Faith Center for the Arts
02August

Why You Need Online Classes

Why You Need Online Classes

The Internet has changed the world forever. It has also changed the way we learn. We have access to more information than ever before, and more information than we could ever take in. Connecting people across the globe with similar interests, business opportunities, and ideas. However, the biggest growth online this year has been in education. The year 2020, has shown just why you need online classes.

What are the Benefits of Online Classes

The biggest benefit is that they come to you. You are able to take courses that are anywhere in the world. Also, if you can’t get out, the learning can still come in. This is a huge benefit for those with busy schedules, young children, or those quarantined at home. That’s not the only benefit, though. Here are other ways an online class can help you and your homeschool:

  • Lower cost than traditional, in-person courses
  • Flexibility; works in your schedule
  • No need to travel
  • Find the perfect course for you, not just whatever is offered locally
  • Explore new subjects
  • User friendly
  • More interactive than a textbook or DVD course
  • Support from instructor
  • Accountability vs learning on your own
  • Community and connections with others studying the same skill or subject

Where to Find Online Courses for Homeschooling

You may be surprised how prevalent online classes are for everyone. The homeschool community has also grown and developed a wide expanse of courses on every subject and for every age level. At this point, most curriculum or resource providers offer some sort of online learning. Some of these courses are pre-recorded with instructor support through emails or forums. Others are conducted in real time over video conferencing platforms. Courses can be for large groups, or one-on-one, similar to a private tutor. The options are endless.

If you need support in a certain subject for your homeschool, online courses can change your schooling for the better. They will provide the social interaction, educational support, and limitless possibilities that homeschoolers crave.

How to Know if Online Learning is Right for You

Since online learning is so diverse, there really is something for everyone. Before signing up for an online course, consider your personality, schedule, and preferences. Do you need to be able to ask questions in real time or chat with others as you learn? Or, do you prefer to learn independently and just touch base when you need to? Where can you fit a course into your schedule? Will it need to be flexible, such as a prerecorded or one-on-one session? Do you thrive on predictability and schedules? Do you need accountability to make sure you get the work done? Or are you self-motivated to keep doing the course even when no one is looking?

Considering your needs, personality, and daily habits will help you choose a online learning experience that serves you. This will make the experience more enjoyable and successful.

How to Incorporate Online Classes with Homeschooling

Online schools can provide your entire education, or just supplement what you are already doing. They can be a fun family experience, or a way for an older child to study while mom works with the younger sibling. Really the possibilities are endless.

Courses are offered in every subject, including algebra and chemistry. However, classes do not need to be simply academic. There are also courses for fun and socialization.

Lastly, online learning gives homeschool families the opportunity to add subjects and skills to their day even if mom or dad are not experts. Music lessons, specialty skills, fine arts, and dance are just some of the options out there.

Faith Center for the Arts and Online Education

In our changing world, it is important to keep up and serve your community well. That’s why Faith Center for the Arts is excited to announce our new online course offerings for academic year 2020-21. These courses can be an excellent supplement to the in-person classes we already offer. They can also help families unable to come to in-person lessons for whatever reason. The wide range of topics means there is something for everyone.

Here is a sneak peek at our online offerings this year:
  • Art 1 for students, 11+
  • Art 2
  • Studio Arts Creative Creations, age 8+
  • Watercolor Illustrations, age 12+
  • The Art of Storyboarding, age 12+
  • Digital Design 1, age 11+
  • Digital Design 2
  • Music Theory 1, age 13+
  • Music Theory 2
  • Electronic Music, age 13+
  • Global Music, age 14+
  • Photography 1, age 11+
  • Photography 2
  • Group Piano, age 11+
  • Developing the Artist as Teacher, age 15+
  • Band
  • Guitar
  • Strings
  • Private lessons in all instruments
  •  

For more information visit here.

 

Faith Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization providing high-quality, affordable arts instruction and performance opportunities in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.  We have been serving families in New Jersey for over 20 years.

