WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Field days are a tradition at many schools, but Saluda River Academy for the Arts has created a new spin on it, in keeping with its arts magnet mission.
Earlier this month the school held Day of the Arts, an arts-focused "field day," with students spending the entire school day immersed in seeing how the arts standards and concepts they are learning about in the classroom apply to careers and the arts outside of school.
Day of the Arts is in its second year, growing this year to 12 visiting artists and two staff members, who offered workshops and hands-on sessions and experiences. Of the 12 visiting instructors, a number were parents of current students, two were associated with the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, and another has supported Saluda River through the literacy and theatre program, SPARK! Also represented among the visiting artists was a previous theatre intern, a musical theatre instructor, youth director at Town Theatre, video and film production company owners, and a previous elementary and theatre teacher.
Saluda River Assistant Principal Jillian Stroud, who helped coordinate the programming, said the idea came from artists-in-residence programs that the school hosted, in which grade levels worked in one arts area for the week. A shift in grant funding led to Saluda River administrators and the fine arts team brainstorming a new experience for students.
Stroud said the new approach allows students to explore connections between the arts.
“Since the fine arts are interconnected, students could apply musical knowledge during a dance workshop or arts concepts through a theatre masterclass. Our fifth grade students participated in a musical theatre class which helps build skills for their upcoming show, The Lion King KIDS,” Stroud said. “The elements of art were woven through the use of watercolors, oil pastels, jewelry making, and clay sculptures. Students applied their acting knowledge through improv and Shakespeare monologues. Even design standards were addressed through challenges and problems presented to students.”
The event has proven so successful that the school is already looking to programming for next year, Stroud said.
“Watching students shine in different ways and with unique talents has been most enjoyable,” she said. “Traditional schools highlight academics, but with the Day of the Arts, we were able to see students who might not normally be in the spotlight excel and highlight their strengths! Seeing their pride, confidence, and JOY during these sessions was magical.”