.1

• Students develop a personal style along with the awareness of the power of art to illuminate, inform, and influence opinion.

• Students read and write about art to reinforce literacy skills and interpret artwork by providing evidence to support assertions.

Teen Art Basics Ages 12-17Designed for teens who have always wanted to learn how to draw and paint, this course introduces various art mediums, including pencil, charcoal, ink, acrylic paint and watercolors to allow students to comprehend comprehend the basics of line drawing, color theory, and composition. An encouraging instructor and work environment aim to nurture self-expression and develop artistic abilities.

Introduction to Photography Ages 12-17This class introduces students to the fundamentals of 35mm camera and analog darkroom techniques, including processing black-and-white film. Course culminates in an exhibition of student work, showcasing creative expressions.

Advanced Graphic Design Ages 12-17This course introduces students to the endless possibilities of computer art! Students will learn basic print and web design techniques to create magazines, posters, and blogs, while being introduced to software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver.

Advanced Drawing & Painting Ages 12-17This course emphasizes the mastery of foundational skills in drawing and painting. Teens are inspired by the techniques of Masters such as Michelangelo, DaVinci, and Van Gogh to produce figure drawings, portraits, still life, and landscapes using pastels, India ink, pencil, acrylics and oils. Students are also assisted with developing a portfolio for college submission. Required for HSA Prep students.

Manga Mania II Ages 12-17The popular Japanese comics Pokemon, Naruto and Dragon Ball Z serve as inspiration for this fun and creative class! Students will explore storytelling through creative writing, drawing through character design, and comic development inspired by Anime cartoons and Manga comics. New drawing and digital color techniques are explored along with a discussion about new Anime and Manga trends. Using the computer, students will learn to usePhotoshop graphic design software. They’ll also be encouraged to carry a sketchbook out of class to draw often and create their own comic book by the conclu-sion of this class!

Advanced Photography Ages 12-17For the experienced student, the next level of 35mm photography is explored through photojournalism, lighting and photo editing software to produce a theme-based portfolio. With a more independent study of acquired techniques, each student will be encour-aged to create a body of work that showcases their unique creative vision. A brief history of photography is also included in the course.

Advanced Sculpture Ages 12-17Students will immerse themselves in the 3D world by using different materials such as clay, plaster, recycled materials and even stone! Students will look into the principles of working in three dimensions by studying the human figure, animals and abstract sculpture by learning different techniques including modeling, carving and mixed media. Emphasis is placed on individual projects.

The Artist and the City Ages 12-17In this course students will consider how they anticipate Harlem changing in the coming years and discuss the idea of “futurism” to visualize and express those changes. Students will collaborate and use a variety of tools and techniques include drawing, sketching, digital media, and painting on canvas, plywood and paper. The development of imagery about the important issues of our time and in Harlem will allow students to merge their individual creative voices into a powerful visual common message about Harlem’s future. Included fieldtrips include visits to Studio Museum of Harlem and Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

Fashion Design II Ages 12 -17Students will create their Winter/Fall collectionand Spring/Summer collection with different types of fabrics. They will learn how to design clothing and make patterns by draping and shaping muslin in a dress form. Students will also learn the basics of sewing, how to make different seams, finishes and hems, and how to lay out and cut pattern. Various projects will be part of this course, such as bags, dresses and other basic projects. Inspiration journal and design will be created requiring basic fashion art skills.

NEW! Adult Ceramics Ages 17 & up This class provides beginner’s the foundational skills in the art of handmade pottery. The course will cover formation, decoration, trimming, firing and glaze application. Learn to make basic forms such as mugs, bowls, and vases!

NEW! Adult Painting Ages 17 & up Have you ever dreamed of painting portraits, landscapes and still life? It’s never too late to start! Painting fundamental skills are honed in watercolor, acrylic and oil paints.


HSA PREP PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Experience world-class music training, Tuition-Free, with some of our most esteemed teaching professionals at Historic Harlem School of the Arts’ Preparatory Program!

Harlem School of the Arts’ Prep-Program is like no other in the New York City/Tri-State Area, offering a highly competitive, merit-based scholarship program - designed to prepare students looking to pursue high-level arts training at a High School and College level.

