Science should be fun. From Albert Einstein to Bill Nye, scientists agree that we need to engage young people by making science fun and accessible. That’s what our very own Josh Loebenberg does with his science classes.
After learning about pH, the students of Chemistry, Rory, Carrie, and Ryan, wrote rap lyrics, which Mr. Josh performed. See below for the YouTube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
The high school students here at Walden are preparing a theatrical treat–Snoopy! The Musical. The musical is based on the comic strip Peanuts. Through the musical, the students are learning about the ins-and-outs of theater productions.
The performances will take place on Saturday, May 19th at 7:00 pm and Sunday, May 20th at 1:00 pm. Both performances will have a preshow “A Variety School” presented by the Walden Middle School players. Don’t miss these wonderful performances. Tickets are reasonably priced at $5 a piece. The performances will be held at Walden Community School, 4595 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792.
Jen Zappola is the drama and music teacher here at Walden. Jen is vivacious and caring teacher. I asked Jen about some of her past experience, future plans here at Walden, and her love of the arts. I hope you all enjoy.
M: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
J: I recently moved to the Orlando area after living in New York City as an actress/singer/teacher. The Fall of 2009 and 2010, I spent touring Japan with the Tokyo Philharmonic as one of only seven American performers in Disney on Classic’s Miracle and Promise where we performed for over 100,000 people, made appearances on live TV and sang on The Disney Channel.
I also toured much of America staring in the ArtsPower children’s show The Rainbow Fish and have sung for six years with the international entertainment group Incognito Artists, based out of London. I have spent many summers working at Weston Playhouse in Vermont acting in shows such as Marvelous Wonderettes, Big River and Les Miserables.
Until my recent move, I taught at The Studio New Canaan in Connecticut and Art House Astoria in Queens, New York. I have a Bachelor degree in Voice Performance and a piano minor from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music and am a member of the Actor’s Equity Union.
M: How did you become interested in the arts?
J: Great question. I suppose I was simply drawn to it. Music and art classes were always my favorite in school and I loved being up on stage. I loved the beauty and excitement that comes along with the arts and the act of creating something new. I liked that it was something I could do on my own, work hard at and improve upon, but also something that could be part of a large ensemble. To this day, I love all the parts that go into making a show possible. From the music director, to the costume designer, the producers, technicians, casting directors, actors, musician, stage hands, all to make these magical moments happen on stage.
A little background on the next question–Dr. Mikulka and Jen Zappola are planning a music summer program. This program is in the early stages of development, and we will keep you all informed as more details are confirmed and finalized.
M: I heard rumors of a certain summer program you are planning. What can you tell me about it?
J: We are launching a brand new Theater Art Intensive Summer Camp right here at Walden Community School. We will have two camps one for K-5th grade, the other for 6-12th grade. Each camp will be two week, all day Monday through Friday and will end with a full staged production of a musical.
Students will learn about all aspects of theater, including set design, staging, acting and costuming. Also, students will have the opportunity to have a Question and Answer Skype session with a Broadway actor.
We are looking into what shows we will be producing. Most likely we will do a Disney show for the K-5 camp, perhaps Sleeping Beauty or 101 Dalmatians. Either of these shows are perfect of this age group and will have many opportunities for every student involved to showcase their talents!
For the 6-12 camp we are tossing around the idea of either Sweeney Todd or a newly released student version of Avenue Q, both of which are very exciting!
M: We are seeing a lot of public funding being cut in the arts. Tell us why you think the arts are important.
J: To me the arts are about playing and exploring with freedom and then making discoveries. Art is one of the only places where it is just as important to be wrong as it is to be right. It is a great place to learn to take risks, tap into natural creativity and find your own unique voice.
To have the arts as a foundation in a child’s life is one of the most important things one can do for a child. It is a place where they won’t be judged, and where they will learn the importance of working together. And the best part is that the end result will be something they have made themselves! There’s no better feeling that that.
Here at Walden Community School, we want everyone to know and love our teachers as much as we do. In the next few weeks, we will be featuring our teachers in little get-to-know-you posts.
Let’s start with Josh Loebenberg. Josh teaches the high school sciences–physics, chemistry, and biology. Josh said this about himself:
“ I am a fun loving science geek. I graduated from Rollins College in 2006 with my BS in Biology. This is my 5th year teaching a multitude of different science courses. I enjoy pushing students past their educational comfort zone. It is an obligation to myself and my students to make learning science as fun as possible. My relaxed teaching style allows students to learn in the best way for them because, through my experience, I’ve learned that every person learns in their own way.”
Josh fosters creativity and curiosity in his science classes by encouraging science exploration through play. Josh has his students create games, songs, and other inter-active play. The chemistry rap was a hit with the chemistry students as well as everyone lucky enough to participate in the filming and viewing. By making science both a learning experience and a game, Josh encourages the students to expand their educational and social horizons.
Welcome to the Walden Community School Blog!
This will be managed by Meredith Blankenship and Mistie Watkins.
More content coming soon…