Band Council dance-a-thon raises money for visual & performing arts center

The El Camino High Band Council held a “Dance-A-Thon” on Saturday, April 2 to raise funds for the furnishings and equipment budget of the new El Camino Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC). The Dance-A-Thon was truly a marathon that started at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 11:00 p.m., and included music from the 1950s through current pop. This was an original idea of the Band Council members, who are a group of students elected by their peers to represent and govern the band program, conduct social events and fundraiser, and be a direct liaison to Band Director Kevin Glaser.

There was a great turn out of El Camino students and even some parents from El Camino. The Dance-A-Thon raised $600 that will be used specifically for the furnishings and equipment of the VPAC that will not be provided as part of the construction costs.

The El Camino Band Council challenges other campus clubs and community groups to also raise funds for the equipment and furnishings budget of the VPAC that is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2018.

Three cheers for the Band Council!

Shop Amazon. Give to ecARTS

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the furnishings and equipment fund of the new El Camino High School Performing Arts Center, at no cost to you!

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com. The added bonus is Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the El Camino High School Performing Arts Center.

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to El Camino's direct link (Perform at ECArts, Inc.) from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. Be sure to bookmark the link to make it even easier to return.

Support our furnishings and equipment fund every time you shop Amazon!

Our direct link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-3055480

SJUSD Parents, Students, Employees, and Community Members Raise Their Voices at Community Forum

The January 13 performing arts center community forum hosted at El Camino High School was both informative and positive.  The current status of the “Facilities Master Plan” for Measure N was presented by the newly hired Bond Manager, Brett Mitchell.  Mr. Mitchell addressed the process and challenges of creating a facilities master plan for the school district, modernizing schools, and establishing 21st century “learning communities” and design standards for all schools in the district.

The bulk of the meeting (over one hour) was devoted to questions from the 140-member audience.  Audience members made very clear to Interim Superintendent Kent Kern, SJUSD Board Member Greg Paolo (also in attendance), and Mr. Mitchell their want, desire, need and passion for a performing arts facility that would serve all schools in the district and the surrounding community.  Neither of the district representatives could make a promise or commitment regarding a performing arts center, but Mr. Kern and Mr. Paulo both acknowledged they understand and agree with the need. 

Although audience members did not get the commitment they were looking for, the forum was positive in that our district administrators and school board member heard from an extremely passionate and loyal group of parents, students, employees and community members.  It was made perfectly clear that a performing arts center in this school district is the right thing to do and an investment in the future of our schools, the students it serves, and the community in which it resides.

Tonight's the night!

Ninety minutes of your time will go a long way toward showing Interim Superintendent Kent Kern how important a performing arts center is to our students and community.

Monday, January 13, 2014

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

El Camino cafeteria

Hope to see you there!

Haven't been following this thread? Read more:
Save Jan. 13 at 6:30 for community forum with superindendent
Save our performing arts center

Reminder: Jan. 13 community forum

Now that the holidays are behind us, help us start the New Year off on a positive note. Attend an open forum with Interim Superintendent Kent Kern and district leadership to show your support for our community-wide performing arts center. 

Monday, January 13, 2014

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

El Camino cafeteria

Need a refresher on why it's critical that you attend? Read our Dec. 16 blog post. 

Planning to attend? Please send us an email at performatec@yahoo.com. Come with questions.

Save our performing arts center

The Problem:  Several school board members have expressed concern about the cost of a performing arts center along the lines of the facility outlined by our survey respondents. A facility that will have tremendous positive impact on the District and the community! A curriculum area linked to academic achievement! We need to act quickly to prove to the board that students, alumni, and faculty from area schools AND the community want this project to happen.

Pressing need: Get our performing arts center on the District’s Facilities Master Plan. To help us, please complete the information at this ONLINE FORM. In the comment boxes at the bottom, please identify the performing arts center at El Camino as a specific project for the board to support. Then share the link with a friend. The information collected by the District will be shared with the DLR Group, the firm producing the master plan. 

Background:

• Summer 2012:  ecARTS members volunteer to help the District ensure Measure N’s passage (which included handing out election flyers for some of our board members).
• Nov. 2012: Measure N passes and a District employee attends an ecARTS meeting to tell us our performing arts center is a sure thing.
• Spring 2013: ecARTS tabulates survey results from SJU schools and community organizations and creates a list of features our new performing arts center must have. ecARTS hires LPAS to produce a conceptual drawing (below).
• Summer 2013: ecARTS and LPAS representatives present the plan to SJUSD board members Lucinda Luttgen and Pam Costa. While the board members seem to support the concept, the cost of the facility is prohibitive in their opinion.
• Oct. 2013:  ECHS, Starr King, Cowan, Mission, and Arcade vote unanimously for a performing arts center. DLR is impressed by an idea that serves thousands of students, and the “signature project” aspect they believe the District needs.
• Nov. 2013:  School board members continue to express reservations about the cost of a facility and are not convinced that several schools will use it. Help us convince them!
• 
  
  

HELP! We need 5 minutes of your time...

