DANCE•MUSIC•MIME At The OMA Artist Series Sunday January 24!
by Charles Spillar on Jan. 20, 2010, under arts, Tucson Art
OMA (Opening Minds through the Arts Foundation) is presenting its OMA Artist Series this Sunday (January 24) with performances by the artists working with children in their OMA Program schools. The school program used by numerous schools in the Tucson area created by the OMA Foundation is a K-8 student achievement program started in the year 2000. It uses arts integration in the different art forms—music, dance, visual arts, & theater arts to teach the academic standards in math, science, reading, writing and social studies and has had astounding positive results in improved scholastic achievements.
Results documented by an independent research firm determined that the OMA Program raises test scores for EVERY child regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic background. This program has proven to increase school attendance and reduce discipline problems. It has been prescribed as a solution for underperforming schools.
If any of you know one or more of our local, state or national politicians PLEASE tell them about this OMA program and its success. As many are aware, it has already been discussed to possibly eliminate art, music and physical education school programs due to budget cuts here in Arizona. This program can prove this would be a major mistake in our children’s education. More information can be found at http://www.omafoundation.org.
The event put on by OMA this coming Sunday will feature the professional artists that teach the OMA program. They will perform a mix of music, dance, mime and visual.
Here are a few performers’ photos and highlights of what you will see and hear at the performance:
*OMA dance artist Bethany Lynch and Arts Integration Specialist Sara Anderson Stewart perform the premier of Essence, choreographed by Wendy Joy Koltnow to the music of Astor Piazolla and Gary Burton.
- Sara Anderson Steward
- Bethany Lynch
- Wendy Joy Koltnow
*Robert Matheson and Cassandra Bendickson perform a Duet in Ancient Style by Kaus George Roy.
*Music and dance improvisations featuring OMA music artists with dancers from the local and OMA communities including Lisa Renteria, and Aryo Wicaksono and others.
- Lisa Renteria
- Aryo Wicaksono
*A print series titled Unanswered Prayers by mixed-media artist Darden Bradshaw will be exhibited.
*Internationally acclaimed mime artist Rick Warner will perform El Globo, The Stick, Fire of Life, and Fractured Sphere.
- Rick Warner
This unique event will be held Sunday January 24, 2010 at 3:00 PM in CROWDER HALL, University of Arizona campus. Admission: Students $5, Adults $20 or 2 for $25, and children UNDER 12 are FREE. Tickets can be bought online at http://www.omatickets.com or at the door.
Funds from this performance will support the artists working in our schools. It is being sponsored in part by Rodney Glassman, Ward 2, Tucson City Council.
