Message from the President, Cherry Chase PTA
Fine Arts Mini-Experience (FAME) is an in-class art and music program taught by parent volunteers.
What is FAME?
The FAME (Fine Arts Mini Experience) program is an in-class enrichment program where parent volunteers lead a one-hour art and music experience for the students. Each of the six lessons taught throughout the year highlights a famous artist and composer and includes an art project that the students complete during the lesson.
How Does It Work?
Parents volunteer as either a Docent or Art Helper. Docents attend a training meeting before each lesson, where they learn how to present the artist, composer and art project. Docents also schedule the lesson with the classroom teacher and teach the lesson to the class. Art Helpers set up and clean up project supplies in the classroom and support the students during the lesson. No prior knowledge of art or music is necessary to volunteer! Lesson notes and project supplies are put together by the leadership team and are provided for you. The first of six in-class lessons will start in September 2019. Each teaching period is approximately 5-6 weeks in length.
What Will the Children Learn?
Students learn foundational art and music elements from some of history’s great artists. They listen to, view and discuss famous pieces using technical criteria, giving them the tools to discern shades of quality and artistic trends. Students extend their learning by creating an original piece of art based on the lesson’s focal element(s).
Who Decides What is Taught?
The FAME program at Cherry Chase is based on a set, 5-year curriculum developed by educator Kathryn Sherrod, the purpose of which is to familiarize students with well-known artists, composers, and their works, especially as they have influenced American culture. The PTA purchased the curriculum 19 years ago, and a dedicated leadership team of parent volunteers coordinates the materials and docent trainings.
When are the Training Meetings?
Training meetings for docents and helpers are normally held in person on campus at 7:00pm on a weeknight in September, October, December, February, March, and April
How Do I Sign Up?
If you are interested in joining this exceptional program and being a part of your children’s lives at the school, please sign up using the FAME sign-up form. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact the Program Chair at fame@cherrychasepta.org.
