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Jasia Smith (center) of Burrville Elementary School, the individual
winner of the Eastside Slam! with DC United player Clyde Sims
(left) and Washington Freedom player Abby Wambach (right).
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DS SCORES Poetry Slam! Recap
The 12th annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam!, held Dec. 2 and 3 on different sides of the city, showcased 700 young District poets reciting original works in front of large audiences. The Eastside Slam! was on Dec. 3 and featured students from 10 elementary and middle schools in Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8. Washington Freedom player and former Olympic hero Abby Wambach as well as DC United player Clyde Simms were honorary judges who cheered on the DC SCORES kids, who aimed to impress the panel of real judges at Kelly Miller Middle School.
All of the poems read were written by DC SCORES students over the past two months during workshops at their respective schools. DC SCORES, started in 1994, is a nonprofit after-school program that uses soccer, poetry and service-learning to enable District students in 23 public and public charter schools to become more physically fit, engaged students, and agents of change in their communities.
An added aspect of the 2009 event was that Stephen Harrell of Bicycle Stations donated a new bike to a boy and a girl from each DC SCORES school who displayed the most leadership throughout the season. Bicycle Stations is a store near 14th and W streets that opened in 2009 to motivate the DC community to make healthier decisions by commuting on bicycles.
The Arts and Technology Academy poets won the Eastside Slam! and the Golden Mic trophy for their performance of three poems that addressed the violence issues in their community.
Below is a full list of the Eastside Slam! winners:
Arts and Technology Academy – first place
Burrville Elementary School – second place
Anne Beers Elementary School – second place
Howard Road Academy – spirit award
Kelly Miller Middle School – first place, middle schools
Cesar Chavez Public Charter Middle School – second place, middle schools
Jefferson Middle School – spirit award, middle schools
Jasia Smith of Burrville won the Shine Award for the best individual poem by an elementary school student. She performed “Let’s All Save the World Together.” Kristina Fleming won the middle school Shine Award for performing a rousing rendition of the national anthem.
Visit www.americascores.org for more information on DS SCORES.
Wild Side Stage at the National Zoo
This winter, Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) will present Wild Side Stage, a new performance series for children featuring acclaimed, award-winning musicians, dancers, storytellers and puppeteers from around the country. Performances will take place in the National Zoo's visitor center auditorium on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Before and after each performance (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), guests can visit certain animal exhibits for the chance to meet animal keepers as well as the animals featured in the performances. The Sunday performance schedule for January is: Jan. 10, Brady Rymer (ages 2 and up), and Jan. 24, CityDance Ensemble (ages 3 and up). Looking ahead, the first performance in February is Feb. 7, DinoRock (ages 4 and up). Tickets are $5 for FONZ members, $7 for nonmembers. Adults and children ages 2 and older require tickets. Children under 2 are admitted free with a parent. Purchase tickets at www.fonz.org/wildsidestage.htm, through Ticketmaster at 202-397-SEAT, at the zoo's gift shops (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or on the day of the event (if not sold out).
Classroom Demonstration: Afro-Mexican Instruments
In a hands-on demonstration, music educator Bill Jenkins will visit with a school class, Jan. 14, 10 a.m., at the Anacostia Community Museum, and discuss the marimba, guiros and other traditional Mexican musical instruments of African origin that are played in the Veracruz and Costa Chica regions. Participants will get to play and sing together using authentic Mexican instruments. This program is free of charge and suitable for all ages. For reservations, call 202-633-4844. The museum is located at 1901 Fort Place SE. Visit Anacostia.si.edu for more information.
Youth Choir Auditions and Acting Workshop at the Atlas
American Youth Chorus, DC's new choral group for children ages 8-14, is holding auditions this month for its spring 2010 season, which includes performances at the Atlas Performing Arts Center and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. The chorus is looking to expand its ranks to over 60 children in 2010. Rehearsals are held weekly, after school, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. To schedule an audition, contact Debby McConnell at 202-399-7993 ext. 182, or e-mail debby_mcconnell@congressionalchorus.org.
MASSIVE Company Acting workshop for youth takes place Jan. 23 and 24 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE). Sam Scott, artistic director of New Zealand's Massive Company, leads this workshop, which is designed for young people ages 15-25. This intensive acting and theater workshop is free to all. For more information and registration, contact Jen DeMayo, jendemayo@atlasarts.org. This workshop is made possible by a gift from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Visit www.atlasarts.org for more information about the Atlas.
Discovery Theater Presents: ‘Going the Distance’
Children ages 6-11 will enjoy this play about the rise of two great African-American Olympians, Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph, as they overcome childhood illness, poverty and prejudice to become the world's fastest man and fastest woman – and win Olympic gold medals. Shows are Jan. 15, 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. $4-$6. 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. 202-633-8700, www.discoverytheater.org.
