Session Five at LCS

This session we are lucky to be hosting three amazing workshops! Susan Mahony is teaching beginning violin to her small and focused group of two, on both Mondays and Wednesdays. John Amory is teaching Improv to two different groups of students, the younger group meeting on Monday and the older group on Wednesday. Lastly, Elliot Cluba is continuing to teach two groups of Tae Kwon Do on Tuesdays.

In Susan's Beginner Violin workshop, students start by learning the basics with “box violins” before being introduced to a real violin. Using a box violin helps to be able to see and learn the different parts of the violin, without the distraction of the noise of an actual violin. Students also practice body awareness by learning the proper stance to have while playing the violin, where to touch and how to hold the violin and bow, how to take a proper bow, and even how to march while playing! Susan's many years of teaching comes through with the various games and activities she uses to engage and teach her students. The small size of the class, paired with the focus of the students, has allowed the group to move forward quickly!

 As this is John's third workshop at LCS, the students have gotten to know and love him, which is evident by their shared excitement upon his arrival! Since there was so much interest in last sessions Improv workshop, we decided to offer two groups this session, based on age. Students start with determining what Improv is, and some basic rules of Improv. The workshop offers an outlet for the students' active imaginations, as well as a venue for working on communication skills, including speaking in front of a group and listening to peers. Students take turns being in scenes and in the audience, as well as offering ideas for the scenes and characters.

Tae Kwon Do continues to meet on Tuesday's, with a core group of commited students who have been participating throughout the year, and will continue on through early June. Students have shown both physical growth, as well as growth in other areas such as listening skills and self-control. Students were invited to attend a gathering with other students from across the state.  All participants were recognized and received medals for their efforts, which helped to boost self-esteem and confidence. The year-long commitment that students have made to their practice of Tae Kwon Do is commendable!

As this is the last session of the year, we would like to thank all of the teachers and students who have participated, making the program a success, as well as the teachers and staff who volunteered their classroom space. We are looking forward to continuing the program next year, and are always open to ideas for workshops!   Thank you!