For over 25 years, HSA Prep has enabled young people of exceptional talent to meet high academic, artistic and personal goals. HSA Prep’s graduates have had a near 100% acceptance rate to prestigious colleges, universities and conservatories including Harvard University, The Juilliard School, Spelman College, Brown University, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, among many others.

HSA PREP SCHOLARSHIPS

HSA Prep students are awarded full scholarships annually. Auditions are held May 5–9, 2015. Scholarships are awarded based on an audition and/or portfolio review by departmental committees. Students receiving Prep scholarships will receive written notification of acceptance to the program. All scholarship recipients are required to have an excellent attendance record (no more than one unexcused absence), perform work study hours and pay an administration fee of $175. These hours are assigned at the discretion of the Prep Program Director.

Pre-professional Dance Program partial dance scholarships are awarded by audition or invitation only.

HSA PREP OVERVIEW

Commitment from HSA Prep StudentsAll HSA Prep students are assigned a schedule of 4-8 classes per week by the director of their department. In exchange for full scholarship, prep students must maintain at least a B-average, give 4 work hours per week as teaching assistants or administrators gaining invaluable work experience, have exemplary attendance in all classes on their assigned HSA Prep schedule, and adhere to the policies of the School. Parents and students sign a commitment letter each year, and students must re-audition or undergo an evaluation session each year. At the end of each semester, students will receive full evaluations measuring their artistic growth, class participation, attendance, behavior and academic performance.

HSA Prep Application ProcessThe competitive application process includes an audition/art submission; personal essay; recommendations from principals, counselors, and teachers; and the most recent report card. Admission to any of our four disciplines is by audition or invitation only.

Applying to HSA PrepTo apply for admission to HSA Prep or for more information, please visit www.HSAnyc.org.


Music

HSA PREP MUSIC HSA Prep Music is designed to prepare talented student musicians with a strong work ethic for admission to conservatories and post-secondary music education. The program integrates private lessons, ensemble participation and classes in history and musicianship.

Participation in studio class, practice and performances are required. The admission process includes a theory placement test and a personal interview. All applicants will be asked to sight read at the audition. Each spring, new and continuing students will be auditioned for admission to the HSA Prep Music Program. Please visit our website for the complete list of auditions requirements.

Classes for a Music Prep student may include:

• Private Lessons

• Accelerated Musicianship I

• HSA Jazz Band

• Composition

• Topics in Music Appreciation: Jazz Pianists of Harlem

HSA PREP DANCE The HSA Prep Dance Program offers students the highest level of dance training (previously mentioned in HSA Prep Overview). Dance Prep students must take all required classes, including special workshops and academic courses, and will be selected by audition for all season-al performances. Performances will feature select advanced students, professional guest artists, and guest choreographers from dance companies, Broadway, film, television, and international productions. Dance Prep students will also gain inspiration with trips to outside dance performances and visits from guest artists.

Workshops will expose Dance Prep students to the entrepreneurial side of preparing to be a professional dancer, and fully prepare them for the audition process.Classes for a Dance Prep student may include:

• 6-8 classes per week:

• Four to five ballet (4-5)

• Two to three electives (2-3)

• Weekly repertory rehearsals


HSA PREP VISUAL ARTS

The HSA Prep Visual Arts Program is a pre-professional program designed for the young student who is interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts. The program provides rigorous training in the fundamentals of studio and digital arts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, computer art and web design. Students will also be well-versed in art history and theory. As students develop their skills in each of these fields, they will create a portfolio of work that meets the high standards of collegiate art and academic programs, providing a solid foundation from which to become a professional artist.

Classes for a Visual Arts Prep student include:

• Advanced Sculpture• Art History• Advanced Photography• Graphic Design• Advanced Drawing & Painting

HSA PREP THEATRE The HSA YOUNG THEATRE ALLIANCE (YTA) is a scholarship-based, by audition only program and forms the core acting ensemble of The Harlem School of the Arts Theatre Department. YTA engages in a fun but demanding menu of conservatory style offerings and Master Classes on Saturdays, and expands into Ensemble rehearsal hours during the week when in full production, in the course of presenting main stage work in both the Fall and Spring. Areas of study include Acting Technique, Shakespeare, Playwriting, Movement, Musical Theatre and more. Nationally recognized theatre figures conduct Master Classes with YTA, and the ensemble studies regularly with a dedicated team of working theatre artists in creating a dynamic, performance-based program with professional level rehearsal and performance standards.

