A Warm Welcome from Our Executive Director
Shirley C. Taylor
| |
|
Dear Mind-Builders Community,
As we begin the 2024-25 fall/spring program year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our returning families and students, a heartfelt greeting to those joining the Mind-Builders community for the first time, and a thank you to our many friends and supporters for your continued commitment.
To our students, I am excited to see you embark on a new season of exploring your creativity, tackling exciting challenges, and achieving great things this year.
To our parents, thank you for your support and dedication to your child’s education. Your involvement is key to their success, and we look forward to working alongside you throughout the year.
I am grateful for the energy and enthusiasm you all bring to Mind-Builders. I am confident that this year will be filled with exciting opportunities, meaningful connections, and many achievements.
Remember, each day at Mind-Builders is a new chance to learn, create, grow, and have fun. Let’s make the 2024-25 season our best one yet!
Shirley C. Taylor
Executive Director
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center
| | | | |
Fall 2024 Newsletter
October '24 - December '24
| |
With the new semester starting today, our students are ready to dive into a season of learning and growth. Some have spent the summer building their skills, while others are just getting started with us this fall. Each department has been hard at work preparing for the season ahead, and we’re excited to share what’s next. Here are some standout moments from the past few months and what’s coming up in our programs. | | |
|
Dance Department
The Dance Department’s summer was all about exploring new styles—like salsa hip-hop fusion and Afro-Cuban dance—giving students a versatile foundation in movement. This fall, both new and returning dancers will build on these skills in ballet, modern, and hip-hop classes. They’ll work on refining their technique and confidence to prepare for auditions and performances. It’s a season of growth and discovery as they deepen their artistic expression!
| |
Music Department
We Did It Again! The Music Department kicked off summer with a bang, as the (newly expanded) Mind-Builders Stage Band took home the top prize at the Six Flags High Note Festival for the second year in a row! Building on this momentum, the fall semester will feature instrument classes, and new technology-focused lessons. Select students will dive into advanced skills like music arranging and recording techniques, gearing up for even bigger performances and productions.
| |
|
The Theater Department brought excitement to the summer with master classes on everything from musical theater auditions to on-camera acting. Students received top-notch coaching in vocal performance, improvisation, and even gained insights on navigating show business. This fall, we’re taking it further, offering more workshops, rehearsals, and performance opportunities. The stage is set for our students to shine! | |
Passionate about teaching and Afro-diasporic culture? We’re looking for a Folk Culture Program Instructor to join us! Click here to learn more about this opportunity. | | | |
|
Our martial arts students made amazing strides this summer, developing discipline and technique with every session. It’s been inspiring to watch their confidence grow as they advance through the ranks. This fall, new students will join, bringing fresh energy and drive as they push toward new personal milestones. | |
UPK (Universal Pre-Kindergarten) | We were thrilled to welcome 18 new students to our UPK program this September! They’re already embracing creative learning through movement, music, and art. This fall, our focus is on helping them develop essential social and motor skills in a fun and nurturing environment. | |
|
Learn more about all our programs here. | |
Inspiring Growth, Creativity, and Confidence— | |
|
At Mind-Builders, we know that arts education isn’t just about dancing or acting—it’s about building skills that help kids succeed in all areas of life. Whether it’s learning a new dance routine, mastering a musical instrument, or performing on stage, engaging in the arts teaches patience, perseverance, and self-confidence.
As Elliott Seif explains in his ASCD article, 10 Reasons Arts Education Matters, “Learning an artistic discipline helps young people develop character. Students learn habits, behaviors, and attitudes that are necessary for success in any field of endeavor.”
Our programs give students the chance to not only develop their talents but also grow as individuals, laying the foundation for future achievements.
| |
|
Give Your Child the Gift of Arts Education
Our Fall/Spring semester starts today, October 1st! If you haven’t registered yet, it’s not too late. Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, there’s still time to secure your spot in our exciting programs.
From music and dance to theater and martial arts, our classes offer something for everyone, even adults! We also offer flexible options for tuition costs.
|
|
Fall '24/Spring '25 Program Schedule: English/Spanish | | | |
|
We want to take a moment to spotlight our incredible dance instructor and now Programs Manager, Michele Lee. Over the past couple of years, Michele has made a lasting impact on our students. Her exceptional instruction, patience, and care have helped young dancers build their confidence, technique, and love for the art of dance.
Parents have shared how Michele's teaching goes beyond dance, instilling life skills like routine, preparation, and perseverance in each child. While we’ll miss having Michele in the studio, we’re thrilled to have her passion and expertise behind the scenes as our Programs Manager, where she’ll continue to shape engaging learning experiences for all of our students. We’re proud to have her as part of the Mind-Builders team, and we’re excited to see how she’ll continue to inspire in her new role!
| |  |
|
We are proud to spotlight Iymaani Abdul-Hamid, a talented musician and the founder of the Ode to Black Fiddlers (OBF) Music Festival. As a music educator in the South Bronx, Iymaani saw the need for young violin students, especially those of color, to see themselves represented in the world of string instruments. She created OBF to provide a platform for professional musicians of color, challenging the idea that violin and other string instruments are "elitist."
Since its founding, OBF has grown into a space where musicians, students, and the community come together to celebrate the artistry and cultural contributions of Black string players. Iymaani’s passion for making string music accessible shines through in every aspect of the festival, inspiring and empowering the next generation of musicians.
Photo: Cameron Crew Studios
| | |
|
October 2024
November 2024
-
November 5 – Election Day, Please Vote!
-
November 20 – Jazz Night
-
November 23 – Registration Deadline for Group Music Classes
-
November 25 – Master Dance Class with Kwikstep and Rokafella
December 2024
-
December 7 – Mind Your Beat Dance Battle
-
December 14 – Kwanzaa Celebration
January 2025
-
January 11 – Registration Deadline for Remaining Classes
-
January 14 – Jazz Night
| |
For additional details, closures, and event updates, click here to view our full calendar on the website. | |
Involvement Opportunities | |
We would love for you to get involved at Mind-Builders! We believe that the arts are for everyone, and high-quality arts education should be too. | |
Adults in our Work Exchange Program commit to a weekly schedule in exchange for one free class for themselves or their child. Applicants are selected after a simple interview process. | |
Want to give back to your community? We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with events, classes, and administrative tasks. Your support helps us keep the arts accessible to everyone. | |
Your generous donations allow us to continue offering arts programs to our community. Please consider making a donation today and help us provide opportunities for creative growth and learning. | | |
|
|
Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center
3415 Olinville Ave, Bronx, NY 10467
718-652-6256 | www.mind-builders.org
| | | | |
