Welcome to FAME for the 2009-2019 school year. FAME is a six-year cycle of fine arts lessons that focus on one artist and one composer for six lessons throughout the school year. Because no lesson is repeated throughout the six years, students never get the same FAME lesson twice. This is FAME II out of VI.
This is FAME's fourteenth year at Strandwood! We are thrilled to have enjoyed strong administration, staff, PTA and parent support throughout that time.
FAME takes place on Tuesdays throughout the month. If you're interested in observing, please contact your child's teacher for their schedule. Parent visitors are always welcome.
A summary of the lessons for the 2009-2010 can be found below. Links of the Artists and Musicians take you to their wiki-pedia page were you can find out more information about them. Images or sound files of the art and music will be linked if available.
FAME Coordinators: Kendra Phair & Laurie Wozniak
MUSIC: The Happy Farmer (by Robert Schumann, 1810-1856)
This farm-themed lesson features the work of Flemish artist Pieter Bruegel, with an emphasis on texture. Students also listen to a piece from Album for the Young by Robert Schumann. The Happy Farmer is a musical picture of the element of melody, through a visualization of a farmer coming home at day’s end, met by his wife and their chickens.
MUSIC: Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker Suite (by Peter Tchaikovsky 1840-1893)
VIDEO: Waltz of the Flower
Students are introduced to the art form of ballet in this lesson. Its history and language are discussed, and students have a chance to practice the five ballet positions. Classes observe how an artist uses line in a painting, and are introduced to Impressionism. The Nutcracker is already familiar to Strandwood students, and they get to enjoy learning about rhythm through dancing, particularly the waltz.
MUSIC: Nocturne in E flat Major (by Frederic Chopin, 1810-1849)Students explore primary and secondary colors using a color wheel in this lesson. They observe how color can affect mood and how Dufy used color to express himself. Students also listened for harmony in a lovely piano piece, and learned that nocturne means “dreamy night music.”
MUSIC: Grand Canyon Suite, Sunrise & Cloudburst movements (by Ferde Grofé 1892-1972)
Dramatic musical pieces by an American composer provide students with mind pictures of the Grand Canyon and help them identify dynamics as a musical element. Students also learn how light & shadow can affect color, and they learn the difference between transparent, translucent and opaque objects.
Night on Bald Mountain (by Modest Mussorgsky 1839-1881)
Students participate in activities that demonstrate how all forms of art can communicate mood. The Russian composer Mussorgsky and his musical paintings are introduced, and the unique, elongated style of El Greco is explored.
Bolero (by Maurice Ravel 1875-1937)
Students are taught the difference between representational, abstract and nonobjective visual art. The idea of balance in compositions both musical and visual is discussed. Different musical instruments are identified as they are used to create the balanced musical piece.
Print the Membership Form, complete it and send it in to the Strandwood Main Office along with your check for $7.00 per membership made payable to Strandwood PTA.
About half of the membership dues stay at Strandwood, and the rest goes to the State and National Organization.
Download the PTA Application Form Here
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