fine arts education EXPRESSIONS
Winter 2024
Winter 2024
Please share this newsletter with your fellow arts educator friends and colleagues. If you're not receiving this newsletter directly, be sure to sign up for the NDE Fine Arts Ed mailing list.
Happy New Year!
It may be cold and snowy outside, but that doesn't stop the many amazing things in arts education from happening around Nebraska! Last week, I had the joy of being with theatre teachers and students at the 2024 Nebraska Thespian Festival. Seeing the shows, watching and participating in workshops, and being around others with a passion for telling stories is truly the best. I feel so much joy every time I'm with arts educators or get to see students showing off or developing their artistic ability.
I often say, "I have the best job." It's because I get to see arts educators, whether it's in music, visual arts, theatre, dance, or media arts, be an inspiration to so many kids in Nebraska. You work to help kids find a place where they know they are valued and where you challenge them to learn, grow, and be their best. That place for many kids is arts education. It wouldn't be possible without you, the many amazing arts educators, teaching artists, and supporters of arts education across the state.
With that, I wish you the absolute best for 2024! Happy New Year!
-Cody
One Word 2024
Every year, I choose one word to help guide me throughout the year. My 2024 word is "be." Too often I'm drawn into "do" or "accomplish." This year, I know that I need to "be" with you when I'm at conference and professional learning days at ESUs, "be" aware of the contributions the arts can make and the trends in arts education, "be" present for my colleagues at NDE, SEADAE (folks in other states with my role), and "be" there for my family, and finally simply take time to "be" still for myself to take a breath, see the wonders, and enjoy the gift of the present.
I began this practice when I was a teacher in Bellevue Public Schools. Dr. Kari Veleba shared this with our group of teachers and for that, along with her mentorship on my journey, I thank her.
What's your one word for 2024?
NDE Teaching, Learning, & Assessment and Career, Technical and Adult Education Announce Content Standards Revision Timeline
The Nebraska Department of Education's Offices of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment and Career, Technical, and Adult Education, along with a variety of stakeholders, prepare academic content standards and present them to the elected Nebraska State Board of Education for adoption. The Content Area Standards Revision Timeline has recently been updated. At this time, Fine Arts subjects of media arts, visual arts, dance, music, and theatre, will begin standards review in 2025. Be sure to watch your email for further information as we revisit the 2014 Nebraska Fine Arts Education Standards. Visit the NDE Content Area Standards page for more information and to access the Content Area Standards Revision Timeline.
2023 Fine Arts Exchange
Thirty-nine arts organizations participated in last fall's Fine Arts Exchange. A way to connect arts educators with arts organizations (non-profits and state agencies) who have opportunities to extend, enhance, and enrich arts learning, the Fine Arts Exchange will soon be curated and available on the NDE Fine Arts Education Website.
If you didn't catch last fall's exchange, or need to go back and check out some of the organizations, you can still access all six newsletters No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6.
Arts NOW Grant Recipients Announced
Students across Nebraska will have access to projects in a wide range of arts through special grants awarded this year. The Arts NOW Grants are special one-time grant opportunities that were made possible by funding from the Nebraska Arts Council in partnership with the NDE and will provide $180,000 to 23 school districts impacting 79 schools throughout the state this spring. The projects will serve more than 20,000 students. Want to know more? Read the complete press release on the Arts NOW Website.
Arts Education Professional Learning
Many of the ESUs and arts education organizations across the state will hold professional learning conferences, workshops, and days in the next weeks. Below is a list of the ESUs offering professional learning days for arts educators. Don't forget to scroll down and see the offerings from the Nebraska's Arts Education Organizations in the section below Student Contests and Competitions.
- Wednesday, January 31 - ESU 6 Visual Art
- Wednesday, January 31 - ESU 10 Music
- Thursday, February 1 - ESU 11 Music
- Friday, February 2 - ESU 4 Conference
- Monday, February 12 - ESU 9 Music
- Tuesday, February 13 - ESU 16 Music and Visual Art
- Monday, February 19 - ESU 13 Conference
- Tuesday, February 20 - ESU 11 Visual Art
- Wednesday, February 21 - ESU 17 Visual Art and Music
- Thursday, February 22 - ESU 8 Music
- Friday, February 23 - ESU 1 Visual Art
- Thursday, February 29 - ESU 10 Visual Art
- Wednesday, March 13 - ESU 4 Visual Art
Nebraska Creative Districts
Nebraska Youth Art Month - Call for Art
Collaborate with the International Quilt Museum
Nebraska Arts Advocacy Day - Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Join Nebraskans for the Arts for the 2024 Arts Advocacy Day on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Arts supporters from all over Nebraska will gather in Lincoln to create and develop partnerships with other arts supporters and discover ways to share the importance of arts and arts education in our communities in Nebraska. For more information, visit Nebraskans for the Arts.