KanKouran West African Dance Company
KanKouran West African Dance Company returns to Dance Place for their annual performance in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Jan. 16, 8 p.m., and Jan. 17, 4 p.m. Sunday's performance is part of the family series: free for one child (12 and under) with each paying adult. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. General admission $22; members, students, teachers (PreK-12), professional artists and seniors $17; children (2-17) $8. 3225 Eighth St. NE. 202-269-1600, www.danceplace.org.
Let’s Read About Africa Story Time
Children ages 6 and up and their caregivers are invited to hear storyteller Diane Macklin share stories of Africa by award-winning authors, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 9 & 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the National Museum of African Art. Free. 950 Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-4600, Africa.si.edu.
Explore the Sounds of Africa
Children, ages 6 and up, can stop by the African Art Museum Jan. 15 and 22 and Feb. 12 and 19, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and learn about African polyrhythms and syncopation while playing a variety of African instruments with Ugandan musician Daniel Ssuuna. Free. 950 Independence Ave. SW. 202-633-4600, Africa.si.edu.
Tips on Trips and Camps Fair
Not sure where to send your kids to camp this summer? Tips on Trips and Camps is hosting a fair, Jan. 23, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Sidwell Friends School, offering free advice to parents of children looking for summer overnight camps, language study/immersion, creative and performing arts camps, academic programs and many other programs. The fair is free. Sidwell Friends is located at 3825 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 866-222-TIPS, www.tipsontripsandcamps.com.
Happy Birthday, FDR!
Celebrate President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s birthday at the Postal Museum, Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoying FDR’s favorite hobby – spending time with stamp collections. Visitors will also have a chance to participate in “Stamp Charades.” And be sure to explore the related exhibition titled, “Delivering Hope: FDR & Stamps of the Great Depression.” Participating in this program helps Junior Girl Scouts work towards the “Collecting Hobbies” badge. Open to all ages. Free. 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE. 202-633-5534. www.postalmuseum.si.edu.
Children’s Programs at NCM
The National Children’s Museum will host the following activities for children in December at the National Harbor’s Launch Zone (unless otherwise noted).
- Wee Wonders' Hawaiian Vacation, Jan. 12, 19 & 26, 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Children (ages 2-3) can escape the chilly weather and explore the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Parents and caregivers, along with their child, can learn about the islands, plants, animals and culture through stories, games, art, music, experiments, drama, and movement. $10/child. Limit two children per adult. Pre-registration and advance payment required by the Friday prior to the event. Call 202-675-4120 or e-mail RSVP@ncm.museum to register.
- Chinese New Year, Jan. Jan. 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a variety of festive activities. Illuminate a cold winter day by making a Chinese paper lantern and learn about animals and symbols in the Chinese zodiac.
- MLK Day of Service: Catnip Creations, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Children will make colorful and fun catnip toys to be donated to a local animal shelter. The Launch Zone will also donate bedding materials to shelter animals, so bring old blankets and towels.
- Celebrate the Taste of Nablus, Jan. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Explore Palestinian food and culture through images and narratives highlighting children in the city of Nablus. The celebration includes hands-on activities, food and entertainment.
NCM is located at 112 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md. 301-686-0225, www.ncm.museum.
NSO Kinderkonzert: Magical Mozart
Showing all the fun he must have had creating and playing his music, the Unlikely Trio (NSO musicians Carole Bean, flute, Dotian Levalier, harp, and William Wielgus, oboe) performs a wonderful array of Mozart's greatest works Jan. 30, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Kennedy Center. Starting one hour before each Kinderkonzert, kids can get up close with the instruments they'll see played on stage. Recommended for children ages 4-19. $18. 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600, www.kennedy-center.org.
The 2010 Children's Gallery of Black History
This year’s Children’s Gallery of Black History has the theme: “Rise Up! The Journey for Economic Empowerment Worldwide” and will celebrate those who pushed against the odds to attain community and financial sustainability. Visitors will be able to participate in hands-on learning exhibits that explore the life and achievements of visionary minority leaders. The gallery will pay tribute to eight momentous men and women, including Nina Simone, Carter G. Woodson, Dikembe Mutombo and A. Philip Randolph. The purpose of this year’s theme is to empower children to realize that they too have the power to overcome the cycles of hardship in their lives and communities. The dates of this year’s gallery are Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 22-6, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at All Souls Church (16th and Harvard streets NW). After-school groups can register for visits from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gallery is closed on the weekends. Admission is 50 cents/child; $2/adult. Group rates available. Call 202-545-1919 or e-mail tricia.momiestlc@gmail.com for more information or to schedule your group. |
