3RD/4TH GRADE CLASSES
Team leader
| 1st Hour | 2nd Hour | 3rd Hour |
| Advanced Violin Group Class | Egypt: Mummies and Beyond | Discovering Africa |
| A Stitch in Time | Introduction to Spanish | Fun with Motion |
| Beginning Ballet | Introduction to Theatrical Combat | Private Guitar |
| Drama for the Young | Private Guitar | Thomas Edison and His Experiments |
| Everyone is an Artist (4th only) | | |
| Introduction to Worship Dance | | |
| Private Guitar | | |
| Theatrical Combat II (4th only) | | |
| Violin Group Class Books 1-2-Two Grenadiers | | |
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1st hour (8:55 - 9:55)
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Advanced Violin Group Class
Discipline:
Music-Instrumental
Grade Level:
Upper Elementary, MS, HS
Instructor:
Katie Buck
Tuition:
$60/$10 materials fee
Class Size:
4 to 12
Class Length:
One hour
Curriculum:
Suzuki Violin Book 2, Two Grenadiers and above and supplementary repertoire.
Homework:
Practice assigned repertoire. Two concerts outside class time.
Prerequisites:
Permission of Instructor. Must be enrolled in private lessons.
Class Description:
Violin ensemble emphasizing musicality, technique, note reading and performance skills. We will be polishing both Suzuki and non-Suzuki pieces for performance. More advanced students will have the opportunity to play on stage in the Explorers High School Musical, The Sound of Music, May 21 and 22, 2010.
Instructor Bio:
Katie Buck is a member of Explorers and has been playing the violin for over 30 years and teaching violin professionally for 15 years. She is a registered Suzuki Instructor with the SAA and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan. She also received a teaching certificate for Music Education K-12. Currently, Katie maintains a private violin studio in her home.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
A Stitch in Time
Discipline:
Stitchery
Grade Level:
4th and up (younger children with good motor skills and motivation may be able to join at the discretion of the Instructor. Adults may also participate if they wish.)
Instructor:
Stephanie Smith
Tuition:
$25.00 plus cost of materials for particular project chosen
Class Size:
1 -10
Class Length:
One semester
Curriculum:
Traditional needlecraft
Homework:
Some recommended if projects are to be completed within the semester
Prerequisites:
None
Class Description:
In this class students will work on a stitchery project of their choosing. Beginner students will learn basic stitches and be encouraged to complete simple projects that will reinforce and give practice in basic skills learned. More experienced students will be encouraged to pick a skill they have not yet mastered or to explore more complicated patterns and stitchery in a skill they are already somewhat proficient at. Stitchery skills that can be explored include crocheting and knitting with a variety of fibers (including but not limited to yarn, ribbon yarn, cotton thread), needle-point and counted-cross stitch.
Instructor Bio:
Stephanie Smith is a member of Explorers and has been a stitching enthusiast since childhood. She enjoys teaching her own children these skills and has been successful with enthusiastic boys and girls in previously offered stitchery classes at Explorers. She has been a home-schooling Mom for ten years.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Beginning Ballet
Discipline:
Dance
Grade Level:
Ages 5 through 10 (Younger with permission from instructor)
Instructor:
Darlene Morin
Tuition:
$70 plus $10 costume fee (per semester)
Class Size:
6 – 15
Class Length:
Two semesters, new students may join second semester
Curriculum:
Classical Ballet
Homework:
Minimal practice
Prerequisites:
None
Class Description:
Students will learn the beautiful art of ballet. Classes include the ballet positions, steps, and terminology of ballet, good posture, ports de bras, demi pliés, point and close, balancing & eye focus, Also the ballet walk, group dancing, creative movements, rhythm, fun exercises, centre work, and combinations. Students should wear ballet shoes, leotard & tights or cotton shorts and t-shirts, with hair up and tidy. Students will perform in the Extravaganza. Children will keep their costumes.
Instructor Bio:
Darlene Morin is an Education graduate of EMU specializing in early development education. She trained in Classical ballet at the Randazzo studio in Ann Arbor. Darlene has been a member of the Ann Arbor German Park Traditional German Dance group since the age of 10 and spent several years as their instructor of the Klinekinder group of dancers. Darlene enjoys working with prospective young ballerinas.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Drama for the Young Grade Level:
1st-6th grade
Instructor:
Shelly Smith
Tuition:
$90
Class Size:
18
Class Length:
1 semester
Homework:
none
Class Description:
Step right up, join Drama for the Young and be the STAR! Join us for a semester of fun-filled, information packed, skill building classes. Classes will focus on strengthening skills, learning and practicing new techniques and gearing up for a mid- scale production in the fall of 2009. Plan now for a showcase of talent during our last class for family and friends! No experience is necessary to join, just a desire to learn, have fun and make memories for a life time. Students will gain insight into method acting, imagination play, and improvisation. Each student will be able to participate at their own comfort level.
