VAPA Newsletter

The 605 All-Star Band has been tirelessly practicing in preparation for the ultimate "Best Day Ever"—marching in the 136th Rose Parade on New Year's Day! On December 1st, they practiced with a four-mile route from Bellflower to Lakewood. With less than three weeks remaining, they are more than ready to make history as one of the largest bands ever to participate in the Tournament of Roses!

On Wednesday, November 20th, NHS Art students had the opportunity to visit Cal State Dominguez Hills for an inspiring gallery tour of their PST exhibit, Brackish Water. They were warmly hosted by Norwalk High School alumni, who generously offered valuable college advice and shared their experiences thus far at CSUDH. Mr. Vega and Mr. Hess took pride in learning alongside their current students and former NHS students, with support from Professors Tsuno and Santana. This collaborative experience created a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, making for a truly memorable and enriching trip!

Benton photography students swept the competition in the Student Category at the annual Arts Colony of La Mirada's Mirrors of Your Mind show, earning every ribbon available—including 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and Honorable Mention!

This incredible achievement was made possible under the guidance of Mrs. Victoria Pflanzer, Vice President of the La Mirada Arts Colony, who proudly brings student work to this prestigious competition each year. The talented students were honored with their ribbons by La Mirada Mayor Lewis, making the moment even more memorable. Curious about the La Mirada Arts Colony? Explore the VAPA resources section below to learn more!

Photo Credit: Benton Student Hana Kim

Art teachers Amy Sheedy and Amanda Perez led students from the Alternative Education and Distance Learning programs on an inspiring field trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Los Angeles. El Camino and Independent Art students also enjoyed a scenic journey up the Angel City Flight to the Grand Central Market, where they marveled at Alexander Calder's iconic sculptures. Along the way, students were treated to breathtaking views of the city, including the stunning Trompe L’oeil artwork adorning nearby buildings, making the trip a perfect blend of education, art, and urban exploration.

Photo: The MOCA Grand building has an interesting history itself, as A former police car warehouse in L.A.'s Little Tokyo Historic District, it was renovated by the noted California architect Frank Gehry. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA has 40,000 square feet of contemporary art exhibition space.

On December 5th, La Mirada High School art students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of contemporary art during a field trip to the Hilbert Museum of California Art. Led by Ms. Alicia Rolon and Sylvana Calhorrano, the students were guided through the museum's exhibitions, which showcase a rich collection of California-based art spanning several decades.

The trip allowed students to experience firsthand the diverse artistic styles and movements that have shaped California’s cultural landscape. The Hilbert Museum, known for its focus on both historic and contemporary works, provided an inspiring environment for students to engage with art in a meaningful way.

Corvallis musicians from the Wind Ensemble, Advanced Orchestra, and Advanced Band gave an impressive performance at the Corvallis Showcase for incoming students. Future Bulldogs explored the event with eager anticipation, asking questions and showing great interest in the music programs. Well done, Bulldogs, for making a lasting impression!

Los Alisos musicians brought energy and excitement to the 2024-25 Los Alisos Middle School Showcase, delighting attendees with their performance. Under the lively guidance of Geena Biondi, the musicians added a playful twist by performing a school-friendly rendition of "Tequila," humorously renamed "Capri Sun," much to the audience's amusement.

The Benton Art Gallery came alive with creativity as Benton artists proudly showcased their work. Members of the National Junior Art Honor Society enthusiastically guided prospective students and their parents through the vibrant art studios, state-of-the-art labs, and the inspiring gallery, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of Benton’s art program.

In November, Benton Middle School proudly presented Silver’s Secret, directed by Drama Teacher Jennifer Nitschke. The play told the story of the infamous pirate Long John Silver, who, on his deathbed, summons his sons Redbeard and Blackbeard, along with his daughter, No Beard. A big thank you to everyone who came out to support and cheer on the talented thespians of Benton Middle School!

