s p otl i ght
Written by Jennifer Johnson As adults, it can be easy to overlook the importance of our first significant impressions from our childhood. Those moments that colour the manner in which we view the world for the many life experiences to come. I remember gathering for a Grade 3 assembly in my small town school gymnasium. An orchestra was visiting; the room bubbled over with excitement and then grew silent as the music began. I’d never heard anything like it – a supersonic crescendo, all instruments rising together with sound, the maestro’s hands waving madly – all culminating in a massive crashing finale. Then it was quiet again. In that single moment of heart-pounding silence, jaws dropped before the applause burst forth. I knew something had changed in me. I wanted to hear it again – no, feel it again. That feeling of something so much bigger than my Grade 3 self, knowing that no one person could ever create that moment alone. We went back to class still high on the energy of the performance, buzzing amongst ourselves and feeling thrilled that only those of us who were in the room would ever truly know what we’d just experienced. That impression has stayed with me, changed my perspective forever and has motivated me to share that amazing feeling with other people, especially children. That experience I had with an orchestra as an eight-year-old initiated my journey into an arts career. In my role as Director of Programming and Arts Education at EPCOR CENTRE, that perspective, and the need to chase “that feeling” fuels me to lead a team who creates rich, experiential programming. Our goal is to inspire the next generation in their creativity and how they view the world, and possibly even influence others to choose an arts career. And sometimes, it’s just about offering amazing entertainment!
Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts
I see the results of this work when I am interrupted from my spreadsheets by a class of students giggling in the adjacent hallway, sticky fingers covered in paint from making Inukshuks and learning about Northern culture. One of those kids might become a visual artist or perhaps an oil rig worker stationed in a northern environment, one who appreciates First Nations culture.
school boards in the development of future curriculum for Alberta schools. We are committed, together with our education partners, to fulfill Alberta Education’s mandate. Alignment with these principles ensures the sustainability of the critical thinking and experience required to administer arts education programs that are relevant not only in our education system but within our society.
EPCOR CENTRE takes its role as a leader in arts education very seriously with its vision to “engage and inspire community through the power of art.” Over the course of the 2012 – 2013 school year, EPCOR CENTRE engaged 8,453 Calgary and area students through arts and cultural experiences. Close to 500 teachers from 312 schools participated in arts-based, professional development opportunities. And, thanks to generous sponsors who believe whole-heartedly in arts education, $47,568.00 in arts services were provided by EPCOR CENTRE to our community schools, free of charge.
As Western Canada’s largest arts centre, EPCOR CENTRE is able to make meaningful connections through its strengths which include infrastructure of arts administration, access to diverse artists, venue space and resources. The Centre provides the vital support in facilitating arts education experiences which complements the role of the arts in school systems and for teachers who represent a wide range of curricula. The Centre creates programs for both teachers and students that utilize the principle of teaching through the arts, including seemingly unrelated subjects such as math, science and social studies.
The Calgary Board of Education is also a huge supporter of what we do. The Centre is thrilled to participate in the CBE’s Fine Arts Committee, and is also a stakeholder in working with
As I have personally experienced, arts learning programs contribute to a life long journey by providing diverse arts and cultural experiences. EPCOR CENTRE plays an active role in exposing the next generation to the power of arts. When a school, teacher or community group has the need to develop or participate in a meaningful experience, EPCOR CENTRE can facilitate that need – it’s simply what we do, and we love to do it. It is one of the many ways we share in and contribute to the future of the community in which we live. If you’d like to learn more about EPCOR CENTRE’s Arts Learning programs or how to support Arts Learning initiatives at EPCOR CENTRE, please contact me at 403.294.9494.
SummerACT students on stage (ages 10 -12) take a final bow.
stephen winter 2014
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