Theatre Prep curriculum may include advanced training in the following:

• Advanced Musical Theatre• Playwriting• Physical Acting• Advanced Acting


HOW TO REGISTERREGISTRATION INFORMATIONThe Harlem School of the Arts accepts all students ages 2 and up without an audition. Register today for our quality education programs in Music, Dance, Theatre, and Visual Arts! Students fully registered with fees paid will secure a place in your favorite classes.

THE REGISTRATION PROCESS1. New to HSA? Review courses offered in HSA Catalog and Course Schedule2. Complete required registration forms: • 2015-2016 Registration Form • Student Medical Form • Enrollment Policies Agreement

3. Submit completed registration materials, registration fee, and tuition by September 1, 2015.

REGISTRATION METHODS• Online at www.HSAnyc.org

• In person at HSA

OFFICE HOURSRegistration Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 11am – 1pm; 2pm-5pm Sat 10am-12pm; 2pm-4pm (Sept-June Only)

TUITION DISCOUNTS FOR ALL!• $100 OFF Early Bird Discount for the students who pay their tuition in full by the September 15

• $50 OFF Sibling Discount: for each additional sibling registering at the same time residing within same household

• NEW! $50 OFF Refer-A-Friend Discount: for each friend that is referred who has never taken class at HSA.

FULL YEAR REGISTRATIONRegistration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore students and their families registered for the entire year (32 weeks) secure their spot for both group classes and private lessons.

REGISTERING FOR PRIVATE LESSONSFor new students, our registration staff and program directors will work with you to find the right teacher to suit your individual needs. Returning students receive priority and should register no later than July 15, 2015 in order to guarantee the availability of your current day, time and/or teacher. Should you wish to change your existing timeslot, you must also submit your registration materials by July 15. HSA requires students to purchase/rent their own instruments. Students may rent instruments from recommended sources. Further information can be obtained by calling the front desk at (212) 926-4100 x300.


OTHER IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFOAt the time of registration, when necessary, parents and students will meet with program directors to plan the student’s curriculum. Final class placement will be within the first two weeks of the semester. Parents of school-age children, please remember to take into account child’s school and home commitments when selecting their HSA class schedule. No tuition refunds are made after the second week of the semester.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION Forms of Payment HSA accepts cash, cashier’s checks, money orders, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover for tuition payments. HSA does not accept personal checks.

Non-Refundable DepositThere is a nonrefundable deposit of $100 due at the time of registration. Except where noted, tuition does not cover the cost of dress code attire, composition notebooks, instrument rental, and other supplies, although some instructional materials may be provided.

Flexible Tuition Payment OptionsThe Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) offers its families different payment plan options, allowing the convenience of paying your tuition in full or in installments over the year.

Regardless of your chosen payment option, the first tuition payment is due by September 15, 2015 and all tuition for the year must be paid in full no later than March 15, 2015. Students will not be permitted to start classes until tuition is paid in full or a payment plan has been signed off by our bursar’s office.

Tuition can be paid as follows:1. Pay tuition in full - 1 single payment due by September 15 ($100 Discount)

2. Pay tuition in 2 payments• Payment #1 due Sept 15, 2015• Payment #2 due Jan 15, 2016

3. Pay tuition in 4 payments*(Includes a surcharge; Requires autopay enrollment) • Payment #1 due Sept 15, 2015• Payment #2 due Nov 15, 2015• Payment #3 due Jan 15, 2016• Payment #4 due Mar 15, 2016

*HSA requires an automatic payment option when choosing a payments plan. Payment plans require approval by the school bursar. If you would like to request a payment plan, please mark the appropriate box on your registration form and our bursar will contact you to schedule and appointment.

