Arts in Education in Davie County

The arts are valuable in and of themselves, but there is ample research to support another benefit of the arts--they enhance academic performance. By requiring children to use all of their senses in the creation and appreciation of art, we are giving them the chance to think outside the box and express themselves in new and exciting ways. Davie County has a long history of supporting Arts in Education programs in our schools. Arts make strong accents on the learning of core subjects such as language, mathematics, science and world studies. Through arts programs sponsored by the Davie County Arts Council, we strive to engage the children in a variety of ways including participation and studying arts in different cultures.

2009-2010 PROGRAMMING

Kindergarten & First Grade
STAGEWORKS' Imagination Express 1--October--A unique group that introduces the elements needed to write stories required by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

Second Grade
BRIGHT STAR CHILDREN'S THEATRE/Aesop's Fables--March--These productions are imaginative, fun, interactive and educational. This play follows two travelling actors who create an impromptu performance of their greatest works (many of Aesop's best-known morality tales) for an audience that they happen upon.

Third Grade
CAROLINA CHAMBER SYMPHONY/Peter and the Wolf--October--This timeless musical presentation will feature this woodwind quintet and percussion with a special guest narrator. The story has been loved by children all over the world, and the music is sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by adults. The moral--you can't be a hero if you don't take risks.

Fourth Grade
EBzB's WRIGHTS OF PASSAGE--October--Originally commissioned by the North Carolina Associaton of Educators, this family drama celebrates the first 100 years of flight. Speaking in the Wright's own words and dressed in period costumes, professional actors portray the brothers with enthusiasm and vigor. "Wilbur" and "Orville" construct an abstract replica of the famous flyer while revealing their biographies and reliving the poetry of their influences, discoveries, failures, achievements and successes.

Fifth Grade
BRIGHT STAR CHILDREN'S THEATRE/Heroes of the Underground Railroad--March--This unique theatrical experience combines traditional music and drama to honor those historic Americans who developed the Underground Railroad--those Americans who dared to go against a nation in order to stand up for what they knew was right.

All Grades
PETER DRISCOLL/Artist Residencies--TBA--Peter Driscoll will visit each school and share his talent in doing Scrimshaw artwork. While demonstrating the techniques, he will give the students information about the rich history of Scrimshaw art which dates back, not just years, but centuries. From the artist: "Scrimshaw is the art of engraving on ivory. My art is created in the traditional manner of the whalers. It is done completely by hand, without the use of power tools or machinery, and only on various forms of antique or fossilized ivory, legally purchased."