As we reported last week, the SJUSD Board is presently awaiting the completion of a Facilities Master Plan (FMP) before it makes any public announcements regarding Measure N-funded projects. The DLR Group has conducted a series of public meetings where it received input from the community regarding improvements and/or enhancements at each school in the District.

The District is also seeking public input for the FMP via an ONLINE FORM. The intent was to have a form for each campus but as you can see, the form is generic.

How you can help (we need only 5 minutes!)

1. Click the above link.
2. Complete your name and select the appropriate radio buttons for questions on safety, academics, athletics. etc. (all fields are required). 
3. In the comment boxes at the end, PLEASE BE SURE THE NAME THE SAN JUAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (at El Camino High School) AS YOUR #1 DESIRE!

It takes all of 5 minutes but the results can last a lifetime. When you're done, please forward to a friend.

Thank you for your continued support to help us build a first-class visual and performing arts center that serves the students in the west end of the District and the community at large.

Measure N to build ecARTS PAC

I am Kevin Glaser, President of ecARTS, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to building a state-of-the-art performing arts center and gallery on the campus of El Camino High School that will serve the entire San JuanUnified School District and Sacramento community.

 

The SJUSD Board of Education unanimously approved Measure N for this November's ballot asking voters to authorize $350 million in bonds to support modernization and repair of schools that are now more than 50 years old.

 

WHY ecARTS CARE ABOUT THIS BOND MEASURE:

In addition to modernization and repair, Measure N will provide the necessary funding to build a performing arts center on the campus of El Camino High School that will serve the entire San Juan UnifiedSchool District and the greater Sacramento area. The performing arts center perfectly aligns with Measure N’s guidelines to meet the academic, technological, creative, and career needs of today’s K-12 students. 

 

Thanks to Measure N, future generations of students, staff, administrators, and community groups will have the opportunity to hold public forums, graduations, music and drama performances, lectures, and art exhibitions in a modern facility with state of the art lighting, sound, comfortable seating, and a pleasing environment. A far cry from the gyms, cafeterias and libraries upon which we currently rely.  

SUPPORT SAN JUANSCHOOLS AND MEASURE N  

ATTENTION former, current, and future EC Arts parents and students!

·         Please volunteer just 2 hours of your time to work a phone bank or neighborhood walk.

·         To sign up, got to: http://www.yesonmeasuren.org/get-involved/

·         High school students – receive credit! If you volunteer, you may receive credit with the approval of your political science instructors.  

FIND OUT MORE ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

·  Facebook

·  Twitter

ENDORSE MEASURE N

·  Email: alyson.willey@yesonmeasuren.org to confirm that your name may be used publicly to endorse Measure N.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY VOTING YES ON MEASURE N ON NOVEMBER 6^TH

·  Encourage your friends and family to vote yes as well.

·  You may request a lawn sign at: alyson.willey@yesonmeasuren.org to show your support of Measure N and local schools.

MEASURE N SPECIFICS (Ö indicates where the performing arts center fits into Measure N's criteria):

ü  Modernization of classrooms with current learning technology to support teaching and improve learning.

ü  Installation of other technology infrastructure to support classroom tools.

ü  New, energy efficient, classrooms.

ü  Repair and renovation of bathrooms at campuses to continue providing healthy and safe facilities.

ü  Installation of energy efficient equipment at schools to save on utility bills.

ü  Renovation and construction of physical education and career tech facilities that provide needed job skills for students and our economy.

·         Repair and replacement of deteriorated roofs for improved energy efficiency and longevity.

·         Repair and replacement of deteriorating underground sewer and water lines.

·         Improvements to ensure campus security during and after the school day.

·         Repair and upgrades for safety alarms at schools to protect learning materials and the community's investment.

San Juan School Board Pledges Support for New Performing Arts Center

The San Juan Unified School District Board of Education pledged its support in a recent board meeting for the ecARTS Visual and Performing Arts Center at El Camino High School. The Board’s vote of support is a significant milestone and comes as ecARTS celebrates its first anniversary as an official nonprofit organization.