Instructor Bio:
Shelly began her theater career at the tender age of five, and has not stopped acting since. She has been the recipient of many theatrical awards including “Best Actress” from the Livingston County Press and Cornerstone University. Shelly has starred in such major productions as “Noises Off,” “Our Town,” and the one woman show—“Shirley Valentine.” To her writing credit are several children’s plays and short stories. Shelly holds a BA degree in theater, speech, and communication from Siena Heights University, and is a licensed teacher. In 2001, Shelly began the Mason Youth Theater, a non-profit children’s theater that provides every child with an opportunity to operate in their God-given talents and giftings. Shelly teaches from the heart with an M&M philosophy—making meaning & memories in the lives of children through theater. Shelly also believes that children learn best in their natural state of movement and that the best lessons learned by children are through play.
Shelly came to know the Lord as personal Savior at the age of four through a Child Evangelism outreach on the carnival and has been serving Him since then in any capacity to which He calls her. Shelly’s love for children and her call to empower them with God’s gift of communication is what ignites a fire within her and keeps her charging forward! Shelly and her husband Michael live in Mason and have two beautiful children and three crusty cats.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Everyone is an Artist
Discipline:
Art
Grade Level:
4th and up
Instructor:
Helen Campbell
Tuition:
$60 plus $15 materials
Class Size:
10 minimum, no maximum
Class Length:
One semester
Class Description:
Have fun with plaster, paper mache, pastels, construction and tissue paper and more. A new media will be presented each week. Color theory, positive and negative space, and perspective are just a few of the concepts that will be explored. Most important of all is discovering what an artist you really are!
Instructor Bio:
Helen Campbell has a B.A. in Art Education (K-12) from EMU. She has twenty-six years of homeschooling experience. She has taught a countless number of art classes professionally and as a volunteer for the past eleven years.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Introduction to Worship Dance Grade Level:
2nd-5th
Instructor:
Sarah Polk
Tuition:
$20 plus $10 materials
Class Size:
4-10
Class Length:
1 semester
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Students should come with an eager desire to use their talents to glorify God with dance. Students at all levels of experience are welcome since basic ballet instruction will be given in order to prepare a dance to Christian worship music (music to be decided). This will be performed at the Christmas Extravaganza.
Sarah is a Junior in High School and has been dancing for 13 years. She is currently enrolled in the Pre-Professional program at CAS Ballet Theatre School. She has danced with the Peter Sparling Youth ensemble and trained with Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, MS. She is also in the St. Luke’s worship dance troupe under Tricia Wise and has been ever since age eight. She has been home-schooled all her life and she loves it!
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Private Guitar Discipline:
music
Grade Level:
1st -12th
Instructor:
Aaron Wolf
Tuition:
$220 for 1/2 hour lesson, $396 for hour; 3 or more students $140
Class size:
Private 1/2 hour lessons, private full hour lessons OR a group class of 3-6 is possible. For the group class students need to sign up together with fellow students they have contacted and decided will work well together, SEE DESCRIPTION. Please call Julia Cooper at 734-944-9317 to discuss before sign-up if you have organized such a group for first, second, or third hour.
Class Length:
One semester
Curriculum:
Syllabus is tailored to fit the learning style, musical interest, and pace that is appropriate to each student.
Homework:
Daily practice (15-30 minutes or more)
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Individual instruction is ideal for aspiring guitarists at any level. Styles may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk... contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student. For Group Class: To sign up for this class option, students are asked to find fellow students with similar enough interests, motivation, and background. Ideally, they might even live close enough to meet sometimes during the week between classes for extra practice. The group should coordinate and sign up together for their preferred class hour. Classes may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk, or exploration of many different styles. Contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student
Instructor Bio:
Aaron graduated from EMU, 2004 with a degree in classical guitar performance. A dedicated teacher, he has been teaching for over 10 years. He has experience performing and composing both solo and in a pop/rock band but is now focused primarily on teaching. He has particular interest in the physics and psychology of music and believes in critical understanding of musical experience beyond studying only traditional styles and techniques. Aaron's teaching is aimed toward enabling students to be thoughtful, critical, creative, curious, and self-motivated.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Theatrical Combat II
Discipline:
Theater/Martial Arts
Grade Level:
4th and above
Instructor:
Christopher Barbeau
Tuition:
$70 – ($10 for wooden sword if not already purchased)
Class Size:
Minimum 6 Maximum 14
Class Length:
1 hour
Curriculum:
Hands-on w/lectures
Homework:
Some Drills
Prerequisites:
At least one Theatrical Combat I session
Class Description:
Continued studies in the techniques of Theatrical Combat: A non-competitive blend of Martial Arts, Fencing, Historical Swordplay, Dance, Music and Acting. Perfect for the youngster who needs a safe way to expend energy. Material emphasized will be falling and rolling, swordplay and introduction to basic Aikido. Format is geared to include all physical skill levels and will end in a performance.
