National Arts in Education Week in Berkeley County

MONCKS CORNER, SC  – National Arts in Education Week begins this week, and schools in Berkeley County have planned several events to celebrate.

Berkeley County School District’s Coordinator for Fine Arts, Ryan Westberry, said, “The arts play a prominent role in our Lowcountry traditions and immeasurably add to the quality of education for our students.”

Howe Hall AIMS will host its “Family Arts Night” on Thursday, September 17, 2015, beginning at 6:45 p.m. During “Family Arts Night,” parents will have an opportunity to experience all of the art opportunities Howe Hall AIMS provides its students. Parents will participate in a music lesson, dance lesson and drama exercise.

Boulder Bluff Elementary School will unveil new artwork in the Joana Page Gallery at the school on Thursday, September 17, 2015, during Open House. Every year, two pieces of artwork from each grade level are selected to be included in the gallery. Parents will have the opportunity to view artwork created by students as they visit the school to meet teachers and other faculty and staff.

Goose Creek High School will host a “Marching Band Preview Show” onSaturday, September 19, 2015, beginning at 4:45 p.m. During the “Marching Band Preview Show,” high school marching bands from across Berkeley County will perform exhibition shows to prepare for the upcoming competition season.

Members of Hanahan High School’s chorus will present their “Coffee House Performance” on Thursday, September 24, 2015, beginning at 6:30 p.m.Students will present poems and songs as well as instrumental selections.

Arts teachers throughout the district are spending most of the month of September preparing for major events throughout the school year. Currently, preparations are being made for Berkeley County School District’s Annual Board Room Art Show where the top artists from each school will be featured in a ceremony before the October 27 Board meeting. After the show, the art will be on display in the Board Room for the entire year.

Many students throughout the district will help prepare the giant holiday art cards to be displayed at Santee Canal Park during the “Celebrate the Season” event. Other students who participate in band, orchestra and choir are preparing for major performances for Veteran’s Day programs, honor ensembles and holiday concerts.

Dance programs throughout the district are preparing for holiday programs and a workshop with the Charlotte Ballet. Finally, drama departments are preparing to participate in the South Carolina Theatre Association High School Festival, the International Thespian Society High School Festival as well as their own fall productions.

“This is an exceedingly busy time for our thriving art programs! We are grateful for our dedicated teachers and very proud of our students’ accomplishments,” Westberry added.