Curriculum Classes
In Memory of Velma Simmons, Arts Educator
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has specifically designed a series of exciting educational classes for young learners, grades 5-8. This year's curriculum will focus on American Culture and will explore a variety of subjects—from Musical Theater and the sounds of Philadelphia to the Jazz Age and Jazz singing (scatting).
Classes are offered Tuesday through Friday, twice a day at 10am and 12pm, and are intended for school groups (not individual instruction).
Classes and Programs incorporate the National Standards in the Arts: (Music, Dance, and Theater), American History, Geography, Social Studies and Language Arts
Lessons in Music
Jazz Singing
An exciting and fun approach to the art of jazz singing. Taught by a
Philadelphia jazz artist, students will be engaged in the art of scat singing and jazz standards and introduced to vocalists from Louis Armstrong to Bobby McFerrin.
Electronic Keyboarding Class I, II and III
Using electronic keyboards, students will learn basic keyboarding and
musicianship skills resulting in a fun time of learning and creating. New this year, the class will be offered in three levels so that students can increase their skills and knowledge of keyboard technology.
Lessons in Dance
The Jazz Age
Students are taught the fast and energetic dances created during the golden age of the Roaring Twenties and the Harlem Renaissance. "Charleston", "Lindy Hop", and more will have students and teachers "cutting the rug" while learning about these historic dances and times.
Ballet
Basic form of ballet technique, bar and floor exercises offered in this class for students with little or no dance experience. Basic form of ballet technique, bar and floor exercises offered in this class for students with little or no dance experience.
Modern/Jazz
Jazz forms, contemporary/modern dance forms, combined with Afro-Caribbean rhythms are taught. Students will apply these dance techniques
to music from a well known musical theater work.
Lessons in Theater Arts
American Musical Theater
Warm-up games, singing, acting, and creating are just some of the fun-filled activities in this fast-pace class on American Musical Theater. Students are introduced to the major components of Musical Theater by singing, acting and creating their own original scenes as well as learning about well-known Musical Theater productions.
Combined Arts Classes (December Only)
Students engage in music and dance as they learn the similarities and
differences between two holiday favorites: The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky (based on Russian tradition) and the jazzy American Harlem Nutcracker by Duke Ellington.
> Download the complete schedule [PDF]
For further information or assistance, please send us a message online or call 215-790-5896.
Education programs at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts are generously supported by
