Arts Odyssey

Picture a high school with hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium, and library filled with artwork of every student K-6 and representations from all classes 7 - 12.  In addition, imagine a roaming high school Dixie Land Band comprised of students, faculty and administrators, serenading the community as they enter.  Arts Odyssey is a gala event of children, arts, music, dance and drama intended to capture integration of arts in education through performance, demonstration and displays.  Such is the celebration every spring at the Northgate School District. 

Approximately 11 years ago, a School Board Member convened a group of community and school faculty and administrators, each with a different focus and expertise, but with a shared passion to discuss expanding the arts in education.  After presenting informative and enlightening information to fellow Board Members, a leadership committee was formed to create an event reflecting integration of arts in education.  Thus, the Arts Odyssey was born.  This Board Member, Ms. Shirl Reinhart, continues to chair monthly meetings to organize, promote and energize the District and the community in extending its appreciation and delivery of arts in education.  

At the Odyssey, student work is everywhere and students demonstrate and elaborate the techniques and ideas that surround its development.  Each year has a distinct theme around which teachers and students integrate all arts into the curriculum and demonstrate a variety of skills, performances and products.  In the gymnasium, parents and students gather to watch students perform or take part in various activities.  In the cafeteria, student groups perform while attendees enjoy food provided by various student and booster organizations.
The culmination of the day is a congregation of parents, family and community members experiencing the elementary, middle and high school bands and choruses as each performs.  The grand finale erupts when all students, elementary through high school, vocal and instrumental, appear on stage singing and playing the Battle Hymn of the Republic in concert with all the members of the audience.

Overall, the Arts Odyssey has embraced collaboration between academic and teachers of the arts.  It has brought the community, spanning all ages, into the schools.  The cost of this program is minimal as the work of students and staff is embedded in the curriculum.  Arts Odyssey has enabled the community, students and staff to be enveloped in artistic and educational opportunities otherwise not possible. The attendance of community and parents and the involvement of Board Members, Administrators and staff deliver a powerful message to our students as to the importance of education and the arts.

Click below for Arts Odyssey Programs of the past.