News

ODA Arts Faculty Create Interactive Lessons for Students

Undaunted by proximity, the arts faculty at Out-of-Door continue to provide stimulating and engaging performing and visual arts experiences for our students.
On Friday, May 1, Out-of-Door Lower School students participated in the first virtual Arts Day the school has ever undertaken. The entire school day was filled with engaging and fun interactive sessions for students in every grade pre-K through fifth.

Arts Day began with a Spring Sing led by Dr. Vasilaki and Mrs. Gulácsy, and continued on with exciting sessions that included Ms. Gabrici’s Recycled Seahorse Painting, Springtime Origami, and Dino Drawing; Clay Creation with Mr. Biederman who gave a live demonstration on his pottery wheel; colorful Rainbow Scratch art with Ms. Garasic and Senora GM; a Beatles-themed Guitar Sing-a-Long with the multi-talented Mrs. Pellegrino, Mrs. Pitts, and Mrs. Runge; and Cartoon Character drawing with Mr. Babich and Dr. Rose. Students enjoyed multiple band, orchestra, and chorus sessions with Dr. Vasilaki, Mr. Stiles, and Mrs. Gulácsy including a Masterclass and Improv sessions with gifted guest musician Mr. Patrick Foley, a student Spring Recital, and more!

In addition to the day’s planned activities, students were invited to participate in the Getty Art Challenge, and share their submissions. The challenge—initiated by the Getty Museum—to recreate a famous piece of artwork using everyday household items, resulted in amazing creations from our students. Click to see these inspiring works of art in a video compilation of the day’s activities.

Upper School students have also been able to participate in interactive zoom sessions with professional musicians who have hosted masterclasses. Visits with these practicing artists have proven to be valuable opportunities for our students.

ODA alumna Miss Helena Beltrao ‘17 joined Ms. Hoff’s chorus students, singing a Brazilian piece with them, as well as sharing a lovely french song while accompanying herself on the ukulele. She generously spent time speaking with the group about her college experience and attending Berklee School of Music, where she is going to be a senior in the fall.

Professional violinist and core member of the Sarasota Orchestra, Ms. Margot Zarzycka, took Mrs. Young’s Advanced Orchestra classes on a performance journey from Bach, to Vivaldi, to Fritz Kriesler during her recent masterclass session. Ms. Zarzycka inspired our students with her emotionally gripping performances and engaged them in thoughtful discussions about tone, color, and the emotional journey a piece of music can evoke.

We would like to thank all of the arts faculty who worked together to make these interactive lessons a success for our students and their families!
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The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-349-8133

LOWER SCHOOL |  Lower School Campus on Clark Road  |  Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241   |  COMING SOON

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS
  |  Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch  |  Grades 6 – 8 |  Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, physical ability, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

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