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Academics » Talents

Talents

“The Arts Program – JHS 157”

artsJ.H.S 157 offers a Talent program opportunity for all of our students. The Talents consist of Visual and Fine Arts, Theatre Arts, Instrumental Band, Vocal Chorus Music, Computer Technology, STEM and Dance. At the beginning of their first school year here at Halsey, students are provided with the opportunity to select a Talent of their choice. All of our Talent instructors meet with grade 6 students to provide a brief over-view of each program offered, prior to students making their selection. The talent courses are a 3-year course in which the students begin with the foundation of the specific art and then continue to build each school year. Students are expected to remain with the Talent class they select for the duration of their time at Halsey. 

Below is a brief description of each program: 

VOCAL/CHORAL MUSIC

choirStudent participation in our chorus encourages community, team spirit, and stimulates artistic growth. Ms. Shikowitz encourages the chorus students to become like a family, creating room for vulnerable and meaningful musical experiences. Students perform a diverse repertoire in various genres and languages. Students often have the opportunity to work collaboratively with instrumentalists and composers. Chorus class includes two evening concerts during the school year, which are a highlight of the Halsey calendar. Chorus students learn to read music and build musical noatation and theory skills. Chorus has various auditioned and non-auditioned extracurricular activities, such as Select Chorus, High School Audition Preparation, Salute to Music, and Intergenerational Choir. For more information, contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

 

 

STEM

stemScience, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) – In our STEM program, the focus is on science and math with the integration of technology and engineering to provide students with the opportunity to use problem solving skills by using the engineering design process. Some topics included are: computer programming, robotics, bridge design, digital fabrication, 3-D printing, and animation, just to name a few.  In addition, the school has a newly constructed state of the art technology lab to support the software engineering program.

VISUAL AND FINE ART

visualIn art class students study various art styles including abstract expressionism; art deco; art nouveau; conceptual art; cubism; op art and others. Students learn to understand perspective as well as art in the context of history. Students learn to use various artistic techniques, tools and styles as they grow and develop their own unique form. Students have the opportunity to work with our art teacher in crafting pieces for their art portfolio which may be submitted as part of the admission process to LaGuardia, Frank Sinatra and Talents Unlimited high Schools. Each spring our student artist display their pieces in our “art walk spring show case” for parents, faculty, staff and students alike.

INSTRUMENTAL/CONCERT BAND

bandHalsey Band offers students a unique opportunity to learn a musical instrument!
Students can choose from a variety of options, including:

  • Brass: trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, or tuba
  • Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, or tenor saxophone
  • Percussion: beginning on the xylophone

 

All instruments are available to rent free of charge.

Students may also audition for our after-school Jazz Band on piano, guitar, drum kit, or bass guitar. Please note that these instruments are not taught during the regular band class.

Throughout the year, students will develop music literacy, learn to follow a conductor, build teamwork skills, and perform with a large ensemble in two annual concerts. They may also participate in our advanced or intermediate after-school jazz bands, perform in the pit orchestra for our spring musical, or receive specialized high school audition preparation after school.

 

Each year, our 8th-grade band performs at the NYSSMA Major Organizations Festival, consistently earning Gold and Silver Ratings.

 

Outstanding band members may also be invited to perform in the prestigious Queens Area All-State Festival.

 

 

DRAMA (Theater Arts)

dramaThe Theatre Arts program at JHS 157 offers a variety of performance opportunities and experiences for students of all grades.  In 6th grade, students learn the foundations of acting and theatre and begin to develop their performance and writing skills through storytelling, playwriting.  The 7th and 8th grade Theatre Arts students continue to enhance and refine their performance skills through monologue,improv and scene study. Each of these units of study lead to performances that are presented to the school wide community during assemblies. 

In addition, each year the 8th grade Advanced Theatre Arts  students develop a Senior Showcase. This Senior Showcase is a series of original student created scenes and monologues that focus on the issues of Peer Mistreatment and Bullying. The showcase is written, directed, performed and produced entirely by 8th grade Theatre students. The students have the opportunity to engage in all aspects of Theater Making, from pen to page to stage. After three years of Theatre study, students present this culminating work to the school-wide community. 

Each year, the Halsey Theatre Arts program produces and performs a Broadway Musical in the spring. Students of all grades and Art disciplines are encouraged to audition. A cast of approximately 30 rehearse after school for several months, learning songs, dancing and acting for this production. Much of the show is student produced under the direction of  student stage managers. The sets are created and painted by Halsey students. The stage crew is run under the supervision of an eighth grade stage manager. Over the past several years, the Halsey Theatre program has performed Broadway shows such as Bugsy Malone, Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, Peter Pan, Fame, Legally Blonde, Once on This Island, Mary Poppins, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, and Spongebob the Musical.

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING

techIn our Computer Talent program, students build core programming skills and explore how technology impacts the world. The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving and computational thinking through projects that grow in complexity each year. In 6th grade, students learn the fundamentals of coding using Scratch and explore the role of data in our society. In 7th grade, students develop real-world web design skills using HTML and CSS, App Lab, while also exploring ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence. In 8th grade, students dive into JavaScript and creative coding using the p5.js library to build interactive graphics, animations, and games. Our program prepares students to think critically, create with code, and understand the evolving digital world around them.

DANCE STUDIO

danceIn our newly constructed state of the art dance studio students develop life skills, social-emotional growth, academic and common core skills, and of course, artistic expression. The key focus of dance is TEAMWORK. We build collaborative social-skills, or “ensemble” skills. Dance is used as a language, both written and verbal. Students practice speaking, performing and being audience members. They learn to share knowledgeable critique in the art of dance. Students learn to move their bodies safely and efficiently, especially in relationship to others. Dance class is an inclusive place where all learners can excel. Students will study various styles including Michael Jackson, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop and Creative Movement. In addition, students will be invited to attend field trips to experience professional Dance.