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K-12 Educational Initiatives: Add the Arts to your Academic Calendar
Everything you need to know about Cal Performances popular SchoolTime program, Study Guides, Cal Performances in the Classroom and the Friends of the Schools initiative.
Cal Performances in the Classroom |
2008/09 Study Guides / Archival Study Guides | Policies | Friends of the Schools
Welcome to Cal Performances' SchoolTime |
Cal Performances brings the wonders of the world to you and your students through our exciting array of dance, music, theater and circus arts at Zellerbach Hall. This season, the Golden Dragon Acrobats and National Acrobats of China dazzle audiences with the astounding technique, skill and grace of the ancient art form of Chinese acrobatics. The festival of feats continues when the zany Circus Oz of Australia returns to Berkeley with a merry circus party filled with dynamic pyrotechnics and cheeky fun. With its joyful explosion of sound, the Afro-Cuban All Stars rouse the crowd with an electrifying mix of classic sones, swinging big band music and Afro-Cuban jazz. South Africa's Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mali's musical sensation, Habibe Koité, join the celebration of world music, and Pomegranates and Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music provides a generous spread of Sephardic, Mizrahi, and Klezmer sounds. Finally, springtime welcomes the distinctive beauty of Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu, the San Francisco-based Hawaiian dance company, as well as the incomparable Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, this year celebrating 50 years of inspirational dance.
The 2008/09 SchoolTime brochure [pdf *] and order form [pdf *] are available now.
If you would like to join our SchoolTime mailing list please send your contact information, including name of school and full mailing address to
calperfs.berkeley.edu. For more information on SchoolTime or Cal Performances in the Classroom, contact the Education Programs Administrator at 510.642.6838.
SchoolTime takes place in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley. Performances are $4 per seat.
The demand for SchoolTime increases each year and we aim for equitable access to performances among applicants.
- Orders are generally filled on a first-come, first-served basis, however, admission to popular shows rotates each year to accommodate schools that did not receive their first choices in the past year(s).
- To assure that the maximum number of students can attend, attendance is limited to no more than one (1) adult chaperone per three (3) students.
- You may indicate two (2) alternate performances in case your first selections are sold out and you would like to be considered for other shows.
- Cal Performances in the Classroom participants receive seating priority for associated performances. Due to high demand, your signature and full payment are required to secure workshop enrollment, corresponding classroom visits and SchoolTime seating. Classroom visits will be scheduled at the conclusion of teacher workshops. Attendance at the teacher workshop is required for priority to be honored.
- Home schooled students are welcome at SchoolTime. We encourage participation in a Home School association to facilitate seating as we are not able to sell SchoolTime tickets to individuals. Please note the 1:3 adult chaperone to student limitation.
- Study Guides are mailed one month prior to the performance date. Please mark the box on the order form if you prefer to receive the study guide as a PDF by e-mail.
- Please retain a copy of the order form for your records.
Methods of Payment
Order forms must be accompanied by a check or complete credit card information or your order cannot be processed. We are sorry, but Cal Performances is no longer able to accept purchase orders. Full payment is required with each order.
Checks
Personal check or checks drawn on school or district accounts are accepted. Send ONE check for the entire order. Multiple checks per order will not be processed. Make checks out to UC Regents. Orders paid by check must be mailed.
Credit Cards
VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Please pay for the entire order with ONE credit card. Multiple credit cards per order will not be accepted. Forms with credit card information may be faxed to 510-643-2359.
2008/09 SchoolTime Performances |
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Mon, Dec. 1
The Golden Dragon Acrobats display the best of an art form that first captured the attention of China's powerful emperors more than 2500 years ago. Admired internationally, the troupe performs an extraordinary set of spellbinding acts with uniquely choreographed acrobatics, ancient and modern music, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, and astonishing theatrical techniques. "There is a precision and beauty about everything these performers do." (Washington Post)
Cal Performances in the Classroom teacher workshop on Sat, Nov. 1.
Pomegranates and Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music
Fri, Dec 19
Celebrating the rich diversity of Jewish music, Pomegranates & Figs is holiday fare of a different stripe. Showcasing the infectious exuberance of klezmer, Yiddish folk song, and the soulful traditions of Sephardic music, this triple bill features the driving, danceable rhythms of the klezmer band the Gonifs; the glorious harmonies of Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble; and the Bay Area string duo Teslim, featuring violinist Kaila Flexer and multi-instrumentalist Gari Hegedus, with special guests violinists Julian Smedley, Shira Kammen, and Leah Wollenberg, harpist Liza Wallace, and percussionist Faisal Zedan.
