Last Friday night’s Shine on the Arts event was another huge triumph for our students. There were two things that stood out to me on the night. The first was the exceptionally high quality of the performances and artwork which seems to improve every year. The second was the number of students new to the arts that wanted to step up and give it a go.
Our students are really excelling in all the Arts at GCC and their talent amazed all who attended the event.
I’ve written before about the benefits to students who participate in the arts but this time I want to talk about the advantages to the parents and caregivers.
It can be a lot of work and expense driving students to specialist lessons or purchasing new costumes or materials but the benefits far outweigh the efforts. Here are just four of them:
1. Your children know that you care enough to take an interest in and support their activities. Not all of them may appreciate it at the time but when they grow up and have children of their own who want to learn the violin (for example) – they will value what you did for them then!
2. The arts are a perfect way for your child to build self-confidence. Dancing, singing, playing an instrument or performing drama takes courage but you don’t always have to be in front of an audience for this to happen. Some of our Art students shy away from public attention but are quietly joyful to see their artwork being admired by the crowds. Encouraging your child to participate in the arts is a good parenting hack to increase their personal wellbeing.
3. The physical and psychological benefits of participating in the arts are a good foundation for life. In a similar way to being in a sports team, it’s obvious that being in a Dance Troupe will make your child fitter but the teamwork skills they learn is a skill for life. Drama is a solid foundation for public speaking, singing strengthens lungs and playing an instrument improves fine motor skills. Supporting your child’s participation in the arts now is a parenting building block for their future.
4. Most of all, I think my ‘take-home’ benefit from Friday night was that it was a lot of fun. Watching all the performances, admiring the beautiful art and feeling the buzz in the atmosphere was a thoroughly entertaining night out!
I am very proud of all of our students, their parents and the commitment of our staff. A lot of effort went into the night but involvement in the performing arts brings very tangible benefits long after the event is over. Congratulations to everyone who made the 2019 Shine on the Arts such a success.
For all the photos and videos click here.
Mike Curtis, Principal