K-M 3rd grade students to explore fine arts careers

In mid-March, Kasson-Mantorville’s third grade students will receive a glimpse into careers in fine arts as part of the district’s “Immersive Experiences” program. Students will participate in a variety of activities with professional artists from southeast Minnesota. They will learn about water color, journalism, storytelling, dance, floral arts, and drama, and receive exposure to music careers including voice coaching and composition.

Students’ day of arts immersion will begin with a performance from the K-M Chamber Singers, and continue with small group sessions with individual artists guiding students in hands-on activities. Prior to lunch, students from band will talk to each class about their instruments, play their instruments, and answer questions about being in band. After break, the students will continue to additional small group sessions before ending the day with a performance by the Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band.

Ariana Wright, Principal at Kasson-Mantorville Elementary, said, “Through our varied immersion days, students have opportunities to explore interests in a variety of areas. Fine Arts Day provides third-graders with a chance to let their creative energy flow. Our future artists, actors, musicians and creators learn from community experts. The energy and excitement of this day is sure to be as bold as the bagpipes scheduled to perform for our students!”

This is the third experience in a four-part series of experiences designed to give students opportunities for a variety of career exploration. The Kasson-Mantorville “Immersive Experiences” series has seen tremendous growth in its second year. Not only have new professionals joined in the series, but previous participants have returned to work with students in year two. Also in year two an additional day of experiences has been added to serve the first grade students, focusing on the “helping services” careers. In total, nearly 50 professionals have been a part of these experiences sharing their expertise to over 600 students.

Artist Mary Beth Maygar said she returns to present to elementary students because, “Art experiences should be plentiful and abundant to all children regardless of where they live, or how much money they have. Art isn’t just about making art, it is about expressing oneself, exploring different ways of thinking and making things that encourage others to challenge their own thinking. Art is for everyone.”

The fourth and final “Immersive Experiences” session is scheduled for May 9 with fourth grade students exploring careers in health and science.