Chinese Acrobats, Republic of China
Tue, Jan 20
With over a half-century of inspiring awe with their spectacular feats, the National Acrobats of China is one of the most influential troupes in the world. Its rigorously trained performers have triumphed at international competitions and festivals, and have enthralled audiences in more than 30 countries. Objects of daily life—chairs, tables, poles, ladders, bowls, plates, bottles, and jars—become incredible playthings for the contortionists, jugglers, martial artists, and gymnasts, whose precise movements and flexible showmanship combine for unforgettable displays of magic and wonder.
Cal Performances in the Classroom teacher workshop on Sat, Nov. 1.
Circus Oz
Fri, Feb 6
When Circus Oz, Australia's fabulous small-circus phenomenon, appeared at Cal Performances in 2007, the San Francisco Chronicle could hardly contain its enthusiasm: "Refreshingly progressive, unapologetically off-color, and gleefully Australian...a show as inventively funny as it is physically impressive. The acrobats and aerial artists are superb, the jugglers are amazingly deft, the ringmaster-chanteuse is brilliantly versatile, and the showmanship is incessantly imaginative." Now these audacious performers celebrate the company's 30th birthday with a fresh combination of breathtaking feats, original live music, and Aussie humor.
Afro-Cuban All Stars
Thu, Feb 26
This powerhouse ensemble, which spans four generations of musicians ranging from ages 13 to 81, has sparked a worldwide fascination with the diversity and vitality of Cuban culture. Their repertoire encompasses a mix of Cuban musical styles, including classic sone montuno, contemporary timba, swinging big band, Afro-Cuban jazz, and more. Led by the legendary Juan de Marcos González (of the Buena Vista Social Club and Sierra Maestra), the band's energetic and colorful performances regularly end with audiences dancing and singing along.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Thu, Mar 5 and Fri, Mar 6
Few celebrations this year will rival Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 50th anniversary season. The Ailey company has triumphed as a cultural ambassador to the world, bringing African American cultural expression and modern dance to stages on every continent. Alvin Ailey forever changed the perception of American dance; today his legacy continues under Judith Jamison's visionary direction. The company will perform Ailey's unforgettable Revelations, a timeless work that unites modern dance with African American spirituals and has touched the hearts of people all over the world.
Cal Performances in the Classroom teacher workshop on Sat, Jan 31.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Fri, Mar 13
For more than 40 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has combined the rhythms and harmonies of South Africa with the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music, for a rich tapestry of sound that evokes universal enthusiasm and excitement. This all male choral group founded by Joseph Shabalala takes its sound from a traditional music called isicathamiya (is-cot-a-ME-ya), which developed in the mines of South Africa, where black workers toiled far from their homes and families. Now, with numerous gold and platinum recordings, multiple awards, and worldwide recognition, the group travels the world sharing the sounds and culture of South Africa.
Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu
Fri, Mar 27
Discover Mamala, Hawaii's famous surfing goddess and stroll along the exquisite beaches of Hale'iwa. In O'ahu: Confessions of an Island program, Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu pays tribute to one of the world's most glorious locations, honoring her sacred shores and highest peaks. This dynamic San Francisco-based Hawaiian dance company celebrates hula as a full and captivating theatrical experience. Performances feature a rich blend of traditional and contemporary dancing, with the company's trademark hula mua style, paying homage to tradition while boldly bringing the art form into the present day.
Habib Koité
Fri, Apr 3
Mali's greatest pop star and his band perform a program featuring music from their stunning new album Afriki. The West African wonder descends from a line of griots, traditional storytellers whose charisma and magnetism translate across cultures and borders. With his unique musical approach, this extraordinary artist draws on a wide range of cultural expressions from the diverse regions of his homeland. Ranking in the upper echelon of world music artists, Habibe Koité brilliantly integrates Western folk and rock sounds into his music, without compromising his cherished Malian roots.
SchoolTime Study Guides |
Created for pre- and post-performance learning, custom study guides provide comprehensive information about the artist and the art form for each production. Discussion questions and activities help students focus on what they will see and reflect on what they experience at the theater. This information is connected to core content areas such as social studies, literature, and history, and supports the California State Content Standards for Visual and Performing Arts, Reading and Language Arts. Study guides area mailed one month prior to your SchoolTime field trip.
2008/09 Study Guides
- Golden Dragon Acrobats
- Pomegranates & Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music
- Chinese Acrobats, Republic of China
- Circus Oz
- Afro-Cuban All Stars
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu
Study Guides for the 2008/09 Season will be available prior to each SchoolTime performance. Please check back if the Study Guide is not yet listed.
Cal Performances in the Classroom: |
Cal Performances in the Classroom provides an in-depth experience of the arts and cultures represented at SchoolTime through professional development workshops for teachers and interactive sessions with teaching artists in the classroom. Designed to enhance understanding and enjoyment of the performing arts, this preparation leads to an incomparable experience for students. With opportunities for participatory learning in dance, music, theater and circus arts; lesson plans, classroom instruction, and a culminating visit to the theater, Cal Performances in the Classroom reinforces student comprehension in core content areas, while supporting the delivery of core content standards in arts, language arts, social studies and world cultures. This program was developed in partnership with the Berkeley Unified School District as a team of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education Program. The 2007/08 Cal Performances in the Classroom order form is will be available at the end of August 2008.
