The Arts Connection is a privately operated visual and performing arts
facility celebrating its 20th anniversary season in 2009-2010. The school opened in
1990 and has grown to encompass three locations in the Steveston area.
We offer a complete private music instruction program, theory classes, a complete dance program, a drama program and visual arts classes for ages 6 to adult. We also operate three preschool and child care facilities called Paddington Station,
which boast an outstanding early childhood curriculum enhanced by fine
arts components, and a full-day kindergarten program. We also offer a broad range of programs for ages 6
months through to adult in all areas of the arts.
Our faculty comprises teacher professionals who are active in the
arts and performance community of Vancouver. Profiles of our
accomplished faculty are available for viewing. Students participate in
examination programs, festivals, recitals, and workshops, and have
excelled in their areas of study.
Over the years, the school has regularly hosted master classes and
has conducted workshops for renowned Canadian and American artists both
in the
visual and performance arts. Guest artists have included Brent Heighton,
Toni Onley, Raymond Chow,
Ruth Nichol, Jane Coop, Vance Hoy (who has now joined our teaching ranks), Ellen Silverman, Melinda Coffey, Robin Wood, Harold Zabrack, Mark Westcott, Steven Staryk, Monica Pfau, and Patricia Hoy.
Our students have performed in outstanding productions in professional
theatre venues including The Wizard of Oz, The Snow Queen, Hansel and
Gretel, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory at The Gateway Theatre.
Our 2010 Gala Performance will be a grand celebration for our 20th anniversary.
These presentations allow students to share what they have learned with
their parents, family, and friends, and encourage self-discipline,
commitment, and cooperation.
Our teachers are dedicated, accomplished professionals who
understand first-hand what it takes to master an art. They work with
each student as an individual, identifying specific goals and providing
the guidance and specific skills necessary to achieve those goals. As
experienced teachers, they know how to
adapt their personal styles to accommodate the varying abilities and
time
commitments of their students. We offer the resources of a full faculty
so
that students can be matched to teaching styles and personalities.
Teachers can call on other faculty to supplement certain areas or
even act as substitutes if an occasion demands it. This gives our
students the benefit of a large talent pool and experience with
different methods.
Class sizes are limited to numbers that work for the program and
for the individuals in them. We believe in low student-teacher ratios
so that quality instruction may be had by all our students, whether
they're toddlers or teens. If a problem exists that is affecting the
enjoyment and progress of the group, then we will revamp the class
structure and do all we can to maximize the positives.
Notices, accounting, and other such matters are all handled by the
school administration so that teachers can focus on what's important:
teaching. This enables the student to get his or her full lesson time,
as the teachers are not burdened down with the complex job of handling
school business. Administrative business is conducted from the First
Avenue location, where we maintain a fully staffed front desk from 9:00
am to 6:00 pm Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm on Fridays, and 9:00 am
to 1:30 pm on Saturdays. Our waiting rooms provide a safe and cheery
environment for students and parents alike. You can be assured that
there will be someone available to keep a watchful eye on younger
students, answer questions, and offer a friendly smile.
We believe in taking the art disciplines seriously. To that end, our teachers
expect that their students will practice. In our Music Division, we provide
incentives such as practice club books and associated prizes. We try to
make practicing a habit by making it fun, then a challenge, and finally a
reward. Goal-setting is used even with the youngest of our students.
As a parent, your input is welcomed and valued. Arrangements can always be
made for you to discuss your child's participation and progress at any time.
We have many opportunities for you to view classes or sit in on lessons
during the year. These do vary from teacher to teacher but the Director,
Linda Shirley, has an open-door policy and will act as a liaison should the
need arise.
We offer a full scholarship and awards program, including recognition
certificates, trophies, and cash scholarships. Many of the awards are
presented for attitude, improvement, and just plain effort. Others are
granted for outstanding and promising talent and abilities. The Arts
Connection raises money for scholarships year-round through fundraisers
such as a Faculty Benefit Performance and the operation of our snack
bars. Your support and donations are very much appreciated. The Arts Connection and
Paddington Station also raise funds through the sale of Worlds Finest-brand chocolates
for the Jennifer Menendez Memorial Playground. Jennifer was a much-loved daycare supervisor
who lost her life in a tragic vehicle accident. Our playground dream is one of keeping her playful spirit alive.
Through the professional associations of our faculty and the cooperation of
our administration with the Vancouver Symphony and Ballet BC, our students
are offered many opportunities to attend wonderful performances and
concerts. We do group trips when the numbers dictate and put up posters and
informational pieces on our bulletin boards.
Students are encouraged to participate in performance opportunities offered
or arranged by The Arts Connection. Students have participated in
presentations at numerous venues including Chapters Books, Minoru Residence,
The Richmond Art Gallery and Cultural Centre, Richmond City Hall, Richmond
Centre Mall and Lansdowne Mall. Many of our ballet students have also been
involved with the Royal City Youth Ballet in their annual production of
The Nutcracker and Coppelia. We do major productions at the end of the year in all the disciplines.
Students may also prepare and participate in both examinations and
competitions. The Arts Connection has an impressive record of achieving very good results and is able to boast of many working artists that have studied
or continue to study at the school.