FINANCIAL AIDHSA understands that our families represent an economically diverse community consisting of many who need financial assistance to provide their children with world-class training in the arts. Financial aid assistance for families with demonstrated financial need is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All financial aid applications are processed by an independent com-pany, Private School Aid Services (PSAS). There is a third-party fee to apply. Financial aid applications for 2015-16 are only accepted one time during the year: May 1, 2015 to July 15, 2015. No financial aid applications will be accepted after July 15, 2015.

Financial Aid is for full year enrollment only and is not available for individual semester enrollment. If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please visit www.HSAnyc.org/aid.php and submit a completed financial aid application and complete HSA registration documents by July 15, 2015.

Applicants will be notified in writing of financial aid awards by August 15, 2015. Submitting a financial aid application does not guarantee that financial aid will be awarded and any remaining tuition due beyond the aid granted is due by September 15, 2015.

SCHOOL POLICIESHSA reserves the right to suspend or terminate the instruction and performance participation of students who do not meet their financial obligations. Additionally, late payments will result in a $15 late charge applied monthly. Parents are responsible for the full cost of instruction regardless of financial aid and scholarship application status. Tuition credit will not be given as a result of classes or lessons missed. Accounts more than 90 days in overdue will be sent to collections.

Class CancellationsHSA may cancel classes, especially those with insufficient students enrolled. In the event a class is canceled by the school, you will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another class. If you do not enroll in another class, you will receive a credit which can be applied for the next semester or a pro-rated refund.


Withdrawal & Refund PolicyRegistration obligates a student for the entire year. If a student has paid in full and withdrawals within the first two weeks of the semester, he/she will receive a 75% refund of the full tuition. The registration fee is nonrefundable. If the tuition has not been paid in full, the parent is responsible for 25 % of the tuition costs. After the first two weeks of the semester, no other refunds will be made. Notification any withdrawal must be made in writing to the registration office, without exception.

Absences/Missed LessonsPlease contact the Attendance Hotline at (212) 926-4100 x100 to notify HSA that your child will be absent. Private music lessons require at least 24 hour notification to be an excused absence or to be considered for rescheduling a make-up lesson. Each student is allowed a maximum of two excused absences and make ups per year. There are no make up classes for group lessons.

• Private Lessons o Please schedule all make-up lessons directly with your instructor. The instructor is responsible for coordinating with the registrar.

o Any absences must be on file with the registration office. Calling an instructor directly is not an official cancellation and will result in no make up for that lesson.

o Tuition credit will not be given as a result of lessons missed due to suspension or dismissal.

TardinessPrivate lessons - Students who are late for a private lesson will not be guaranteed their lesson time. Faculty will wait for a student for one-third of the scheduled lesson duration; students are asked to do the same.

Group Classes - Students who are late for scheduled classes will be allowed to enter the class no later than 15mins after class time begins. After that time, it is an unexcused absence.

Dance classes - If student is more than 15 minutes late, the student will be asked to observe the class and write notes in their dance journal for review by the teacher and dance director.

PARENTAL SUPERVISION OF STUDENTSParents or guardians waiting for a child to complete class(es) at HSA may wait quietly in the café area or gathering space. Please remember to keep conversations at a minimum near studio doors as it may be disruptive to the class in session. Parents may drop their children off for classes as long as they arrive 5 prior to the end of class to pick up their child. Children under 12 years of age may not be left unattended inside the building beyond their scheduled class time. Students over the age of 12 may arrive for classes alone, but must abide by all HSA rules of conduct.


Q: How early can you start? Do you offer classes for toddlers? What about adults?

A: Group classes begin at age 2. The HSA EarlyChildhood program offers classes for children ages 2 to 4 years old. Registration is first come, first served, including classes available to adults in all four disciplines.

Q: How many weeks is a term and how long are classes?

A: All HSA classes are now for the full school year and run for 32 weeks. Classes generally last between 30 minutes to 2 hours, and students may take as many classes as they like during our school year!

Q: What do you offer for students who want to pursue art as a profession?

A: Students, ages 12-18, interested in pursuing a career in the arts would benefit from HSA Prep, which provides accelerated arts training to prepare students for a continued education in the arts.