Current locations include Cedar Grove(Essex County), Randolph (Morris County), Lafayette (Sussex County), Zarephath (Somerset County), Staten Island and Oak Ridge (Morris County).
08June

Homeschooling High School

Home Schooling High School

When you started homeschooling, what was the first thing people asked (before COVID)? Ok, after they asked about socialization and your child being weird? Your neighbors, family, and friends probably started asking about high school and college. How will you teach algebra? What about chemistry lab? Don’t you want your child to go to college? Even if your child was only five, these questions may have made you nervous. However there is no reason to fear homeschooling college bound, high school students!

Homeschooling High School Advice

The usual questions do very little to prepare you for this monumental task. They may even keep creeping into your head and make you wonder if you really can homeschool high school successfully. How will you know if you are making the correct choices? What about transcripts?

What you need right now is advice, not questions. Homeschooling high school for a college bound student is not that much different than home education in the younger years. At the same time, it is a whole new world. That’s why we wanted to introduce you to Betsy Sproger’s book, Homeschooling High School with College in Mind

Why You Need a Plan to Get to College

You can homeschool college bound, high school students. The most important thing you need is a plan. Betsy lays out the choices, planning, and preparation needed to succeed. Her book walks you through choosing curriculum, planning electives, and preparing your student for college and career. In an easy to follow, step by step manner, Betsy teaches you everything you need to know to guide you homeschool high school student to college. These are proven techniques that she used with her own daughter. Now, Betsy is on a mission to help other parents give their children amazing educations with limitless futures.

Homeschooling College Bound does not mean Limited Choices

You may think that homeschooling college bound, high school students means replicating public school exactly. However, that is not true, and this book shows you why. Homeschooling through high school provides amazing opportunities that will not only help your child get into college, but succeed in life. There is not one size fits all. High school can be what you make it, if you start with a focused plan and keep your eye on the college ball. Knowing how to invest time and money into your student’s talents and strengths, while meeting college acceptance expectation, is golden.

Get Organized with the Best Homeschool to College Resources

Not only does Betsy walk you through the high school education process, she details the entire transition to college. Plus, she includes the best high school homeschooling resources around. Get yourself organized and have all the tools you need right at your fingertips. Thank you, Betsy Sproger, for sharing this amazing resource with us. We hope that it will help other families to navigate these sometimes confusing times of preparing for college while home educating.

If you would like to learn more about  Homeschooling High School with College in Mind, please check out the Amazon listing or visit Betsy’s homepage.

 

Faith Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization providing high-quality, affordable arts instruction and performance opportunities in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.  We have been serving families in New Jersey for over 20 years.

Current locations include Montclair (Essex County), Randolph (Morris County), Lafayette (Sussex County), Zarephath (Somerset County), Staten Island and Oak Ridge (Morris County).
31May

FC Virtual Recital

FC Virtual Recital

What a year! We get to show off all the great work our teachers and students have been doing with a virtual end-of-year recital.

Click on a button to view the performances from that location or class. Some of the links represent multiple videos, and some are still being posted, so please be patient as we wrap everything up.

Cross Campus Performances

 

View Guitar Showcase
View Piano Recitals
View Electronic Music Projects
View Dance Recitals

Location-Specific Performances

 

View Randolph Vocal Tech Showcase
View randolph performing ensembles
View Randolph Coda Choir Showcase
View Staten island performance Drama
View staten island performing ensembles
View Lafayette Performing Ensembles
View somerset performing ensembles
view oak ridge performing ensembles
view montclair performing ensembles
29April

Creativity and Success During the Pandemic

Creativity in Crisis

When life gives you lemons, you need to make lemonade! You have probably been hearing that quite often, lately. It is true, though. These past couple months have been a change for everyone. However, in the uncertainty and challenge, we have known that God is in charge no matter what. So instead of accepting defeat, we have risen victoriously in His Name. Faith Center for the Arts continues to develop the heart of the artist, despite the quarantine!

Serving Families at Home

In case you didn’t realize, life changed dramatically at record speed. Faith Center rose to the challenge. When it became obvious that all six centers would be closing for the foreseeable future, plans were quickly put into motion. Six thriving centers moved online to continue to serve families during an unprecedented crisis. Through recorded classes, Google Classrooms, and amazing assignments, Faith Center became a completely virtual community.