Part 1: Professional Development Workshops
Professional teaching artists and area specialists lead participatory workshops for teachers in conjunction with select SchoolTime performances. Teachers attend a 3-hour sessions designed to provide tools to effectively integrate the arts presented at SchoolTime into the classroom curriculum. Each workshop has a workbook that includes information about the performance; relevant cultural and artistic background information; audio and visual materials for classroom use; and targeted lesson plans that meet the California Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards.
I love your program and think that you do a fantastic job of bringing kids and performers together. — Teacher comment from online survey |
Part 2: In-School Sessions with Artists
Teaching artists reinforce classroom lessons with hands-on experience in a performing art form. Students may learn basic acrobatic techniques, hear and play the music of a particular culture, engage in dance and movement activities, or participate in theatrical exercises depending on the performance your class will attend. (In-school sessions are subject to schedules and availability of artists).
Part 3: SchoolTime Performance
Students come to the Zellerbach Hall for a SchoolTime performance with comprehensive preparation gives them the ability to recognize elements of performance unfolding on the stage. This greatly enhances their experience and adds educational value to the field trip.
2007/08 Cal Performances in the Classroom Schedule |
"Inspiration mixed with information and practicum!" beamed one Cal Performances in the Classroom participant. This program, which began in 2001 as a partnership between Cal Performances and the Berkeley Unified School District as a team of the John F. Kennedy Center's Partners in Education Program, provides the tools for an arts integrated curriculum. Professional development workshops for teachers lead to an incomparable experience for students, with dynamically presented lesson plans; teaching artists in the classroom; and a culminating SchoolTime field trip.
2008/09 Professional Development Workshops for Teachers & Teaching Artist Classroom Visits
Special Opportunity—A Workshop with Kennedy Center Teaching Artist Lenore Blank Kelner |
Tue, Oct 14, 3:30-6:30 pm
Acrobatic Artistry
Sat, Nov 1, 10 am-1 pm
SchoolTime performances: Golden Dragon Acrobats (Dec 1) or National Acrobats of China ROC (Jan 20)
Chinese acrobats' amazing feats are based on four basic skills, beginning with the handstand. This workshop by Wayne Huey of Red Panda Acrobats includes the history and culture of Chinese acrobatics, the practice and discipline behind the skills and ways in which the acrobat's kinetic lessons can be applied to students' approach to learning. Subject areas: Chinese history, social studies, physics, physical education.
The Music of Revelations: African American Spirituals and Alvin Ailey's Modern Dance Masterpiece |
Friends of the Schools |
"Friends of the Schools" are small businesses and community organizations that sponsor a school or class visit to a SchoolTime performance at Cal Performances. The program was established to enable students, especially those in underserved areas, to experience Cal Performances' world-class performances, as well as to build community interest in the arts.
Your donation to Friends of the Schools helps cultivate a student's early appreciation and understanding of the arts. For many students, attending a SchoolTime performance is their first experience of the performing arts. Teachers love SchoolTime because they can make natural and engaging connections between the diverse performances of music, dance and theater and their own classroom curriculum.
To become a "Friends of the Schools" sponsor, or to apply for Friends of the Schools sponsorship for a SchoolTime performance, contact Rica Anderson, Education Programs Administrator, at eduprogramscalperfs.berkeley.edu, (510) 642-6838.
Planning Your Visit to Cal Performances and Zellerbach Hall |
PLAN to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the performance. There is no late seating. Parking on and around campus is extremely limited. Try to carpool or use public transportation.
BUSES may stand in the loading zones along Bancroft Way. The driver must remain with the bus.
BART riders should exit at the downtown Berkeley station, walk east up Center Street to enter the campus, then follow signs to Zellerbach Hall.
CARS can park under Zellerbach Hall in the Student Union Garage, space permitting. The hourly rate is posted at the entrance. There are also public parking garages nearby and metered parking along Bancroft Way and other adjacent streets.
When You Arrive
The entrance to the theater is on the east side of Zellerbach Hall on Lower Sproul Plaza. Your school's name will be posted on the glass doors of the theater lobby. Please have students line up in an orderly manner at the appropriate door. When the entire group has assembled, an usher will direct you to your seats.
Lunches
Food and backpacks are not permitted in the theater. Please store these items in your bus or car during the performance.
Please Note
All students, regardless of grade level, must be accompanied by adult chaperones at all locations in the theater at all times.
Education and Community programs are added throughout the year. |
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© Cal Performances, U.C. Regents, 1998 - 2009 |
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