The arts include various forms of music, fine arts and performing arts as well as crafts and artisan work. There are a lot of choices for the child interested in being an “artist”. These clubs encourage creativity and self-expression while developing skills that will last a lifetime.
Music
Music includes a variety of activities from orchestra and band to chorus and choir. Children learn to read music, play an instrument or sing. As an added bonus they are exposed to some of the great composers and learn to appreciate various musical forms.- Band: Brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments generally make up a band, whether onstage or marching.
- Orchestra: String instruments as well as brass, woodwinds and percussion compose an orchestra.
- Chorus/Choir: Sometimes singing a cappella, sometimes accompanied by instruments, chorus gives children a chance to develop their voices.
Children who love music and show an aptitude for songs and tunes would do well to join a music oriented club. Check with your child's school or with your local performing bands and orchestras for opportunities for your child to participate.
Other Performing Arts
The performing arts of dance and drama give children a chance to try on new roll and appear on stage. They learn how to express themselves within a specific context and how to make each performance their own.- Dance: In its many forms, dance is essentially movement and choreography set to music. As a performance, the music and dance combine to tell a story.
- Drama: Theater is story telling at its best.
Children love to pretend and show off. Many create performances of their own to entertain their families. Children who are in constant movement or are constantly telling animated stories could benefit from and enjoy dance or drama. Children who are shy but show an interest may come alive in these activities. Check with your child's school, local theaters and the phone book for performing arts opportunities.
Fine Arts
Painting and sculpture beautify our homes and public places and are displayed in museums around the world. Through fine arts, children learn to view the world in more detail as they seek to create that which they see or imagine.Children who experiment with color, lines, clay, paints and other artistic medium are good candidates for fine arts clubs.
Artisan Work
Projects that are artistic and serve a purpose are often classified as “artisan”. This includes pottery, jewelry, fine needlework, scrapbooking and other crafts. Children are very tactile and often have their hand busy doing something. Most children can find some form of crafts/artisan work that suits them, and what fun for them to wear or give an item they’ve made themselves.Crafts are often part of other clubs, but can also make up their own clubs. Check with your local craft/artist stores as well as at your child’s school.
Music, performing arts, fine arts and artisan work give children many ways to express themselves, develop motor skills, and interact with their world and are a good choice for many children.