Teaching Posters from the Smithsonian
Request Lily Furedi's Subway, a student favorite, from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Artful Connections Program and invite your students to learn about the Great Depression and tell stories about riders on public transit. Teacher-tested close looking questions and activities engage learners, coast-to-coast. Request your copy today! Posters are provided at no cost to teachers.
WAIT! There are more posters available, too! Want to include works of art from the Smithsonian in your classroom? Request posters from the National Gallery of Art. The posters are provided at no cost to teachers.
Visit the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center
The Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center (SBMLC) is a bold new venture for the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). As a public museum based within a university, SBMLC provides robust research-based programming to visitors and offers an opportunity for discovery, conversation, and self-reflection.
Field trips are available for middle and high school students free of charge and offer an opportunity for students in various curriculums to study art, history, the Holocaust and other related topics. Field trips include a museum tour, instruction and participation in a slow-looking activity to better observe and discuss various works of art, and one or two additional activities, selected in collaboration between the museum staff and teacher.
Field trips generally last two hours and are able to accommodate up to 70 students. Funding is also available as reimbursement for transportation and/or substitute cost. Additional opportunities exist to add more to your field trip and visit UNO's Service-Learning Academy’s Exhibition, or the Weber Fine Art’s Gallery. For more information, visit the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center.
Learn with Matt, Nebraska's State Poet
The Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason works with students around the state to write and appreciate poetry. Spending anywhere from one class period or assembly to a full week, Matt shows poetry as a vibrant and exciting subject. Matt enjoys travelling and has presented in 73 of Nebraska's 93 counties (so far). To find out how to Learn with Matt, Nebraska's State Poet, visit Matt's website.
It's Not Too Late to Join the Nebraska High School Theatre Academy
Join Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) special program, the Nebraska High School Theater Academy (NHTSA). Designed for middle and high school theater students, opportunities include masterclasses with cast members from Disney's The Lion King, Beetlejuice, Moulin Rouge! and more. Check out the in school workshops, feedback from professionals, discounted (or free) tickets to select shows, performance opportunities at the Orpheum, and more. For more information contact Taylor at twyatt@o-pa.org, or call 402.661.8559.
USDE Seeks Student Performing Arts Talent
The United States Department of Education seeks student performing arts talent from each US state to support the USDE's Student Performing Arts Initiative (SPAI) and related repository of student performing arts talent. Explore this opportunity for student performers to showcase their performing abilities and gain exposure to appreciative audiences who are invested in education and student success. The USDE is especially interested in having student performing groups from Nebraska participate!
2023-2024 Lied Center Student Matinees
Presenting music, theater, and dance, the Lied Center for Performing Arts' 2023-2024 student matinee performances (for Pre-K through 12th grades) enhance classroom learning, expand cultural awareness, and inspire creativity in all. Performance guides are available. Contact Nancy at nengenwedin2@unl.edu for more information or call 402.472.4707.
Omaha Symphony on Nebraska Public Media
The Omaha Symphony, in partnership with Nebraska Public Media, will televise a series of three Omaha Symphony concerts captured live at the Holland Performing Arts Center. This experience will allow people across Nebraska to enjoy the music of the orchestra from the comfort of home. Check out the full information on the series and tune in for Ax Plays Mozart, an Omaha Symphony concert featuring Emanuel Ax from fall 2023. Also scheduled is GRAMMY-nominated performance of Sculptures by Andy Akiho soon. Tune in!
NDE Accepting Nomination for US Green Ribbon School
The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools honors America’s public and private elementary, middle and high schools for their efforts toward improving student health and achievement and reducing their environmental impact. A Green Ribbon Schools award will represent a healthy and sustainable school, recognized by parents, students, staff and governments at federal, state and local levels as an exemplary model of achievement in sustainability, health, and environmental education. Applications are now open for Nebraska's nomination to U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Learn more by visiting the NDE GRS Website. Applications are due January 29, 2024. Contact Sheyanne at sheyanne.smith@nebraska.gov if you have any questions.
STUDENT CONTESTS AND COMPETITIONS
The following information is provided as resources of some of the many opportunities in which your students can be involved in showcasing their artistic abilities and is not an endorsement of the NDE.
2024 Nebraska Fish Art Contest
2024 Federal Subsistence Management Program Student Art Contest
Students with a passion for sharing their talent and creativity while sharing their knowledge of subsistence resources for wildlife should check out the US Department of the Interior's Federal Subsistence Management Art Contest. Entries are due February 2, 2024.
