8 minute read
The art of teaching
ALUMNI HAVE RETURNED TO TEACH THE ARTS AT TANENBAUMCHAT— AND THE PROGRAM IS HITTING A HIGH NOTE
BY ERIN SILVER
The arts are thriving at TanenbaumCHAT. With pandemic restrictions largely in the past, music, drama and art programming is in full swing and in person once again. Leading the way forward are alumni who studied arts at the school and couldn’t wait to get back to the front of the class.
Jaclyn Klimitz ’03 is head of the music department. She began teaching at TanenbaumCHAT in September 2010. A singer by background, Klimitz was a vocal major in university but also plays piano and all band instruments. “I’ve always been passionate about music and knew it would be part of my life,” says Klimitz. Interestingly, there was no music program when she was a student, so she and her peers had to improvise. “In my spares in Grade 11 and 12 I used to practice piano and vocal. I made it work, but my dream was to be able to do my art at school as part of the coursework.” When she graduated from teacher’s college and a music job opened up at her alma mater, Klimitz applied for the role. “Music was always a place where everyone could find a home and feel safe. It was always an inclusive space. Now that music is part of the curriculum rather than an extracurricular, it’s very exciting for me.” While continuing her education, Klimitz became interested in the integration of music and prayer. “Through my masters research I explored the connection between Jewish music and composers and the canon of classical musical composers.” Fascinated by how much
Three alumni teachers, three subjects, three specialized spaces: Left to right: Jaclyn Klimitz ’03 in the Gorewicz Music Studio; Michael Kohl ’97 in the Abramsky Family Art Studio; and Ryan Peters ’09 in the Matlow Black Box Theatre.
Jewish composers had contributed to the genre she began exploring the topic. Today, she combines these two themes in the music program. In addition to this unique approach, there’s another aspect that makes the music program special. “Students can choose whether they want to be in band or choir. Within each we teach music history, theory, major scales, and how to listen to music and speak about it in an educated manner.”
Teamwork is a big part of the program, with students working together to perform in small and larger groups. Now that students are allowed to fully participate in music in person again, Klimitz says the music room is filled every day at lunch and after school with people rehearsing, practicing and jamming. “It’s a loud, vibrant, exciting place where people can belong and have a home.”
It makes Klimitz very proud. “My goal is for my students to know what music can do in their lives. It can contribute positively to their mental health and create a community for them for their whole lives.”
Upstairs in the art studio, Michael Kohl ’97 is also excited about the latest developments in the vibrant visual arts department. “Today we have a very comprehensive
"The arts exercised a different part of my brain. The program gave me the foundation and confidence I needed to pursue my passion. The rigorous workload and intense scheduling gave me the discipline and drive to face new and unique challenges at university and in the workplace. The focussed mindset and skills I developed will always stay with me.”
— DANIEL CHARKOW ’18, FASHION STUDENT, SHOE DESIGNER “I took vocal music for all four years at TanenbaumCHAT and then took Grade 10 beginner band for fun in Grade 12. My love and passion for singing skyrocketed once I started high school. Vocals class was an environment where I could hone my skills and grow as a musician. I learned how to have stage presence, work collaboratively with my peers and I built amazing relationships with my classmates and teachers. While in high school, I grew so much as a person and as a musician.”
— HANNAH GINSBERG ’21, MUSIC STUDENT
art program,” says Kohl, noting the department was smaller when he was a student. “We now have a lot of technology – a 3-D printer, engraver and things professionals have in their workplaces.” The department has also incorporated technology. “We focus on handson traditional art styles, but we also ensure that students who are already into different styles and techniques have the ability to access technology.” This variety in approach has enabled graduates to study fashion design in London and New York and at prestigious programs in Canada. “TanenbaumCHAT students have also gone on to study architecture, industrial design, graphic design and photography,” says Kohl. “Art students who apply to programs get into where they want to go. If you’re a student and serious about art, we’ll help you develop your portfolio. If you don’t want to use art in your career, the subject is a nice change of pace from our academic subjects and it’s a chance to express your creativity. Either way, it’s a welcoming place for everyone.”
“After TanenbaumCHAT and a gap year in Israel, I went to Sheridan College where I studied Interaction Design and became a Product Designer. This career combines the creativity, creative problem-solving and technical skills that I learned in my art and communication technology courses at high school. My advice is to see the arts courses as equally important to other courses and to know that arts courses lead to careers that are viable. It’s important to do your research and understand the kinds of doors that the arts can open.”
— YAEL HUBERT ’14, SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER “Music class teaches a lot of things including improved breath work, fine motor skills, dexterity and developing a keen ear. However, it also teaches softer skills like collaboration, leadership and confidence. Music has helped me in school and in my career. I’ve worked in corporate strategy and am now pursuing law. No matter what, we must collaborate and learn to work with and trust others, speak up and lead when necessary, and take a backseat and follow when appropriate. Music also teaches discipline and practice, time management and how to have fun.”
— NOAH SPRINGER ’14, LAW STUDENT
Kohl is excited about the annual Arts Cafe. “It’s a combination of art, drama, music and communication technology. “It’s a night for students to invite their families to see what we do in the art room. There are performances and art on display. We haven’t been able to hold it in the past two years because of COVID, but we’re excited to do it again this year.”
Ryan Peters ’09 is also thrilled to return to the postCOVID world. As a teacher in the drama department, the pandemic was a particular challenge for his students. “The prospect of having a masked drama program was hard – you lose all facial expression,” he says. “This year we’re excited to have a more normal experience.” Peters wants to continue to give his students the kind of experience he had when he was at TanenbaumCHAT. “I was very much involved in the drama program as a student and I took it throughout my four years. A few friends and I wrote a musical and performed it. It was the highlight of my high school years. That’s one reason I’m back teaching at the school.” Today, there are plenty more opportunities for students who want to act and perform. “Grade 9 is an introduction to drama; students get a taste of what drama looks like," says Peters. “They get to perform on stage, script-write and explore different genres like realism, mime, tableau, sketch comedy and improv. We play tons of games and have a lot of fun. It’s a very inclusive environment.” As a result, the drama program is growing. “There is increased interest across the grades,” says Peters. “It’s a good problem to have.” ◆
“Today, the ability to share, express, communicate… and be present in the moment, are skills that matter more than ever… Students have the opportunity to create something that has never been created before, and that is a pretty unique and even magical opportunity.”
– JOSH SABLE ’90
Other alumni arts teachers are, L to R: Orly Lewis ’16, Music; Josh Sable ’90, Dramatic Arts & Co-head of Student Activities; and Sonya Ben Ishai ’15, Drama & English.
“Drama allowed me a place to express myself and collaborate with others to find and hone their creative voice. Drama is important because even if you have no interest in a career in performance, you still have to be able to present yourself in public in a variety of professional and social settings. Drama helps teens discover their voice, gain confidence and practice the art of communication, which is so important in virtually all fields.”
— NOAM TOMASCHOFF ’09, WRITER/DIRECTOR
(For more on Noam and his feature film, Tankhouse, turn to page 29.) 26 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
