FEATURED CLASSES AND CAMPS

Afro-Modern Fusion for K-5th grade
Taught by Michelledana Shafran with live accompaniment by Bryan Kopchak
Class dates: Wednesdays, 4:30pm-5:15pm, September 20 to January 24 (no class 11/22, 12/27 or 1/3)
Dress Rehearsal: Friday, January 26 (time TBA)
Performance: Saturday, January 27 (time TBA)
REGISTER HERE

West African, modern, and creative dance infused movement class accompanied by LIVE drums for kids! Do your kids have an endless supply of energy that needs releasing? Do they love jumping, twirling, twisting and whirling? Then this is the perfect class for them! Together, we'll explore West African rhythms and movements while we physically navigate our feelings through creative and imaginative self-expression.

Studio Art: Foundational Skills for 3rd-5th grade 
Taught by Kathy Moss
Class dates: Mondays, 4pm-5:30pm, September 25 to December 4 (no class 10/9)
REGISTER HERE

This foundation class for students in grades 3-5 familiarizes young artists with the language and concepts of two-dimensional art forms at an introductory level. This is accomplished through the exploration of materials combined with exposure to master works (from reproductions in books) and experiences with different genres (still life, life drawing, collages). The students will learn observational drawing techniques while experimenting with materials such as pencil, charcoal, ink and ink wash, and watercolor, and concepts such as positive and negative space, additive and subtractive mark making and color mixing, while acquiring skills of seeing and drawing gesture, proportion, scale, weight, volume, and considering composition, subject, narrative. The students are encouraged to challenge themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

Rompatom Prep for K-2nd grade
Taught by Gina Samardge
Session dates: Mondays, 5pm-6pm, September 25 to December 18
REGISTER HERE

The next step in music and movement education at Compass Arts, Rompatom Prep continues to build upon the foundational skills developed in Musical Chefs and prepare students for the Rompatom Ensemble. Over the course of the session, students will learn to read basic rhythms; play in ensemble on percussive instruments like xylophones, drums and small percussion; experience versatility with their voices and bodies through singing, drama, and movement; improvise and create songs, melodies, movements, rhythms, and rhymes. This holistic approach to learning music based in pedagogies such as Orff-Schulwerk, Kodaly, and Dalcroze immerses students in the process of active music making, allowing them to embody musical concepts and thoroughly have a good time.

Studio Art: Drawing into Painting for 6th-12th grade 
Taught by Kathy Moss
Class dates: Mondays, 6pm-8pm, September 25 to December 4 (no class 10/9)
REGISTER HERE

This class is open to all students in grades 6-12 who want to draw and paint from observation and is appropriate for all levels of experience. Learn observational drawing techniques while exploring materials such as pencil, charcoal, ink and ink wash, watercolor and oil painting, concepts such as positive and negative space, additive and subtractive mark making, and the picture plane. Students will be introduced to the works of old and new master artists through reproductions while acquiring skills of seeing and drawing gesture, proportion, scale, weight, volume, and considering subject and narrative. Students will learn and hone their skills in color mixing, value, and composition related decision making. All aspects of making a compelling picture will be discussed - shape, size, format, surface, in addition to having fun!

Creative Movement Fusion for little ones 0-4 years old with a caregiver
Taught by Michelledana Shafran
Class dates: Tuesdays, 10am-10:45am, September 26 to December 5 (no class 11/7)
REGISTER HERE

When you hear music playing, how do you like to move? Do you wave your arms wildly? Or maybe you like to tap your foot and clap your hands while sitting? Would you rather dance alone or with a friend? Music doesn't only make you want to move but it also helps you feel: sometimes happy, sometimes sad, and maybe sometimes it even makes you feel like laughing! However you enjoy music and movement, we'd love to boogie with you here at Compass Arts in one of our newest classes: CREATIVE MOVEMENT FUSION! This class is specifically designed for little ones and their caregivers. Together we'll explore how we connect physically and emotionally through creative expression through the fusion of movement and different styles of music. BRING your dancing FEET and join us!

Rompatom Ensemble for 3rd-8th grade
Taught by Gina Samardge and Justin Keller
Semester dates: Tuesdays, 5pm-6:30pm, September 26 to January 30 (no class 10/31, 12/26, or 1/2)
Dress Rehearsal: Friday, January 26 (there may be one additional rehearsal this same week)
Performance: Saturday, January 27 (time TBA)
REGISTER HERE

A vocal, instrumental, and creative ensemble for students in 3rd-8th grade, Rompatom ensemble includes singing, movement, theatrical elements, and instrumental play + improvisation on xylophones, recorders, and drums. Students who play another instrument may have an opportunity to incorporate it into some pieces in the ensemble as well. Over the course of the 16-week semester, students will prepare an eclectic mix of material, including a wide range of traditional world music-influenced pieces, classical, rock/pop, and musical theater...

Cartooning I for K-2nd grade
Taught by Ed Murr
Class dates: Thursdays, 4pm-4:45pm, September 28 to December 7
REGISTER HERE

Learn the basics of drawing cartoon characters! Using shapes as a foundation, students will experiment with creating their own characters for comics. Attention to beginning technique will be given while fostering students' creativity and character ideas!

If you have questions about the class curriculum, please contact Ed directly at ed@edmurr.com.