2024 Music Theatre Songwriting Competition
Students who have a talent for writing songs should check out the Nebraska Endowment for the Arts and National Alliance for Music Theatre's Musical Theatre Songwriting Challenge. Webinars on how to write songs, including a variety of tips and tricks for composition, are also available on demand. The winning submission could be part of a musical theater production. Submissions are due January 31, 2024.
2024 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest
Sponsored by the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management, National Weather Service, Nebraska National Guard, and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, third grade students are invited to create a poster communicating the importance of severe weather awareness. Entries are due February 9, 2024.
US Congressional Art Competition
The artwork from three students, one from each congressional district, will be displayed for one year in the US Capitol, along with the winners from other congressional districts around the country. The Nebraska Congressional Delegation works with Nebraska Art Teachers Association and high schools to collect and evaluate the submissions. This year's deadline is March 22, 2024.
Bess Streeter Aldrich Poetry Contest
Nebraska Hall of Fame author Bess Streeter Aldrich would be excited about the addition of a new poetry contest in her honor. Students grade 3 to adults are encouraged to generate a poem written in the wholesome spirit of Bess Streeter Aldrich while utilizing a theme honoring Nebraska, small town living, family relationships, and/or children and their antics. Entries, due April 15, are eligible for cash prizes. Check out the guidelines for the poetry contest, short story contest, and information about other educator resources available from the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation.
Know another contest or competition to share? Email Cody at cody.talarico@nebraska.gov.
NEWS FROM NEBRASKA'S ARTS ED ORGANIZATIONS
Information from Nebraska's Arts Education Organizations is provided as a resource and is not an endorsement of the NDE.
Great Plains Orff Chapter
The Great Plains Orff Chapter (GPOC) offers opportunities for teachers to learn, grow, and make music together using the approach developed by composer Carl Orff and assistant Gunild Keetman.
Nebraska Art Teachers Association
NATA had over 100 attendees at its fall conference in Lincoln, October 13-14, 2023. A diamond jubilee celebration was also held to honor 100 years of art education excellence. Save the date! Make plans for the 2024 Fall Conference October 11-12, 2024, in McCook. Visit the NATA website and social media resources for additional news, information, resources.
Nebraska American String Teachers Association
The American String Teachers Association Nebraska Chapter (NEASTA) supports string and orchestra teachers and players. NeASTA members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The chapter provides teaching resources, professional education, local and national events, and access to a vibrant and collaborative strings community.
Nebraska Music Educators Association
This spring, NMEA will feature student performances at the Nebraska State Capitol through the Capitol Concert Series. Stop by the capitol on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Monday through Friday, March 18 - 21, 2024, or Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to hear amazing student performances from around the state.
Save the date for the annual NMEA conference/clinic and All-State ensembles November 20-22, 2024 in Lincoln.
Nebraska State Bandmasters Association
The Nebraska State Bandmasters Association (NSBA) is all about "Better Bands for Nebraska." Visit the website for information on marching contests, spring convention, the Nebraska Concert Band Festival, the Jazz Band Festival, and more.
NSBA has several events during the spring semester. Check out the Annual Convention February 29-March 2, in Lincoln, NSBA Concert Band Festival in Omaha, March 27 and in Kearney, March 28, and the NSBA Jazz Band Festival, April 11-12, in Elkhorn.
Nebraska Thespians
The Nebraska Thespians just "brought down the house" with the 2024 Nebraska Thespian Festival. Hundreds of high school and junior high students from across Nebraska participated in workshops presented by theatre professionals, individual and small group competitions, an all-state show, live performances, and everything theatre in Omaha the first week in January.
There's lots more happening this year for the Thespians. Be sure to checkout the Nebraska Thespians website to learn more. Membership in Nebraska Thespians allows one to access theatre education resources, like the full EdTA lesson plan library, and gives theatre students more opportunities to compete and showcase their talents. Reach out to the Nebraska Thespians Board Members at board@nebstatethespian.com with any questions.
Plains States Kodaly Organization
The Kodaly concept is a "sound before sight" approach to music education. Literacy skills are taught in a sequential manner that centers joy, authenticity, and children at the heart of learning and music-making.
PSKOR's winter workshop will feature Nyssa Brown on February 24, 2024. Visit PSKOR's website to learn more.
Nebraskans for the Arts
Nebraskans for the Arts (NFTA) advocates for the arts and education in Nebraska. NFTA is seeking arts educators to collaborate on projects, send resources, receive feedback, and build relationships with people most influential in supporting the arts and arts education in Nebraska. Contact NFTA's new Executive Director, Lance at lance@nebraskansforthearts.org, to learn more about NFTA, become involved, or join the mailing list.