To say the teachers have been creative is a vast understatement. It has been a labor of love. We truly miss our community gathering, but are blown away by the ingenuity, creativity, and flexibility of families, staff, and teachers.

Creative Ways to Teach Fine Arts at Home

You never know what you can do until you are forced to do it. Apparently, Faith Center families and teachers are capable of absolutely remarkable feats! Here’s some highlights of the past couple months.

Drama students tried their hand at voice overs. After attending a recorded class with a professional voice over artist, the students went to work creating their characters, practicing their voice techniques, and then crafting their videos. Drama has also been working on stage makeup techniques, and sound effects.

Instrumental lessons had a very different look, but music continues to fill the air. From flute, clarinet, and trombone to cello, guitar, and accordion Faith Center musicians haven’t missed a beat. Speaking of beats, Mrs. Briggs played an entire flute quartet herself. It’s true! It was all part of the innovative way spring concerts will be presented. You can have a listen to this amazing feat below. (The strong beat is a metronome used to align the different pieces from each player. Once the project is finished, that guide will be removed.)

 

Shenandoah – Recording of Mrs. Briggs

Young Artists Creating Masterpieces

Art classes moved to the small screen with video courses that instructed and inspired young artists. Our art teachers pulled out all the stops to develop projects and instruction for students to complete at home. More than a simple art class, these virtual lessons gave students a connection to the community that missed. Photos of students working and finished projects have poured in. Here are just a few of the ones we have received.

Family Dance Lessons at Home

What are the dance students doing? Well, they are not just sitting by watching everyone create, that is for sure. Through online meetings, recorded classes, and incredibly supportive teachers, dance students have been rocking their world at home. Each students choreographed their own dance, using locations and furniture in their home as props. Some even got their family involved and became teachers themselves.

Getting Ready for the Future

Lessons aren’t the only thing that has moved online. Since our open house events were canceled, we had to get creative. Open houses provide a vital link to prospective and new families. So, we moved our open house events online. This enables us to meet with families from all over, from the comfort of their home.  Things may be different around Faith Center, one thing will never change! We will never stop giving God all the glory while serving families in our communities.

Would you like to attend a virtual open house? Then, sign up at this link. Can’t wait to see you there.

Faith Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization providing high-quality, affordable arts instruction and performance opportunities in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.  We have been serving families in New Jersey for over 20 years.

Current locations include Montclair (Essex County), Randolph (Morris County), Lafayette (Sussex County), Zarephath (Somerset County), Staten Island and Oak Ridge (Morris County).
29April

Homeschool Resources

Homeschool Resources

You can do this!

For families and teachers who now find themselves at home teaching, we want to encourage you- and give you some helpful resources.

Our Family Liaisons are a knowledgeable group of parents who have been homeschooling for several years; they are the main point of contact for families at each of our Faith Center locations. We have asked them to share some of the tools that have proven to be valuable resources for them over the years. We hope you find them to be useful as well!

Online Testing Resources

Online Educational Supplements

NJ Co-ops

MONDAY:

  • Renew Classical Co-op (academic co-op) that meets at the Evangelical Free Church in Blairstown from 9-3

THURSDAY:

  • TLC (The Learning Connection) meets on Thursdays in Hackettstown.  Families can join just as social members and participate in activities throughout the year and can also add co-op as well. The best way to make contact with the group is to go to the website: http://mytlcnj.com/
  • Aquinas Learning meets on Thursday’s in Tewksbury from 9:30-3:30. It is a curriculum-based center. Questions? Contact: Faith Rose faithrose717@gmail.com.

FRIDAY:

  • Classical Conversations meets Fridays at Green Pond Bible Chapel in Newfoundland. Nicole Bohannon directs the seventh-grade class and can answer questions and/or point you to another of our directors depending on children’s ages. Nicole Bohannon:  941-539-8222.
  • Little Way Cooperative (a Catholic Arts Co-Op) Meets on Fridays (except the first Friday of the month) from 9:30-3:00 in Bound Brook. Contact: Faith Rose 973-580-0549 or faithrose717@gmail.com.

