Brockington Arts Programs and Curricular Connections
Research tells us that music and the arts are good for the brain, encourage engaged learners, and promote attendance in school. Research also shows that children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills than peers who do not participate in music. Brockington Elementary School will implement arts-infused practices and innovative scheduling designed to engage students in active learning while increasing academic achievement. A summary of programs is listed below. Each vibrant arts program has been designed to reinforce key objectives in ELA, mathematics, and or STEM.
Brockington Arts Programs and Curricular Connections
1. Brockington Beats Recording Studio
The recording studio will enable Brockington students to create and record hip-hop, rap, and rock songs which will serve as vehicles for expanding student experiences with vocabulary, creative writing, and self expression, and for reinforcing learning such as math facts and multiplication tables. The studio will also be equipped with various African and Latin percussion instruments and cross-curricular units will be designed to use rhythm instruction as a vehicle for reinforcing concepts in mathematics (e.g. fractions) and other core content areas. Guest clinicians from SC Arts Commission’s directory of Teaching Artists will make appearances at the studio to work on special recording projects with students.
2.Video Studio / “BNN” Brockington News Network
A news studio that will allow Brockington students to write, record, edit, and broadcast a morning news show. Studio will be equipped with cameras, an iMac for editing, a green screen wall, field DSLR cameras for photography and videography, a small news desk, and an editing station. Curricular connections: ELA, technology
3.Art Studio & Pottery/Kiln Room
In the Brockington Art Studio, all students will get hands-on experience painting, drawing, sculpting, and making pottery. Canvasses, easels, paints, brushes and all other materials will always be provided. Artworks will be sent home for families to enjoy and or be displayed in local businesses and regional art shows. Students will also engineer and design sculptures using computer-aided design (CAD) programs which reinforce math and technology skills. Pottery and ceramics projects will be painted and fired in the school’s kiln. Pieces can be brought home for family use, and will be shown in school and state art shows.
4.Elementary Music & Chorus Room
A beautiful and exciting place for making and learning about different types of music from across the U.S. and the world. Room will be equipped with a wide variety of classroom instruments and technology for students to experiment with. Brockington chorus students will perform regular concerts for the community and will be able to participate in the All-City concerts and field trips (e.g. the annual 4th grade trip to the Florence Symphony at the FMU PAC). Cross-curricular units will be designed to use music instruction as a vehicle for reinforcing concepts in mathematics and other core content areas.
5.Digital Arts & Creative Writing Lab
Art and design studio equipped with iMacs, 3D printers, cameras and color printers, and WACOM digital drawing screens. Principles of digital art, design, and animation are taught including image creation, character development, and story conception through artistic production. Students will design and produce advertisements, graphic literature (novels, manga,) and creatively use technology to learn and reinforce ELA concepts. Visual arts and ELA classes at Brockington will collaborate to produce the Brockington Create Arts Magazine. This annual publication will be a full-color, professionally produced magazine featuring the creative writing, poetry, and art work of Brockington students. Copies will be provided to all families and placed in local businesses. The creative writing program will focus on instilling compassion and contemplation in a setting which encourages students to become confident and creative writers.
6.B-“Rock”ington Band Room
Students in 4th and 5th grade will be able to join the band at Brockington. Students will have no-cost access to brand new instruments and rehearsals will be held in a professionally-equipped rehearsal room with secure instrument storage and technology for recording and critiquing performances and progress. Brockington music students will perform regular concerts for the community and will be able to participate in the All-City concerts and regular field trips. Cross-curricular units will be designed to use music instruction as a vehicle for reinforcing concepts in mathematics and other core content areas.
7.Orchestra, Guitar, & Piano Room
All students will be able to learn how to play the violin, guitar, and or piano at Brockington. Students will have no-cost access to brand new instruments and rehearsals will be held in a professionally-equipped rehearsal room with secure instrument storage and technology for recording and critiquing performances and progress. Brockington music students will perform regular concerts for the community and will be able to participate in the All-City concerts and regular field trips. Cross-curricular units will be designed to use music instruction as a vehicle for reinforcing concepts in mathematics and other core content areas.
8.Dance Studio
In the dance classes at Brockington, creative movement will align with cross-curricular units in the core content areas. Students will learn jazz, ballet, tap, and modern dance and prepare performances for the school and surrounding community. The dance studio will be a beautiful space with mirrored walls, professional dance flooring, ballet barres, musical instruments, and a high quality sound system.
9.Gymnatorium Stage
The sound system of the Brockington stage will receive essential technology updates to prepare the space for community concerts and presentations including new speakers and microphones. Repairs will also be made to damaged doors and locks to secure technology. Chairs will also be purchased so families can sit in front of the stage rather than off to the side in gym bleachers.
10.Arts Storage Room
Secure storage for chair/music stand racks, sound equipment, choral risers, equipment dollies, arts supplies, etc.
11.Extracurricular and Community Events
Brockington students will have regular opportunities to attend cultural events, enjoy diverse guest artists, and participate in trips to ArtFields, museums, and varied performance venues. Students will attend events such as Florence Symphony, the Florence Little Theater, Masterworks Children’s Choir, Florence County Museum, etc.. Brockington will also host art shows and performances throughout the year. Expect to see student artworks in local businesses and featured in local media.