• 12/8 605 Marching Band Southgate Christmas Parade

  • 1:00 PM South Gate

  12/11 Benton MS Beginning Music Winter Concert

  • 5:00 - 7:00 PM Benton Quad and MPR

  12/11 Benton MS Art Exhibit (Hosted by NJAHS)

  • Benton Art Gallery 4:15 - 5:00
  12/17 Corvallis MS Winter Instrumental Concert
  
  • 6:00- 8:30 PM Corvallis MPR
  • 6:00 Advanced Orchestra, Beginning Strings and Jazz Band
  • 7:30pm Wind Ensemble, Advanced Band, Beginning Band

  12/11 Hutchinson MS Winter Concert Instrumental

  • 7:00 - 8:00 PM Excelsior

  12/11 Los Alisos MS Winter Concert

  • 5:30 - 7:30 PM Los Alisos MPR

  • 5:30-6:15 String Orchestra, Beginning Bands

  • 6:30-7:30 Guitar Ensemble, Intermediate Band, Advanced Band

  12/12 La Mirada HS Winter Concert

  • Band and Orchestra
  • 6:30 - 8:30 PM La Mirada High School Gym

  12/12 Norwalk HS Winter Spectacular Concert

  • Choir and Band
  • 6:30 - 9:00 PM Excelsior

  12/13 Norwalk HS Winter Concert

  • 6:30 - 9:00 PM Excelsior

  12/16 & 12/17 Benton MS A Christmas Carol Play

  • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Benton MPR

  12/19 John Glenn Instrumental Music Concert

  • 7:00 - 9:00 PM JGHS MPR
  • 1/1 605 BAND PERFORMS at the ROSE PARADE!

Contemporary Glass Artist Dale Chihuly has transformed the art world with groundbreaking techniques that allow molten glass to shape itself organically, utilizing gravity and centrifugal force.

It might come as a great surprise when this artist of color and light shares that he has a disability that includes blindness in one of his eyes. His work, defined by asymmetry and irregularity, reflects his belief in the beauty of imperfection and the natural world’s unpredictability. After a 1976 car accident left him blind in one eye, Chihuly’s resilience and passion for art led him to relearn glassblowing just six months later, adapting by using his drawing skills to guide his team.

His accident became a pivotal moment in his career, inspiring him to create his iconic chandeliers and other works that explore light’s interaction with glass. Despite challenges like depression, Chihuly has continued to push through, working tirelessly during moments of inspiration to create awe-inspiring art.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3rd, aims to promote the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities worldwide. It serves as a reminder to raise awareness about the challenges they face and to celebrate their contributions to society. The day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action toward creating an inclusive world where people of all abilities can participate fully and equally.

This resource focuses on how to make your curriculum inclusive by showcasing a diverse representation of artists and art in your classrooms.

Inclusivity Resources https://teachwithgive.org/resource/inclusive-curriculum-showcasing-artists-with-disabilities/

The Arts Colony of La Mirada is a non-profit 501c3 community art organization that was established in 1963. ACOLM holds monthly meetings that include art demonstrations which are free and open to the public. Meetings are usually held on the first Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the La Mirada Resource Center. Membership is not required to attend meetings or enter open shows.

Goals:

• Raise awareness and interest for visual arts in La Mirada
• Encourage artists of all ages and skill levels
• Host live art demonstrations free of charge and open to the public
• Provide art education for the community and our members
• Provide opportunities for local artists to exhibit art for public enjoyment
• Provide scholarships to La Mirada High School Seniors

You can find Arts Colony of La Mirada on their Facebook Page (photo)

Do you follow CREATE California? Create California is a great resource for finding funding sources outside of the district for field trips and professional development. CC also features lesson plans to help develop future leaders in the arts. Students can explore the intersection between civic engagement and the arts. They can learn about creative expression in visual arts, music, and performance as a stage for social change.

Help us shine a light on the talented VAPA teachers and their students across NLMUSD. The link to report events for the VAPA master calendar, monthly newsletter, and VAPA Instagram account is above. Don't forget to follow VAPA on Instagram @nlmarts. 🎭 🎨 🎶🥁💃

Please contact us for VAPA support! You can book us through Calendly links provided via email.

VAPA Hours: Mondays, alternate Wednesdays & Thursdays

Phone: Extension 102263

Jennifer Hodge (Visual)

jhodge@nlmusd.k12.ca.us

Jennifer Nitschke (Performing)

jnitschke@nlmusd.k12.ca.us