Q: How will I know what level class my child should be taking?

A: Ages 2-6 require no assessment for classes; simply choose the class that is the right fit for your child’s age. For dance classes and private music lessons, each student will be given an assessment by the department to determine the appropriate placement level for classes.

Q: Does my child need to have his or her own instrument to take a class?

A: Yes. However, for those studnets who do not have access to an instrument, HSA can provide a list of stores that rent a variety of instruments.

Q: What do you use the ticket revenue used for? Does it support the school? A: HSA is a nonprofit that costs $3.8 million to run each year ($300K per month). We receive $1.5 million in tuition, and the remaining 60% is subsidized by generous donations, just like other nonprofits. While ticket revenue is helpful, it generally costs more to do the show than it makes.

Q: Why does HSA do performances, concerts and exhibitions?A: HSA’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and part of that enrichment is performing and presenting opportunities for young people. These are also moments for HSA to shine. These opportunities help us recruit new families, new donors and sell the school to a wider audience.

Q: Can I volunteer to help HSA?

A: Absolutely! As a nonprofit, we’re always looking for great volunteers and interns to help keep our School running at its best. If you would like to make a difference and join our network of volunteers, please call Amadea Edwards, Chief Operating Officer, at (212) 926-4100 x303 or email [email protected].

Q: ¿Hablan español?

A: HSA tiene la capacidad de traducir al español. Para otros idiomas (por ejemplo, francés, criollo haitiano, japonés, chino, etc.), necesitamos una solicitud por adelantado. Comuníquese con la oficina del registrador por el teléfono: (212) 926-4100, extensión 304.

FAQs


Alfred Preisser Artistic Director

Kalima Jackson-Wills Executive Assistant

DEVELOPMENTSteve Schaeffer Interim Director of Development

Mia Di Stefano Development Associate

FINANCEJoseph DiPietro Chief Financial Officer

Gina Lee Business Manager

Chenese Wilson Bursar/Accountant

OPERATIONS

Amadea Edwards Chief Operating Officer

Al Grant Head of Security

Zoe Hoarty Operations Associate & Studio Manager

Melvin Martin Studio Manager

REGISTRATION

Tyeesha Jones Registration Manager

Kaye McCray Registration Associate

Diasia Scott Front Desk Associate

MARKETINGByron McCray Graphic Designer & Brand Manager

PROGRAMSChristopher Keramidas Summer Camp & Educational Outreach Director [email protected]

Aubrey Lynch II Dance Program [email protected]

Alfred Preisser Theatre Program Director [email protected]

Ana Ruiz-CastilloVisual Arts Program [email protected]

Yolanda Wyns Music Program [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

CONTACT US!Harlem School of the ArtsThe Herb Alpert Center 645 St. Nicholas Ave. at 141st Street New York, NY 10030 Tel: (212) 926-4100 Fax: (212) 491-6913

By Subway or Bus A, C, B, D to 145th Street M3 to 141st Street

To Donatewww.HSAnyc.org/support-us(212) 926-4100 x310

Press [email protected](917) 370-6016

@hsanycFOLLOW US


Registration [email protected](212) 926-4100 x324

We dedicate this catalog to the memory of producer, composer, singer, musician, and educator, James Bartow (1931-2015).

CATALOG CREDITS | Produced by Harlem School of the Arts | Photography by Christine Butler, Lia Chang, Lisa Hancock,

Ruedi Hofmann, Hosea Johnson, Byron McCray, Steven Schnur, Julie Skarratt

Graphic Design & Layout by Byron McCray | Printing by PTEX Group | Special Thanks to Steven Schnur Photography

Press [email protected](917) 370-6016

HSA is a proud member of the National Guild for

Community Arts Education

HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTSTHE HERB ALPERT CENTER

645 Sa in t N icho las Avenue, New York , NY 10030 212 .926 .4100 www.HSAnyc .o rg

a future in the arts begins here

HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTSTHE HERB ALPERT CENTER

645 Sa in t N icho las Avenue, New York , NY 10030 212 .926 .4100 www.HSAnyc .o rg

a future in the arts begins here

music | dance | theatre | visual arts |...

Documents