By Walter Rutledge
The local weather had predicted steady morning rain with below average temperatures for April 30th; and for once they were spot on. A brigade of umbrellas seemed to march down Jay Street in downtown Brooklyn. With heads slightly bowed they maneuvered through the wet and dreary inclemency. When we entered the New York City College of Technology and headed towards the theater the mood immediately changed to one of academic excitement. Inside arts educators for Brooklyn North High Schools (BKNHS) were participating in the third in a series of four arts professional development workshops conducted by the district’s new Artist Director, Jamel Gaines.
The pedagogic atmosphere recalled the energy depicted in Rapheal’s fresco School of Athens. But instead of Aristotle flanked by Plato Gaines was introduced by a different scholar, Superintendent of Brooklyn North High Schools Dr. Rushell White. Dr. White (still basking in the afterglow of her April 28th appointment to Superintendent) welcomed the engaged teachers/mentors; and expressed her appreciation for their commitment to nurture the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. She was instrumental is the implementation of this new arts initiative now more than two-thirds through its first year.
Gaines role as Artistic Director goes beyond merely increasing classroom engagement, but to also provide professional assistance to the 47 schools that comprise the Brooklyn North High School District. To help guide the real-life/professional application of the students emerging artistry through sharing auditions techniques for dance, theater, and film, assist with creating a portfolio, exploring the seemingly less glamorus but neccesary technical/production career opportunities in house, stage and production managing, light, set and costume design. He will also work with educators to develop arts centric programming that reinvigorates and reimagines teaching techniques as prescribed by the Department of Education’s Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Educators and students will also receive hands on instruction/interaction from his staff of experienced teaching artists, all who have earned accolades and renowned for their vast professional experiences.
JGDC BKNHS Arts Profesional Development Series 3
Gaines began his mission in 1994 when JHS 113 in the Fort Green section of Brooklyn (this was before you could buy a latte or scones in that neighborhood) became his “Lyceum”, the home of the school for the Jamel Gaines Dance Company. His encouraging yet discipled methodology/mentorship has offered young people an expressive haven for over thirty years; and the tutelage ranges from dance decorum to banquet etiquette. This philosophy prepares not just the performer but the entire person for any field of endeavor. “Our goal is to ensure that students receive industry-standard training and technical development. To cultivate and empower the next generation of young artists”. Marketing/Production Assistant Shandale Rickets proudly proclaims, “We want them to lead with creativity and confidence”.
The final BKNHS arts professional development workshop will take place on Wednesday May 20th at New York City College of Technology. O&A NYC will be in the house (who knows what teaching tips we might learn).
In Photo: 1. Jamel Gaines, 2. Dr. Rushell White 3. Jamel Gaines, cast and BKNHS teachers
Walter Rutledge Photographer