Although school and facility construction is traditionally funded by local taxes or special bond measures, ecARTS is relying instead on private donations and grants from individuals, corporations and foundations.

“Research has conclusively linked participation in the visual and performing arts with higher achievements from students. Moreover, it enhances cognitive abilities which serve students throughout their lives,” said Kevin Glaser, President of ecARTS and the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair at El Camino. “This performing arts center will not only provide a necessary state-of-the-art facility for El Camino students, but it will be an asset for all students in the San Juan School District and the community at large. We intend to offer educational clinics and summer programs for all community members with a desire to experience the arts. That is our vision; that is our goal,” Glaser said.

“I wish to thank Superintendent of Education, Dr. Pat Jaurequi, whose leadership and encouragement throughout this process has been exceptional; Mr. Kent Kern, SJUSD Interim Senior Director, Facilities and Planning for his oversight and input to the resolution process; and the entire San Juan Board of Education for its unanimous support of ecARTS in adopting Resolution 2564,” added Glaser.

Media Contact: performatec@yahoo.com

The "Who Do You Know?" Game

We are looking for connections to major companies such as Smart Water, Geico Insurance, Capitol Coors, 7UP, Raley's, and Coke. If you know someone (or know someone who knows someone), we would love to hear about it. Please email us at performatec@yahoo.com.

On a performance-related note, spring is performance time across the San Juan Unified School District (visit the district's Artsworthy newsletter for a full line up.) On tap this weekend:

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
El Camino High School
March 11, 12 at 7:00 pm
Does losing make you a loser? This hilarious musical will take you through the twists and turns of the lives of six young spellers who struggle with puberty and their group of adult advisors mired in their own childhoods.

Tickets available at the door.
$7 students, children, seniors; $9 adults
Contact Sheryl Lee with questions: shlee@sanjuan.edu or 916.971.7996 x 4377

The Magic of Music

Think back to your high school teen years. Remember hearing that song that captured so perfectly the relationship with your significant other? Or the trademark song for your class? Or the music that pumped you up before a big game?

In Sunday’s Sacramento Bee (Feb. 13, 2011), Bruce Maiman discusses the personal and universal magic of music (“Music and its transformative power”). According to Maiman, “Part of music’s magic is that its effects are very personal. Music has the power to cause emotions to well up within us– peaceful, relaxing, exciting, festive, foreboding, unsettling, stimulating, invigorating, and more. These feelings are gripping—often irresistible—and they seem to emerge from nowhere. The color our moods, affect our perceptions and generate a behavioral pattern.

“We now know that music increases the release of endorphins—the body’s feel good chemical—hence soothing the savage beast (or reducing your blood pressure. Newer research also suggests musical training enhances the brain's cognitive abilities. Children taking music lessons have experienced higher IQ scores, increased literacy and mathematical skills, even greater sensitivity to emotional cues in social contexts, two skills critical to emotional intelligence.”

The magic of music lives in these emotional responses. The academic subjects like math and science educate us, while the arts help us make sense of our world. And where better to explore the magic of music than in school band or choir?

Support ecARTS. Educate. Inspire. Entertain.

Last Day for Showcase of Talent Tickets

Today is the last day to purchase your Showcase of Talent tickets to support ecARTS and the student groups who make up the evening's entertainment. Bring friends and family! Munch on delectable creations by Hannibals Catering.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

7:00 - 9:30 pm

Citrus Heights Community Center

The playbill  includes:

• Rio Americano High School Jazz Combo (under the direction of Josh Murray)
• Deterding Elementary School Choir (under the direction of George Dozet)
• Arden Middle School: Choir (under the direction of Pam Mitchell)
• Solo Piano Performance by Justin Eccleston of Orange Grove Adult School
• Del Campo High School Choir (under the direction of Pam Mitchell)
• Solo Dance Performance by Encina High School student Leo Maldonado-Ramirez
• Monologues and Scenes by El Camino High School Theater Students (under the direction of Sheryl Lee)
• El Camino High School Carter Trio Jazz Combo (under the direction of Kevin Glaser)

Tickets, details and directions available at:  

ecARTS Showcase of Talent | Nov. 20

Music~Art~Theater~Food

All the fixings for a great evening out. Bring family and friends. Enjoy performances by:

• Arden Middle School: Choir
• El Camino High School: Monologues by Theater Students
• Rio Americano High School: Jazz Combo
• Deterding Elementary School: Choir
• Orange Grove Adult Ed: Solo Piano
• Del Campo High School: Choir
• Encina High School: Solo Dance
• El Camino High School: Jazz Combo

Saturday, November 20, 2010

7:00 - 9:30 pm

Citrus Heights Community Center

Tickets, details and directions available at:  

The ecARTS Showcase of Talent

Come for the music, the theater, the art exhibits, and the delicious food (catered by renowned Sacramento caterer, Hannibals). Be part of the excitement as featured vocalists, musicians, actors, and visual artists from San Juan Unified School District arts programs entertain you.

