The Value of Training in Excellence

and Building Christ-like Character

By Nancy Schaaf

With plans for another school year in the making, families are finding soccer teams, gymnastic classes, music lessons, dance classes, swim teams and many other activities for their children to participate in. Unfortunately, many of these activities have been left out of school curricula and are seen now as extra curricular activities.

As Christian parents we often find it difficult to decide which extra curricular activity best suits the needs of our children. One thing we know for sure however is the fact that we want them to grow to be well rounded, productive members of the community who will have a godly influence on our society. We want them to have the same character traits as Christ.

At DaySpring School of the Arts we recognize the fact that a child’s character will affect everything they do and the choices they make throughout their life. We understand that excellence in academics as well as extra curricular activities helps build character traits that are Christ like.

DaySpring is a place where students can be well equipped in the disciplines of the arts -- ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, drama, art and music -- and through creative academic programs for home schoolers. With more than 30 teachers on staff with professional experience, the goal of DaySpring is not just to teach a child technique and artistry, but to help shape their attitudes from a Christian perspective.

With excellence in training in any of the arts those all-important character qualities and attitudes will be developed. For example, self-discipline in rehearsing and training will develop perseverance. Mental focus will be sharpened as a child learns to carry through with a project. Children who are encouraged to carry responsibility for their part in a class or project will learn to be responsible for their actions in addition to time management and how to prioritize. A child who is taught to receive instruction, critique and encouragement will develop a strong sense of self-confidence which helps them to work as a team member.

Training in musical theatre, drama, and backstage will provide the dramatically inclined child the training, focus and outlet that he or she needs. This training challenges and develops the creative child, and brings the much needed self-control and discipline into that creative life. Along with gaining important theatrical and performance skills, students develop pride in their accomplishments and, at the same time, learn humility by encouraging and supporting one another as they work together on projects. They learn to prepare themselves and to be responsible from the beginning to the culmination of a project; while learning to focus, listen, watch and think for themselves -- which is probably the most important and far reaching characteristic. We stage several performances a year – drama and musical theatre -- to give our students a professional experience.

Our dance department is strongly based in classical ballet to provide a strong foundation in strength, precision and grace. From the earliest classes for 3-year-olds to the most advanced levels, students are learning age appropriate technique and artistry with excitement and appreciation for the art of the dance.

Our Early Years Program introduces a foundation of concepts in body control, creativity and body movement. As the dancers grow through the Intermediate Program, 2 or 3 classes per week are expected and required for those desiring and invited to begin Pointe Class. Dancers who participate in the Advanced Program have the opportunity to dance up to five days a week with special Conservatory Classes for promising dancers. We perform a ballet each year from the traditional repertoire.

DaySpring’s music department is built on the experience of professional musicians in the St. Louis area. Students learn not only artistry and musicality, but critical thinking and problem solving skills in learning how to practice, focus and attention development, as well as time management and thought organization.

The youngest of musicians, from newborns to age seven, can express themselves through our Kindermusik Classes, which nurture their cognitive, emotional, social, language, and physical development, as well as fostering a love for song and instrument. Classes in music theory and musicianship are encouraged and recommended to supplement private lessons, as well as chamber music and other opportunities for ensemble experience, including our Conservatory Prep Program for promising high school students. Whenever possible we try to use our music students in tandem with the other arts programs in the school to give all our students the exposure to and understanding of the other elements of the arts. We also look for opportunities for our students to work alongside professionals in our performances and others around the area.

In the fine arts department at DaySpring, our goal is to develop the student’s creativity as we are equipping them with the tools and understanding about the elements of visual art. This is done by examining great works of art, discussing the important elements in them and applying those elements to the student’s own projects while learning the place of art in history and culture.

Our academic programs for home schooled students includes enrichment classes and a structured two-day core program. We believe that if you teach a child to think and to enjoy education, they will be successful and become life-long learners. Our teaching style and curriculum choices reflect that belief. We aim to provide a creative, comprehensive education with a hands-on, problem solving approach seeking to motivate and equip students of all abilities to reach their full potential. Personal responsibility is encouraged and many opportunities for character development are pursued. You will find children engaged in active education, solving real-life problems, reading enthusiastically and writing to high standards. We will find out their individual levels and then take them further, encouraging excellence and diligence in all they do.

In all the arts and academics offered at DaySpring, we stress the character development that is inherent in the arts. Self-discipline and perseverance are of high value to any walk of life that our children may ultimately pursue. Learning to receive instruction, building self-confidence and learning to work as a team helps them not only now, but throughout their lives. In addition to all this comes a deep appreciation for artistry and beauty, which enriches all of our lives.

Nancy Schaaf is the Director of DaySpring Centre for Arts and Education which is located at 2608 Metro, just east of I-270 and Dorsett in Maryland Heights, MO. On August 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DaySpring will be holding an open house for students and their parents so that they may meet the faculty and tour the campus. For more information about DaySpring call (314) 291-8878 or visit their web site at www.dayspringarts-ed.org.