Don’t tell me, show me.
That was the idea behind “Arts Day for All” at Natomas High School today, May 7, a nearly four-hour event in which 7th graders moved from class to class for an introduction to visual arts, performing arts and career tech courses they can take when they reach high school.
Visiting students, from adjoining Natomas Gateways Middle School, spent about 25 minutes each in art, drama, ceramics, digital photography, drum corps and auto tech classes offered at Natomas High. Nearly 160 students participated.
“In middle school, we don’t have these yet, so if we ever get to take them it will be fun,” said Kendra, 13, who gave the event thumbs up.
Added Bonita, 13: “I can see what these (classes) are about – and they’re interesting.” She was particularly impressed with digital photography. It was creative, she said, and she enjoyed learning different ways of taking photos for maximum effect.
Donovan, 13, said he was looking forward to trying to design a three-dimensional playground using computer software. “It’s something I’ve never done before,” he said.
In drum corps class, 7th graders chose hand-held drums, maracas, claves and other percussion instruments and tried to echo the rhythms laid down by Floyd Kennedy, leader of the Natomas High Drum Corps.
In drama class, some of the visiting students dressed in props -- such as a Pooh costume, blonde wig or grass skirt -- to perform impromptu skits in front of classmates.
In ceramics, the middle schoolers took turns molding clay into pinch pots.
Principal Marnie Lynch said her middle school students don’t ordinarily spend time at the adjoining high school, so Arts Day was a good way to strengthen ties between the two campuses while giving 7th graders a taste of their options in years to come
“I think it’s a fantastic idea to introduce these 7th graders to the campus in a fun way,” she said.