Advanced registration required.

Date:     Saturday, November 20, 2010
Time:    7:00 - 9:30 pm
Where: Citrus Heights Community Center

As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.

~John Lubbock

Bring your shades!

We'll color your life with the brightness of our students.

ecARTS is a non-profit organization committed to building a premier performance and gallery venue for students in the San Juan Unified School District and the community at large.

Showcase of Talent -- Drama, Music, Art Exhibits, Food & Drink

Celebrate with ecARTS during our Showcase of Talent kick-off event on Saturday, November 20, 2011 featuring talented students from San Juan Unified School District. Discover why our students deserve a performing arts center and gallery.

Reservations required. Visit our event page for tickets and registration information.

ecARTS Pepsi Application Pending

ecARTS applied for a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant. If our application is accepted, we need your help! Similar to the $7,500 Raley's grant we won with your help, we need you to vote EVERY DAY from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. (Don't worry. We'll send emails to remind you.)

This is a national grant and only SIX $50,000 grants are awarded. Please be sure you spread the word to friends and family. Every vote counts!

Stay tuned. We'll update you on the progress of our application.

Invitation from El Camino Band/Choir Director, Kevin Glaser

Dear Friend of ecARTS:

I would like to invite you to a very special concert next Friday evening, October 15th, featuring the El Camino Bands and Choir. This concert is special for a couple of reasons. First, this is our first formal concert of the year and the El Camino music students have worked extremely hard to present a wonderful concert so early in the school year. As an educational program, this is where we establish a foundation that will take us forward through the rest of the year as we master the fundamentals and expertise that help us reach that all empowering title of “musician”. This concert is also special because it is the first time in my 17 years at El Camino that the Band and Choir will perform together in a formal setting. As the one and only music director, this was a logical decision.

I know your Friday evenings are “sacred” and reserved for relaxing at home knowing you get two days away from the stress and demands of work. However, if you feel the urge, your presence would mean a lot to the students. There is no charge for the concert, which begins at 7:30pm and will be held at the former Loretto High School gym. The school is now called Alexander Twilight Academy and is located at 2360 El Camino Avenue.

The theme of the concert is “The History of Pop Music”. The show will take the audience on a musical journey from ancient African drumming through contemporary rhythm and blues (and everything else in between). Below is a list of the music that will be performed.

Hope to see you there.

Kevin

The History of Pop Music Program
Dona Nobis Pacem - From the Roman Catholic Mass
Down In The Valley - Early American Folk Song
Music, Music, Music - 1950’s Pop
We’re The Men - Novelty Pop
Build Me Up Buttercup - 1960’s Pop Rock
Aquarius/Let The Sunshine - 1960’s Pop Musical
Night Train - The Blues
The Entertainer - Early 1900’s Ragtime
A String Of Pearls - 1940’s Big Band Swing
Four Brothers - 1940’s Big Band Swing
Getaway - 1970’s Pop Funk
Hava Nagila - Israeli Folk Song
Poet and Peasant Overture - 1800’s Opera
Lest We Forget - Patriotic Tribute
Malaguena - Popular Spanish
The Simpsons - Modern Cartoon
We Shall Lift Lamps Of Courage - Inspirational
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional Hymn
Danny Boy - Irish Folksong
Stars and Stripes Forever - Patriotic March
Disney At The Movies - Movie Soundtracks

Kevin Glaser Interviewed on NBC/KCRA 3

Kevin Glaser tell Walt Gray of NBC/KCRA 3 all about our ecARTS performing arts center project. Watch here: Band Leader Raising Money For Auditorium - Video - KCRA Sacramento

ecARTS on NBC's Education Nation

Channel 3 news will air a story on the state of education in our area, including a special feature on El Camino visual and performing arts.  The story is to air during the 5:00 pm newscast on Wednesday, 9/29. 

Kevin Glaser/ecARTS to be featured on KCRA 3

Kevin Glaser was interviewd by KCRA 3 anchor, Walt Gray, on Thurday for a special report for NBC News Education Nation. Mr. Gray showed particular interest in our performing arts center. We'll keep you posted on air time.