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School Programs
The NCAC supports the Arts Enrichment Committees at each Needham public school, to bring innovative and enriching programs to our children. These programs, which include the talents of authors, musicians, dancers, storytellers, actors, and historians, are intended to bring exceptional art experiences to our students, who benefit from enhancement to their school curriculum. In addition, each year the NCAC sponsors at least one town-wide arts enrichment program. Many of these are made possible with the support of the Needham Education Foundation.
Here is a list of town-wide events that the NCAC brought to the Needham schools from 2005 - 2011.
Program Name |
Type of Program |
Date |
| Tommy’s Needham Rocket * | History of Needham | Fall 2011 |
| Ball in the House * | Music, A Cappella | Fall 2010 |
| Bash the Trash * | Environmental | Spring 2010 |
| Clap Your Hands * | Music, Gospel | Spring 2009 |
| Opera Presto * | Music, classical | Fall 2008 |
| Meet Abigail Adams * | History | Fall 2008 |
| Techsploration * | Science | Fall 2008 |
| Valerie Tutson | Storyteller | Spring 2008 |
| Origination * | Dance | Spring 2008 (Pollard, NHS) |
| Origination * | Dance | Fall 2007 (Elementary) |
| Mitali Perkins * | Author, multicultural | Fall 2007 |
| Boston Ballet | Dance, classical | Spring 2007 |
| Rochel Coleman - Shadowball | Storyteller | Spring 2006 |
| Greg Tang * | Author, math | 2005/2006 |
| Made in The Shade | Music, jazz | Spring 2005 |
* These programs were supported by an NEF grant. Learn more about the NEF and NEF grants here.
Tommy’s Needham Rocket
The goal of this program was to teach third graders in Needham about the history of Needham through the book, Tommy’s Needham Rocket, which guides readers through Needham’s history through the eyes of a 10 year-old. The grant also included a kit containing a set of books for one classroom at each elementary school (two sets for Broadmeadow and Newman), flash drives with a Smartboard notebook and Teacher’s Guides. There was also an event at the Needham Public Library by the local author for all 3rd graders that was free and open to the public.
Ball in the House
Ball in the House, renowned Boston-based a cappella group, visited all of the Needham schools grades K through 8. They inspired and energized students with their music, and simultaneously taught about many aspects of music and performance. Students discovered what “a cappella” means and how it works, explored the technology behind a sound system, heard the various voice parts and how they fit together to make harmony and songs, learned how to beatbox and use rhythm, and experienced the history of a cappella singing from chant through doo wop. In addition, BITH encouraged students to get involved and stay involved in the arts. Read more about this program on the NEF website.
Bash the Trash
Bash the Trash brought a dynamic and educational performance integrating science, music and environmental awareness to all the Needham schools. They educated the students on recycling and reusing, and taught the students how to transform “trash” recyclables into instruments. They focused on how the arts and science work together.
Clap Your Hands
George W. Russell Jr. & Co. performed for and taught students about gospel, one of America's most popular and history-rich musical genres, highlighting the various styles throughout history. This interactive program demonstrated the rise and function of gospel music in the African-American community and described gospel's role as a mental release from bondage, a vehicle for communication on the Underground Railroad and 'common ground' during the Civil Rights Movement.
Opera Presto
Musical ensemble Opera Presto provided a unique opportunity for students to experience opera. The performance troupe presented in a manner suitable and accessible to students ranging from the elementary to the high school level, presenting condensed versions of the original operas 'Hansel & Gretel', 'The Magic Flute', and 'La Boheme'. The program taught the students about the genre of opera music and sought to inspire the children’s interest in music.
Meet Abigail Adams
This theatrical production brought Abigail Adams to life for all 5th grade students across the district. The performance retold the story of the American Revolution through the eyes of Abigail Adams. Students were challenged to relive history by actively participating in the performance and using Colonial style props. This grant also included the purchase of two books per school, placed in each 5th grade classroom and media center throughout the district.
Techsploration
This science program included an assembly and hands-on workshops on electricity for all third graders across the district. In this interactive program, students learned about the basic laws of electricity, electronic components, and magnetism, including the building of simple electrical circuits. This program complemented the phase-in of the new electricity curriculum for third grade.
Valerie Tutson
Valerie Tutson, a storyteller since 1991, visited all the Needham schools sharing her stories and songs which have an emphasis on African traditions and whose origins are from around the world. Her repertoire included stories and songs she learned during her travels to South Africa; her experiences in West Africa; and stories from African American history.
Origination
Students across the district participated in African dance workshops exploring the historical background of contemporary Hip Hop through the teaching of African dance. They learned and performed two basic choreographed pieces of both traditional African and Hip Hop moves. Students also attended a performance by Origination.
Mitali Perkins
Author Mitali Perkins presented an interactive program on immigration to all 5th grade students across the district. She candidly described her experience growing up between two cultures and the tensions that child immigrants face. In addition, she introduced the students to the richness of her Bengali culture. In her program she encourages writing and the exploration of individual historical and cultural differences.
Boston Ballet
The Boston Ballet visited all the Needham schools, providing an interactive presentation on the art of ballet. They highlighted the technical and artistic elements of dance, music and related theater arts. In addition, they related the dance heritage of the past to the contemporary works of today.
Rochel Coleman - Shadowball
Storyteller, Rochel Garner Coleman, presented Shadow Ball, the true story of James Thomas Bell, known as Cool Papa Bell, the fastest man ever to play baseball. Coleman recreated the life and times of the men in the Negro Leagues from the early 1920’s through the Great Depression, including Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier when he singed with the Brooklyn dodgers in 1947. The program integrated black and American history through compelling storytelling.
Greg Tang
Math educator Greg Tang presented his innovative methods of teaching math to all the 3rd grade students at all the Needham schools. His technique focuses on ways to make 'smart groupings,' helping students with different learning styles gain greater confidence in mastering basic math operations. This program complimented the Math Investigations curriculum that was already in place.
Made in the Shade
Through its fiery performance, Made in the Shade exposed Needham students to the world of jazz, introducing them to its various styles, including Dixieland, Swing and Be-bop. Students learned about the history, spirit and joy of jazz in a participatory show.