Posted Wednesday November 19 2014 at 10:51 pm
in Education
Description: Successful inclusion in secondary performing ensembles like choirs and bands is possible! Inclusion in ensemble settings may also present a number of challenges for individuals with disabilities because of teaching and performance traditions. The goal of this session will be to share some strategies that have been effective in providing meaningful opportunities for students with disabilities in secondary ensembles. We will also share video and audio examples, along with personal stories that will highlight and emphasize best practices within a Universal Design for Learning framework.
Takeaways: Participants who attend this session will take away many practical strategies that can be used right away in their ensembles. Main concepts include developing positive student roles, planning for instruction, using tools and technology to create better learning and performing opportunities, and strategies for communicating with school, home, and community partners.
Intended Audience: Teachers in secondary music education settings as well as secondary administrators who wish to see more students with disabilities participating in performing ensembles in their schools. Many of these strategies will also be useful for educators in secondary theatre and art programs, secondary administrators, teaching artists, artists-in-residence, community or church-based choral music professionals, and post-secondary educators in music education.
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Posted Tuesday November 18 2014 at 9:12 pm
in News
You may have noticed we recently changed our website logo. That's because effective November 1, 2014 VSA Massachusetts became the tenth affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation.
Seven Hills has a 60-year history of caring for people who have the ability to thrive when given the support, respect and dignity that all human beings deserve. With over 160 locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and seven countries abroad, Seven Hills is the premier provider of comprehensive supports for people with significant life challenges.
Seven Hills President and CEO, Dr. David Jordan, said "VSA Massachusetts is becoming an important part of our Integrated Health and Human Services Network. This newest affiliation is unique in its ability to transcend all of our various areas of supports and services, and help all people access their communities."
Charles Washburn, formerly VSA Mass. Executive Director now serving as Seven Hills Vice President of VSA, noted "VSA Massachusetts has found a great deal of common ground with Seven Hills Foundation in recent years. We are excited by this affiliation and a singular opportunity to engage more people of all abilities in the arts, confront myths about ability, and help build a more inclusive community."
Please join us December 11, 2014 at noon for our All Access Pass tour in the Open Door Gallery to learn more about our work towards educational and cultural inclusion followed by a reception in celebration of our affiliation with Seven Hills Foundation. To reserve a spot and request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, contact Charlie Washburn at 617-350-7713 x102 or cjwashburn@vsamass.org.
Posted Monday November 17 2014 at 10:12 pm
in Call For Artists
The beauty and brutality of football seduce Mike to stray from the path his father had mapped out for him, but when a standard play goes catastrophically wrong, Mike has to tackle the past and make peace with the man he dreamed he would be. Played in four quarters with a half-time show, dance company, and a drumline. COLOSSAL's explosive theatrical storytelling and full-contact physicality carries this not-to-be-missed summer event all the way to the end zone.
More info about the production can be found at Company One Theatre's website.
Company One Theatre is committed to having this role played by an actor and/or athlete with a disability similar to the character of Mike. It is necessary that potential candidates have a very developed upper body like that of an athlete and be able to use a manual wheelchair.
Mike is about 22 years old, any race. The level of paralysis will be adjusted, depending on the actor/athlete. Before the accident, Mike was a dancer, a football player, and an extraordinary physical presence. He is passionate, loyal, and stubborn. Experience with theatrical performance is great, but not necessary.
There will be a one-week workshop during the week of March 23, 2015. Rehearsals will begin on May 31, 2015. Colossal will run from July 17-August 16, 2015 at the Roberts Studio Theatre in the Calderwood Pavilion. The theatre is fully accessible and other specific accommodations will be provided, if necessary.
For more information, questions, or to get a copy of the play, contact Josh Glenn-Kayden at auditions@companyone.org.