Instructor Bio:
Maestro Christopher Barbeau is the fight choreographer in residence for the Michigan Opera Theater, the Toledo Opera, and the Michigan Classical Repertory Theater and Villiage Shakespeare Festival. He manages and directs his own troupe, the Ring of Steel Action Theatre and has 13 feature film credits and over 350 stage credits over the 34 years of his theatrical carrier. He was the national junior Epee champion in 1975 and earned a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido, a 2nd degree black belt Jiu Jitsu and holds a BGS from the University of Michigan with concentrations in English, History, Philosophy and Physics. Maestro Barbeau has appeared around the country at Renaissance Festivals, Celtic Fairs, and other live venues and has taught at the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan University and Oakland University. The Ring of Steel maintains an award winning training program with national recognition and international exposure.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Violin Group Class Books 1-Book 2—Two Grenadiers
Discipline:
Music-instrumental
Grade Level:
Elementary, MS
Instructor:
Julie Toshach
Tuition:
$42 first child/$30 all other siblings /$10 materials
Class Size:
4-12
Class Length:
1 hour
Curriculum:
Suzuki Violin Repertoire Books 1-2
Homework:
Practice —there will be two concerts scheduled outside class time
Prerequisites:
Permission of instructor/must be enrolled in private lessons
Class Description:
Group violin class emphasizing ensemble playing, music theory, reading and rhythm games. Fall semester working toward a Christmas concert; Spring semester ending with a group performance— joined by the advanced violin class. The group concerts will be outside of class time. Instructor Bio:
Julie Toshach holds a BA in Music from SUNY at Plattsburgh and is certified for Suzuki Books 1- 10 by the Suzuki Assoc. of the Americas. She has taught violin for over 25 years.
2nd hour (10:00 - 10:55)
Grade Level:
3rd/4th
Hour:
2nd
Course Title:
Egypt: Mummies and Beyond
Instructor:
Bren Jaarda and Melinda Lee
Class Fee:
$15
Homework:
none
Class Description:
Students will learn the location of Egypt and their culture and customs. They will learn about daily life including clothing, jewelry, language, homes, and how they communicated using hieroglyphics. They will also learn about mummies and pyramids. Much more including crafts relating to both anient and modern Egypt.
Grade Level:
3rd/4th
Hour:
2nd
Course Title:
Introduction to Spanish
Instructor:
Andrea Nestor
Class Fee:
$6
Homework:
Daily word practice
Class Description:
In this class, we will learn basic spanish words and phrases. We will also learn some about spanish speaking countries and cultures. The goal of the class will be to inspire a love for learning the spanish language.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Introduction to Theatrical Combat
Discipline:
Theatrical Arts
Grade Level:
3rd/4th
Instructor:
Christopher Barbeau
Tuition:
$70 + $10 for wooden sword
Class Size:
6-12
Class Length:
2 semesters
Curriculum:
Hands on with some some and tell presentation
Homework:
Some drills
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Introduction to the techniques of Theatrical Combat: A non-competitive blend of Martial Arts, Fencing, Historical Swordplay, Dance, Music and Acting. Perfect for the youngest who needs a safe way to expend energy. Material emphasized will be falling nd rolling, swordplay and introduction to the basics Aikido. Format is geared to include all physical skill levels. Instructor Bio:
Maestro Christopher Barbeau is the fight choreographer in residence for the Michigan Opera Theatre, The Toledo Opera Theatre, and the Michigan Classical Repertory Theatre and Village Shakespeare Festival. He manages and directs his own troupe, the Ring of Steel Action Theatre and has 13 feature film credits and over 350 stage credits over the 34 years of his theatrical carrier. He was the national junior Epee champion in 1975 and earned a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido, a 2nd degree black belt Jiu Jitsu and holds a BGS from the University of Michigan with concentrations in English, History, Philosophy and Physics. Maestro Barbeau has appeared around the country at Renaissance Festivals, Celtic Fairs, and other live venues and has taught at the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan and Oakland University. the Ring of Steel maintains an award winning training program with national recognition and international exposer.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:Private Guitar Discipline:
music
Grade Level:
1st -12th
Instructor:
Aaron Wolf
Tuition:
$220 for 1/2 hour lesson, $396 for hour; 3 or more students $140
Class size:
Private 1/2 hour lessons, private full hour lessons OR a group class of 3-6 is possible. For the group class students need to sign up together with fellow students they have contacted and decided will work well together, SEE DESCRIPTION. Please call Julia Cooper at 734-944-9317 to discuss before sign-up if you have organized such a group for first, second, or third hour.
