Fine Arts Newsletter
Winter Edition 2014
FACULTY FEATURE: Melanie Gorsline - Middle School Art Teacher
Melanie Gorsline has spent most of her life at Collegiate. A “lifer”, she is a member of the class of 1974. She earned her BA in Art History/Studio Art from Salem College in Winston Salem, NC, as well as her teaching certificate for grades K-12 in the spring of 1978. That very same fall she began work at Collegiate teaching art to girls in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades as well as Art History and Photography to 12th grade girls. She also acted as a 7th grade girls’ advisor for many years. Once Collegiate changed from the Lower School, Girls’ School, Boys’ School setup to the current format, she settled into the Middle School where she teaches both girls and boys. This semester she has 5th grade girls, 7thgrade coed, and 8th grade coed (though primarily boys) art classes. Herself a printmaker, Melanie brings a real passion for art and the creative process to all of her classes. She works to create a safe, non stressful space and time where her students can “think outside the box” in their work as well as gain an appreciation and understanding of many types of art. By giving her students the tools and the vocabulary, she encourages them to try a variety of mediums and to express themselves in a variety of creative ways. Her curriculum begins with the basics ... the Five Elements of Design ... Line, Shape, Color, Space and Texture .... and then refines and expands on these elements. Her students will progress from tile mosaics in 5th grade to more realistic drawings and projects, including silk screening by the 8th grade. Her teaching style is more that of a coach, where she encourages each student to do his or her best, to work together efficiently in the space so that everyone can work to their best. Along with teaching art techniques Melanie teaches life long skills such as problem solving and working both collaboratively and individually. Middle School art is about being creative and discovering one’s hidden artistic talents in a fun and postive experience. She provides an oportunity for students to be themselves, take risks, and discover endless possibilities about their own creativity in non-stressful environment. No two days are the same, and she wouldn’t have it any other way! Outside of the classroom, Melanie continues to hone her printmaking skills, creating original silkscreen works which she uses for Christmas cards every year. She is also the Middle School Holiday Coordinator. The Holiday traditions are so important to her as they are the common thread that binds Collegiate’s past generations with the present and future Cougars. She is an avid supporter, not only of the arts, but also of Collegiate athletics, rarely missing a game for one of her four nephews over the years. She’s grateful to be working at the school that has been her home for most of her life “It’s Hectic. It’s Fun. It’s Home”.
The Fifth/Sixth Winter Music Concert was held on January 14th in Oates Theater. Pat Werrell Directed the Fifth/Sixth Band. Helen Coulson directed the Fifth/Sixth Strings groups. Dr. Pamela James directed the various Choral Groups, and Connie Tuttle provided accompaniment.
The US Winter Play - “Blurred Lines” , was performed on stage in Oates Theater on January 22nd and January 23rd as part of the “Behind the Curtain” series. Five student directors and twelve actors took part in the show.
The Second Grade States’ Fair was held in Oates Theater on Friday, February 8th. They displayed artwork, and performed songs and dances celebrating the “Fifty Nifty” United States.
On February 16th, Collegiate’s Senior and Advanced Dance Companies had the opportunity to work with professional dancer and choreographer Brian Simerson, a former member of the renowned Momix dance company. Simerson attended NYU’s Tisch school, and after 20 years of dancinging and choreographing for Momix gave his last performance with the company in December. He created a new piece of work for Collegiate’s dancers to perform in their Spring Concerts on Saturday, May 3rd in Oates Theater.
The 8th Grade Play - Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. - was held in Oates Theater on February 21st and 22nd. Virtually the entire class participated in some way under the direction of Mrs. Jenny Hundley... on stage, or behind the scenes as crew. Clockwise below, from left: Sebastian, seacreatures and seachorus sing “Under the Sea”; Ariel, Scuttle and the gulls check out “Human Stuff ”; Flounder and the Mersisters realize “She’s in Love”; King Triton enables Ariel to become human and to marry Prince Eric; Chef Louie and fellow chefs (including 6 French student visitors) sing “Les Poissons”; Ursula and her minions hold Ariel in ransom for Triton’s power.
The Winter Jazz Jam took place on February 3rd, at 7:30pm in Oates theater, and featured Jazz Bands from Collegiate, Trinity and Steward Schools.
The Fourth Grade presented their American Mosaic performance in the Estes Multipurpose Room on Thursday, March 6th, for family and friends after presenting their individual projects in the clasroom.
Upcoming Events ART WALK 2014 April 7th - 4:30pm - 7:30pm Lower, Middle & Upper School Campuses Oates Theater
Recital Room
The Laramie Project April 3rd and 4th 7:30pm April 5th 7:00pm
Justice, Disler & Yoo Recital April 11th 7:30pm Percussion Studio Recital April 13th 2:00pm
Middle and Upper School Jazz Concert April 9th 7:00pm
Upper School Piano Recital April 27th 3:00pm
Upper & Middle School Spring Choral Concert April 16th 7:00pm
Upper School Guitar Recital April 30th 7:30pm
Upper & Middle School Spring Instrumental Concert April 23rd 7:00pm
Strings Studio Recital May 4th 2:00pm
Spring Dance Concert May 3rd 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Lower School Piano Recitals May 7th 4:00pm & 5:15pm
Middle School Guitar Concert May 8th 7:00pm
Fifth & Sixth Grade Piano Recital May 13th 5:00pm
Lower School Spring Concert May 15th 7:00pm
Seventh & Eighth Grade Piano Recital May 13th 7:00pm
LS-Estes Multipurpose
April 10th First Grade Play: On Our Way 9:00am st May 1 Third Grade Colonial Days Performance 10:15am To Subscribe to this Newsletter contact us at kparthemos@collegiate-va.org
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