Modern manufacturers stress daily the need for students to be well versed in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Now a unique program in our region is gaining momentum and you can help them to build up some steam through a fundraising event next month at Silver Beach Pizza.
Children’s Music Workshop (CMW) will launch its newest program, ‘STEM to STEAM’ in Spring of 2017. The program takes existing principles of nationally recognized STEM programs, and adds the technical components of the arts to those disciplines to create STEAM.
By introducing the ARTS to the already successful STEM programming and developing what is now known as STEAM, CMW is able to add an aspect widely missed through basic STEM programs.
Jennifer Bomar is the Executive Director of the Children’s Music Workshop. She says, “At CMW we focus on the development of our youth through the use of the arts. We strive to equip these students with skills they can utilize in their everyday lives. Communication, problem solving, creative solutions and critical thinking are only a few of the strengths that our students learn through performance arts.” Bomar adds, “CMW believes that we are in a unique position in which we can take the arts and apply it to the STEM program in a way that will have an instant and long-lasting impact on the students that participate.”
Through lessons and direction from CMW staff and professional mentors, participants will learn new technologies and career opportunities. These include audio/video production, sound and lighting design, using CAD software to design on stage sets, hands on set construction, AC and DC principles through automated set pieces and props, project management, audio engineering, stage management and the principles of a counter weight and basic electrical and lighting systems through apprenticeships as stage crew.
Program mentors will be chosen from a vast selection of CMW staff members, volunteers, community experts, and local theatre employees with expertise in their respective field or program. CMW will pre-pilot this program during their Spring 2017 production of Disney’s Mulan Jr. on April 21, 22, 23 at the Lakeshore High School Community Auditorium.
Thanks to a recently awarded matching grant opportunity from the Upton Foundation, CMW will work towards realizing a full launch of ‘STEM to STEAM’ by its Fall 2017 production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ in November at The Mendel Center Mainstage at Lake Michigan College.
To help raise funds for the matching grant, everyone is invited to join CMW supporters at Silver Beach Pizza on Tuesday February 21, 2017. The restaurant will give back 10-percent of all dine-in and carry-out sales for the whole evening to CMW. If you would like to be a part of the program as a student, mentor or enroll your child in a CMW summer camp, click this link cmwonline.org for more information.