Class Length:
One semester
Curriculum:
Syllabus is tailored to fit the learning style, musical interest, and pace that is appropriate to each student.
Homework:
Daily practice (15-30 minutes or more)
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Individual instruction is ideal for aspiring guitarists at any level. Styles may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk... contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student. For Group Class: To sign up for this class option, students are asked to find fellow students with similar enough interests, motivation, and background. Ideally, they might even live close enough to meet sometimes during the week between classes for extra practice. The group should coordinate and sign up together for their preferred class hour. Classes may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk, or exploration of many different styles. Contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student
Instructor Bio:
Aaron graduated from EMU, 2004 with a degree in classical guitar performance. A dedicated teacher, he has been teaching for over 10 years. He has experience performing and composing both solo and in a pop/rock band but is now focused primarily on teaching. He has particular interest in the physics and psychology of music and believes in critical understanding of musical experience beyond studying only traditional styles and techniques. Aaron's teaching is aimed toward enabling students to be thoughtful, critical, creative, curious, and self-motivated.
3rd hour (11:00 - 11:55)
Grade Level:
3rd/4th
Hour:
3rd
Course Title:
Discovering Africa
Instructor:
Michelle Blankenship and Petra Rains
Class Fee:
$15
Homework:
Research and Presentation preparation
Class Description:
Each student will have the chance to research and do a presentation on an assigned country in Africa. We will have student presentations on the even weeks, with additional teachings about the major landmarks, history, cultures, politics etc. On uneven weeks we will make traditional African crafts, read African folk-tales, and play traditional games. Michelle grew up in South Africa and enjoys sharing from what she experienced during her time on this fascinating, beautiful and diverse continent.....
Grade Level:
3rd/4th
Hour:
3rd
Course Title:
Fun and Motion
Instructor:
Karen Pennington and Susie Livingston
Class Fee:$5
Class Description:
We will be focusing on getting physical activity into everyone’s day in a fun way.
EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Private Guitar Discipline:
music
Grade Level:
1st -12th
Instructor:
Aaron Wolf
Tuition:
$220 for 1/2 hour lesson, $396 for hour; 3 or more students $140
Class size:
Private 1/2 hour lessons, private full hour lessons OR a group class of 3-6 is possible. For the group class students need to sign up together with fellow students they have contacted and decided will work well together, SEE DESCRIPTION. Please call Julia Cooper at 734-944-9317 to discuss before sign-up if you have organized such a group for first, second, or third hour.
Class Length:
One semester
Curriculum:
Syllabus is tailored to fit the learning style, musical interest, and pace that is appropriate to each student.
Homework:
Daily practice (15-30 minutes or more)
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Individual instruction is ideal for aspiring guitarists at any level. Styles may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk... contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student. For Group Class: To sign up for this class option, students are asked to find fellow students with similar enough interests, motivation, and background. Ideally, they might even live close enough to meet sometimes during the week between classes for extra practice. The group should coordinate and sign up together for their preferred class hour. Classes may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk, or exploration of many different styles. Contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student
Instructor Bio:
Aaron graduated from EMU, 2004 with a degree in classical guitar performance. A dedicated teacher, he has been teaching for over 10 years. He has experience performing and composing both solo and in a pop/rock band but is now focused primarily on teaching. He has particular interest in the physics and psychology of music and believes in critical understanding of musical experience beyond studying only traditional styles and techniques. Aaron's teaching is aimed toward enabling students to be thoughtful, critical, creative, curious, and self-motivated.
Grade Level:
3/4th
Hour:
3rd
Course Title:
Thomas Edison and His Experiments
Instructor:
Beth Hubbel
Class Fee:
$16
Homework:
none
Class Description:
Thomas Edison, known for his many innovative contributions to our society, performed amazing experiments involving electricity, sound, and magnetism. Using common objects we will consider historical information and recreate his experiments to discover unchanging truths about our natural world.