
DATE: Thursday, August 28, 1997             TAG: 9708260193

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 15   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   75 lines

ARTS ADD IMPORTANT DIMENSION

There is more to school than reading, writing and 'rithmetic. Try reeds, red paints and recitals.

Educators are quick to urge parents to push students in academics as well as the arts. Not only will art, music and drama activities expose students to different cultures and develop interests beyond the classroom, studies have shown that students who take music classes, for example, do better in other classes.

``There is a correlation between music and study skills,'' said Michael Hodgis, Norfolk's senior coordinator for music education.

``When studying the violin, logical thinking takes place, which finger goes where, I must move the bow here to do this . . . I don't think it's an accident that Albert Einstein was a violinist.''

The district has many offerings, during school and after school, in the areas of music, theater and art.

All of the schools teach music, from general music classes in pre-kindergarten to the high-school ``Strolling Strings'' ensemble, which has earned acclaim during two European tours.

Elementary students study the basics, such as songs and instruments such as tambourines. Students are introduced to wind instruments in the fourth grade with song flutes. Elementary schools have fifth-grade chorus and strings programs, with some schools having specialized groups such as girls and boys chorus.

In the elementary strings program, students have a choice of studying violin, viola, cello or bass.

Strings and choral groups are offered in middle schools as well as band and lessons in harp.

High schools have a variety of musical possibilities - different types of orchestras and bands, such as marching, pep and concert bands. There are groups for more advanced students, such as the all-city jazz ensemble and the Strolling Strings, and students must audition for both programs.

High school students interested in music education careers can enroll in the Music Education Leadership Training program and be mentored by a music teacher. Students can also take music theory, music appreciation and advanced placement music course classes.

Norfolk has several partnerships with local music organizations, such as the Virginia Symphony, the Virginia Opera, Young Audiences and the Atlantic Fleet Navy band, which perform at the schools and offer tutoring to music students.

With drama, some elementary and middle schools have after-school enrichment programs. Parents should check with their child's school to see what might be available.

All high school students can audition for the Norfolk Public Schools Theatre program where students can take half-day classes at Lake Taylor High School and study various courses including voice, acting, theater history and directing.

Students must apply and audition for the program, and maintain a C average. Contact Maryanne Arena at 441-5656 for more information.

Art classes are offered throughout the curriculum, with drawing, painting, sculpture and graphics lessons being taught in elementary school and exploratory art classes, which include painting and ceramics, in middle schools. Some middle schools offer photography.

Photography classes are expanded in the high schools and students can also study art through drawing, painting, crafts, sculpture classes, advanced art history and studio art courses. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

FEES FOR MUSIC, ART

Fourth-grade song flute. $1.25.

Elementary and secondary school rental for certain string and

band instruments: $25 per school year.

String students are responsible for supplies, such as

instrumental music, reeds, method books, string oils.

Senior high school art fees: $8 per semester for each art course

taken. For students taking three art courses a semester, the fee is

$6.