Do you know of another organization not listed? If so, have them contact Cody at cody.talarico@nebraska.gov.
TEACHING TIDBITS
The digital tools shared below are shared with teachers to increase their knowledge on how the application or site could be used in the classroom. However, students should only use digital tools and resources, and only those tools and resources, that have been approved by the teacher’s school district for student use. The information below is not an endorsement of the NDE.
Check out One Stop Workshop for webinars and learning sessions on topics for all arts subjects.
Are your students learning about lighting design? Check out this online Scenic and Lighting Design Lab.
The Omaha Symphony Education Team has created a virtual classroom with digital concerts, a learning library, and virtual visits.
Looking to deepen your understanding of the contributions, impact, and life of indigenous individuals? Driven by their mission to empower and engage Native people to share stories, Vision Maker Media works with producers to develop, produce, and distribute programs for public media.
Looking for a some choice boards to help kids learn about various aspects of the theatre? Check out the Click to Teach/Click to Learn resources from Educational Theatre Association's Learning Center.
Tired of searching the internet for specific art supplies? Consider the Art Education Research Guide from the National Art Education Association to search for the products you need without the general clutter of search engines.
Time for some improv? Log in to Can I Get A... for improv suggestions for locations, relationships, and words to include.
Are you a music (or other arts) teacher in a small school? "You Are Not Alone." Read advice from music teachers at small schools around the country in the National Association for Music Education's Teaching Music.
Visual art teachers (and even a few music teachers) across Nebraska have shared how they receive inspiration from art teacher Cassie Stephens.
Tune in and listen as Jazzmone Sutton and invited guests share ideas on how to make your music education program more visible in your school and community.
Looking to highlight the work of Nebraska Artists? Check out the collection of stories and videos from Nebraska Public Media.
Need resources for your elementary music classroom? Visit the Organization of American Kodaly Educators for a collection of resources for changing classroom structures.
Wanting to expand your units and curriculum in your visual arts classroom? These Standards in Action Planning Sheets from high school, middle school, or elementary school from the National Art Education Association may help focus your work.
Looking to nurture your kids' innate curiosity and creativity? Explore Creativity Week by Crayola.
Didn't have the opportunity to attend the NMEA Conference last November? Check out the sessions and session handouts that are available online.
The digital tools shared in this newsletter are shared with teachers to increase their knowledge on how the application or site could be used in the classroom however, students should only use digital tools and resources, and only those tools and resources, that have been approved by the teacher’s school district for student use.
Do you have a favorite site, app, or teaching tidbit you'd like to share? Email Cody at cody.talarico@nebraska.gov to include your idea in the next edition of the EXPRESSIONS.
PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER
- ESU Professional Development Staff, District Supervisors, Department Chairs, and Organization Leadership: Please send this information to the fine arts teachers in your service area, district, or organization.
- Fine Arts Teachers: Please share with your colleagues and friends.
- If you're receiving this newsletter from someone else and want to receive it directly, be sure to sign up to be on the NDE Fine Arts Education mailing list. You'll receive newsletters, invitations to events, and special announcements.
Connect with Nebraska's Fine Arts Education
Let's connect and work together for all kids in Nebraska to have access and opportunities in arts education.
- Sign Up to be on the NDE Fine Arts Education mailing list. You'll receive newsletters, invitations to events, and special announcements.
- Follow Nebraska Fine Arts on Twitter at @NDE_FineArts. Use the #FineArtsEdNebraska to highlight the many amazing Fine Arts Education opportunities, events, and learning.
- Find out more about Fine Arts Education in Nebraska and view past editions of the NDE Fine Arts Expressions Newsletter.
Nebraska Department of Education
Mailing: PO Box 94987, Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
Email: cody.talarico@nebraska.gov
Arts NOW Grant Email: nde.artsedgrants@nebraska.gov
Website: education.ne.gov/finearts
Phone: 402.314.7822
X: @NDE_FineArts
Links to third-party websites do not constitute an endorsement of the content, viewpoint, accuracy, opinions, policies, products, services, or accessibility of the sites.
Decisions about curriculum and instructional materials are made locally by individual school districts and classroom teachers. The Nebraska Department of Education does not mandate the curriculum used within a local school. The digital tools shared in this newsletter are shared with teachers to increase their knowledge on how the application or site could be used in the classroom however, students should only use digital tools and resources, and only those tools and resources, that have been approved by the teacher’s school district for student use.
Pictures from prexels.com (no attribution required) or provided by the school or organization and used with permission. Organization logos used with permission. Student artwork shared with permission or competition coordinator.