ICC (the Institute for Cultural Communicators)

ICC has a slew of online resources available even to non-members. The cost of these resources is super reasonable. NJ contact: Kate.Wood@iccinc.org

Online public speaking curriculum with lesson plans:

  • Beginning Public Speaking – designed for ESL and elementary-aged students
  • A Reason to Speak – a succinct online Public Speaking curriculum for Ages 11 – 13
  • Express – an online Public Speaking curriculum for High School students

Other ICC courses of interest:

  • Online Basics -for Adults and students at least 12 years old
  • Peacemaking Introduction – for Adults and students at least 14 years old
  • Coaching with Success – excellent resource available to adults

CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS COMMUNITIES

  • Livingston NJ, Wednesdays – Support Representative:  Renee Alejandro. email: ralejandro@classicalconversations.com
  • Edison NJ, Tuesdays – Support Representative:  Renee Alejandro
  • Bayonne NJ, Fridays – Director: Karina Boudmer. email: cckarinab@gmail.com, Support Representative:  Renee Alejandro
  • East Brunswick NJ, Fridays – Support Representative:  Renee Alejandro
  • Glen Rock NJ, Fridays – Support Representative: Michelle Brayman. email: mbrayman@classicalconversations.com
  • Pompton Plains NJ, TBD – Support Representative: Michelle Brayman
  • Newfoundland NJ, Fridays – Support Representative: Michelle Brayman
  • Basking Ridge NJ, Wednesdays – Support Representative:  Renee Alejandro
  • White House Station NJ, Tuesday – Support Representative:  Renee Alejandro
  • Jamesburg NJ, TBD – Support Representative:  Renee Alejandro

Other Resources

 

Faith Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization providing high-quality, affordable arts instruction and performance opportunities in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.  We have been serving families in New Jersey for over 20 years.

Current locations include Cedar Grove(Essex County), Randolph (Morris County), Lafayette (Sussex County), Zarephath (Somerset County), Staten Island, and Oak Ridge (Morris County).
03February

How Art Builds the Brain

How Art Builds the Brain

The National Association for Gifted Children published an article in 2017 by Karen Morse called “Developing Creative Thinking Skills through Art“. In it, they outline all of the ways that art teaches creative thinking, including “[developing] analytical thinking, sharpen[ing] their visual-spatial acuity, and [helping children] become more receptive to out-of-the-box thinking.”

Creative thinking helps children to explore the world around them. It gives them the freedom to experiment and dream. Beyond that, creative thinking is how new discoveries are born. This is the basis of world changing advancements and inventions.

Why Should Children Experiment with Color?

Just learning about color and being exposed to vibrant ranges of colors changes how children learn and think. It develops critical thinking, observation skills, and broadens vocabulary. Morse asserts that “Before children learn to read and write, exposure to the arts enables them to express representative and abstract thinking.’ 

‘They learn to see things through a lens that is uniquely theirs. They learn that there is no right or wrong way to create. By examining and making a variety of artwork, including abstract art, children learn that people are individuals with unique expressions of ideas and emotions.” 

What are the Brain Building Benefits of Creating Art?

Young children are drawn to art. They naturally want to dance, sing, and draw. These activities are early expressions of art. They help to grow and develop the brain. Through movement, sound, and self expression, children’s brains build neural connections, and create pathways that impact future learning. The arts are the basis for all learning.

Children need art to learn how to express themselves and process the world around them. Through the arts–visual, music, drama, and dance–they develop an understanding of human experience. Children also learn about emotions, how to relate to others, and how to stretch themselves beyond the present moment. 

What about STEM?

In the 21st century, there is a huge push in education to embrace a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This is usually the reason for neglecting the arts, which are seen as less needed or profitable. However, STEM needs the arts in so many ways. In fact, children who learn and experience music have better numeracy skills. They naturally can find patterns, understand ratios, and comprehend advanced mathematical concepts. Music is a mathematical exercise. 

To prove the need for music, researchers have set up control studies. The following is an example. The research focused on proportional mathematics, which is usually a challenge for younger students.  

“One group of 2nd-grade students from a low socioeconomic Los Angeles neighborhood was given four months of piano keyboard training along with computer training on software designed to teach proportional mathematics. This group scored 166 percent higher on proportional mathematics and fractions subtests than the matched group that received neither music nor specific computer lessons, but did play with the computer software.”

