V.E.S. "SUMMER SPECTACULAR" EARNS RAVE REVIEWS ^*

A group of children ages 5-12 met for two weeks at Village Elementary School, Fallbrook, to take part in an action packed fine arts and music program. The program was made affordable for many families partly through a generous donation from Rally for Children. Led by V.E.S. music instructor Barbara Martin and guest artist Janice Monypenny, students explored the visual and performing arts through a variety of experiences.

Budding musicians sang, danced and moved rhythmically to music. They practiced recorder and were introduced to cello, violin and many other instruments. The music program was further enhanced by the appearance of guest performers such as local favorites Ken and Phee, who shared folk music accompanied by guitar and dulcimer. "Music was fun because we got to sing and have visitors. And we got to play new instruments too", remarked 7 year-old Denise Garcia.

Children explored the visual arts through painting, drawing, building and sculpting with a wide variety of mediums. They experimented with acrylics, watercolors, inks, clay, wood and textiles. Each day, students had the chance to lose themselves in the creative process as they were greeted with another exciting new project to begin work on. Five-year-old Anzy McWha said "I liked art best. I liked drawing ‘cause you learned things, like how to draw trees." Monypenny stated, "Each day we encouraged the children to be totally comfortable and enjoy the process. They were totally the boss of their own artwork."

Theresa Stumpges had three children in the program and helped out each day with snack for the children. "I think the program went really well! The teachers and their aides, Lindsey Engle and Marissa Herrera, did such a nice job. It was a large group of children, with a lot of different ages, and each one was able to learn and produce so much. I was really pleased." Another parent, Cathy Witschger, commented on her daughter’s participation. "Julia was so eager to come every day. She’s a child who loves to stay at home and is not always willing to try new things!"

The program concluded with a celebration including a gallery exhibit of the children’s artistic endeavors, and a sharing of musical experiences and accomplishments with proud family members. Five-year-old Anzy McWha gave a solo performance of ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb’ on the soprano recorder, and brothers Jeremy and Van Stumpges performed ‘Country Dance’, also on the recorder. "I am truly impressed by what this group was able to accomplish in just two weeks", remarked Barbara. "This program was really great because it was so rich with so many exciting and important experiences in such a short time. And, as always, the children taught me so much!"