Imagination Playhouse I: Folk Theater Ensemble for K-2nd
Taught by Gina Samardge
Semester dates: Thursdays, 4pm-5pm, September 28 to February 1 (no class 11/23, 12/28 or 1/4)
Dress Rehearsal: Friday, January 26 (there may be one additional rehearsal this same week)
Performance: Saturday, January 27 (time TBA)
REGISTER HERE

A wonderful introduction to the world of theater combined with music, movement, and storytelling, Imagination Playhouse: Folk Theater Ensemble I and II nurtures the vast, creative minds of children. Through the use of improvisation and theater games, creative play, singing, instruments, and movement, students will bring folk tales, fairy tales, and other stories to life. In the spirit of the oral tradition of storytelling, each child has the opportunity to help make the story their own: creating their own character within the story; designing...

Cartooning II for 3rd-5th grade
Taught by Ed Murr
Class dates: Thursdays, 5pm-6:15pm, September 28 to December 7
REGISTER HERE

For both returning and new students! Explore the fundamental process of character creation using shape construction to develop the form of the character, while considering the personality of the character and how it informs the shape. Students will turn these characters into a cartoon drawing with a world created entirely by them. A full character has a world in which they live and students will explore perspective as a tool to build their character's individual world. From there they will introduce these characters into a story of their own creation as they explore the language of comics and sequential storytelling...

Imagination Playhouse II: Folk Theater Ensemble for 3rd-5th grade
Taught by Gina Samardge
Semester dates: Thursdays, 5:15pm-6:15pm, September 28 to February 1 (no class 11/23, 12/28 or 1/4)
Dress Rehearsal: Friday, January 26 (there may be one additional rehearsal this same week)
Performance: Saturday, January 27 (time TBA)
REGISTER HERE

A wonderful continuation through the world of theater combined with music, movement, writing, and storytelling, Imagination Playhouse Folk Theater Ensemble II nurtures the creative minds of children while teaching them theater terminology, character development, and aspects of writing plot and story. Through the use of improvisation and theater games, singing, instruments, and movement, students will bring folk tales, fairy tales, and other beautiful stories to life. In the spirit of the oral tradition of storytelling, each child has the opportunity to help...

Rumberitos for little ones 0-4 years old with a caregiver
Taught by Lisa Marie Martinez
Class dates: Fridays, 10am-10:45am, September 29 to December 15 (no class 11/10 or 11/24)
REGISTER HERE

¡Vamos a bailar y cantar juntos! Come explore the world of Spanish through music and play. This music, movement and play series will give parents the vocabulary and tools to incorporate Spanish into their child’s daily activities. Little ones 0-4 years and a caregiver will stretch, dance, cuddle, sing, explore, and play with familiar children’s songs, music and rhythms from Latin America. ¡Así aprenderemos español!

¡Garabatitos! Spanish Exploration Class for 3-5 year olds
Taught by Lisa Marie Martinez
Class dates: Fridays, 1pm-2:30pm, September 29 to December 15 (no class 11/10 or 11/24)
REGISTER HERE

¡GARABATITOS! Spanish for children 3-5 years old is a play-based class where children will explore their everyday lives and environment through play and imagination. They will sing, dance, move, tell stories, craft, and even cook together. Garabatitos was born through the belief that through “doing” together - creating, playing, inventing, imagining- we learn Spanish and spark joy, interest, and familiarity with language and cultures. With this in mind we take a developmental approach to build a love and appreciation not only for Spanish but also a cultural understanding.

Rig-ama-jig Builders' Club for K-5th grade
Taught by Compass Arts Staff
Class dates: Fridays, 4pm-5:30pm, October 13, 27, November 17, December 8
REGISTER HERE

Rigamajig is a building kit conceived for hands-on free play and learning. It's a collection of wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, nuts, bolts, and rope designed to engage the inquisitive mind and creative spirit of children. Through play, they think three dimensionally, create physically, and work collaboratively. Building with this simple set of parts helps children combine imagination with cognitive thinking & invention, embrace process over outcome, and empowers them to be makers of their own world. During the builders' club, the adult "teachers" will present creative play prompts and questions to inspire students in their creations and facilitate problem solving but not guide students to any particular end. This is experiential and all about the child's creative process! Check it out at Rigamajig.com...

Musical Chefs for 3-5 year olds - not just music!
Taught by Gina Samardge
Session dates: Mondays, 4pm-4:45pm, October 16 to December 18
REGISTER HERE

Come on an adventure! Singing, theater games, tales and stories, props, creative movement, and instrument playing all instill musical and theatrical concepts on a physical level while tapping into the budding imaginations of the young child. Students will begin to lay foundational skills in music and theater in an engaging and supportive environment.

Musical Chefs is is a drop-off class for 3-5 year olds. However, parents and caregivers are welcome to join and may be asked to remain in the classroom in order to help with the transition process for the younger children, especially if they are still learning to follow directions. If you have any questions regarding this transition and the best option for your child, please contact Gina at Gina@CompassArts.org.

Women's Choir
Directed by Gina Samardge
Class dates: Mondays, 7:30-9pm, October 16 to January 15 (no class 12/25 or 1/1)
Performance the weekend of January 19-21 (exact day/time TBD)
REGISTER HERE

The Women's Choir was conceived out of a combination of a Women's Singing Circle led by Kim Chase and Gina Samardge, and an impromptu Resistance Choir inspired by what has become the anthem of the Women's March, Milck's "I Can't Keep Quiet." This newly born Women's Choir will focus primarily on world music literature and songs of peace and protest, but will not be limited to these genres, as the opportunity for performing interesting, beautiful, and artistic literature while sharing our passion for excellent singing is at the core of the choir. No experience is necessary, as we will be working on vocal technique, breath support, blend, harmony, and artistry at each rehearsal. Join us for an incredible weekly celebration of women and let's make our voices heard!