The combination of art and STEM is the true path to advancement in the future. Nurturing young artists should be the goal of every educational endeavor.

How has creative learning changed how your child learns?
15July

Dalmations in the News

101 Dalmations in the News

TapIntoRoxbury, a local news website, featured our elementary performing arts camp on July 12, 2019 in this article. Below is a transcription:

“Faith Center for the Arts’ 2019 Elementary Musical Theater Camp will be presenting Disney’s “101 Dalmatians Kids” at the Investor’s Bank Theater on Friday 7/12.

Twenty-five students ages 6-13 from all over northern NJ have spent half-days at the theater all week. Camp director, Jennifer O’Leary, says the focus is on building relationships while building the show. “It’s really amaing what a group of young kids can accomplish together in just a few days. We should never underestimate our children.” 

After just a few hours of rehearsal, campers will be singing and dancing their way through Dodie’s Smith’s famous story of the wicked Cruella de Vil, who wants nothing more than a black and white spotted fur coat — and has the Dalmatian puppies whose skin she needs to make it living just next door. Bethany Svendsen of Allamuchy, in her third year at the camp, will be playing Cruella. She says it’s fun to play the bad guy “because it’s so different from anything else I’ve ever done!” 

A free senior citizen performance is being offered at 11:30 AM on the 12th, and the regular performance will be at 6:30 that evening. Join these talented kids for a 30-minute race to save the puppies! The Investor’s Bank Theater is located by Horseshoe Lake at 72 Eyland Avenue in Succasunna, NJ.
09November

Global Learn Day Replay

Global Learn Day Replay

We are excited to announce that our very own Faith Center founders were featured as presenters in this year’s Global Learn Day on October 6th and 7th, 2018!

Sponsored by the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Global Education and their partners, Global Learn Day is an opportunity to celebrate learning, in every format, across the world. Last year, the virtual voyage around the world was a success celebrated on 6 continents and in numerous countries.

“It is an opportunity for us to embrace each other as “One Planet, One People” and learn from what we each have to offer. One’s education never ends and neither should our celebration of it!” –Global Learn Day

Faith Center explored the value of music as a means of expression and connecting to others.  By identifying how music and language are processed in the brain, we hope to help find ways to better share the music experience with the deaf.  Take a look:

If you missed it, you can check out the video below.

For more ideas and research, including how learning to play music could help people become better problem-solvers, subscribe to our newsletter!
11August

Faith Center in the News!

Faith Center in the News!

August 1, 2018

The Daily Record posted an article about Faith Center’s Musical Theater Camp performance of Brigadoon, celebrating the level of excellence and dedication of the students and staff.

Read the article

June 2, 2018

Our very own Executive Director, Bill Briggs was interviewed on WFME 1560AM, sharing the story of how Faith Center was started and how it connects art and faith together.  Click below to listen to the full interview.
27February

Introducing

Introducing...

Our 2018 Summer Musical Theater Camp Director:

Jeff Bender, Headmaster of Sight & Sound Conservatory

Jeff Bender graduated from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, and then continued on to receive his MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He acted professionally in New York and abroad for 7 years, then went on to earn a Masters of Theology from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

He has acted in numerous productions at Sight & Sound Theatres since 1998. In 2003, he became a member of the Producing Group where he’s been actively involved in creating, writing and directing shows such as Ruth, Psalms of David, Voices of Christmas, Joseph, Jonah, Moses and Samson. He has performed in and directed drama ministries for churches, parachurch ministries and on the mission field.

Jeff has also been the Director of Sight & Sound Conservatory since its inception in 2012. SSC is a one year apprentice style program that provides professional training in the performing arts from a Christ-centered world view. Jeff and his wife Tina have 4 children and reside in Strasburg, PA.

About Us

Faith Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization providing high-quality, affordable arts instruction and performance opportunities in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. 

We have been serving families in New Jersey for 3O years.

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Contact

  • Faith Center For The Arts PO Box 713
    Wharton, NJ O7885
  • 973-252-5O43
  • maestro@faithcenterarts.org

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