​​I think that it is funny that in my eighth year as the music/drama specialist at PNA, I’m finally doing a winter concert that is really connected to my passion…the BROADWAY MUSICAL! We are only two months away and the students are hard at work learning songs and choreography for their numbers. They are just as excited about this concert as I am! I have been so impressed with their effort and enthusiasm.

If you were to ask some of the students what the BIG thing about theatre they learned last year it would be MOVE WITH PURPOSE! Whether performing in a play or giving a speech, when you move and why you move can really help your words have a deeper and greater impact on your audience.  Let’s face it, if you walk onto the stage like you don’t want to be there…neither will your audience.  Command the stage and you will hold your audiences interest.
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This year, the big lesson is STRONG and SHARP!  When performing (especially in musical theatre) the simplest move can WOW an audience if it is done with energy!  Think about choreographer Bob Fosse (Cabaret, Chicago) He could make a twirl of a finger look like the most complicated move. And when twenty people are all doing the same move, at the same time it looks very impressive.

When putting together a concert or play, you can expect to rehearse five times a week for at least three to four hours each rehearsal.  Students understand that the time in music class is precious!  The past few weeks we have been busy learning lyrics, melodies and choreography.
8th grader, Debra, really likes this year’s concert theme and it’s traditional style. “The Broadway songs have a deeper meaning because the material demands more energy and effort. You really have to think about the music because it tells a story.”  Whether it’s acting in a play or performing in a dance, the performing arts are a great way to create a well-rounded education. Here are five things that music help your student:
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• HIGHER ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Students exposed to drama, music and dance are more proficient in reading, writing and math. In countries with the highest rankings in math and science, such as Japan, Hungary and the Netherlands, arts and music education form a mandatory part of the school curriculum. We are so lucky that PNA values the arts and recognized it’s importance to our students education.

• CONFIDENCE & SELF-PRESENTATION SKILLS

Performing arts are also about social interaction and cooperation. The friendships made from doing shows and concerts are fierce because they are sharing their passions!

•  A MEDIUM FOR SELF EXPRESSION

Through music and performing, students find their “happy place.” It’s like an imaginary world where you can just get lost for a little bit!

• PROBLEM SOLVING & PERSEVERANCE

Performing arts develop reasoning and creative thinking, as well as motivation, concentration and teamwork.

• EMPATHY & COMPASSION

The creativity involved in performing arts extends to emotional creativity and can open children to new ways of seeing the world.   Everyone remembers that first time in front of an audience. It’s nerve wracking!  Time and time again, I have seen PNA students show amazing support and positivity to one another.

But really when all is said and done, and the concert is over, my goal for these students is to go home that night with a sense of accomplishment.  I want them to say, I DID THAT…and SURVIVED!  And the next time they take to the stage they will be a little less nervous! It’s all about self-confidence!

I am looking forward to seeing you all on Friday December 1st at 6:00 in the gym for PNA’s Winter Concert, PNA: ON BROADWAY! You are going to LOVE your kids in this show!