Arts Education
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MECA provides arts education through three innovative programs: the In-School Arts, After-School Arts and Residency, and Summer Arts Programs. A diversity of traditional, modern and cultural art forms is available. Both personal and group instruction are provided to students, and abundant performance and collaboration opportunities exist, promoting teamwork, confidence and self-esteem. Renowned artists deliver master classes and workshops, demonstrating to students the personal and professional rewards possible through discipline and focus. In 2009, classes in classical and cultural art forms were delivered to 835 students, with another 6,031 reached through workshops, master classes, artistic performances and special presentations. MECA operates under the belief that quality education is the key that opens the door to opportunity. In response, MECA utilizes arts education to keep at-risk youth interested in school and to help them achieve higher education that may otherwise seem unattainable. MECA programs employ arts education not only to promote learning in disadvantaged populations, but also to explore and celebrate diverse cultures through ethnic art forms and cultural festivals, providing a forum for cultural expression through art. Faculty members have broad experience in the arts and in working with youth of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. All faculty members are hired based on their expertise and pedagogical background, ensuring the quality delivery of arts curriculum. Administrators have decades of experience conducting arts education programming, and have received frequent recognition for their achievements; most staff members also have an arts background, giving them a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young artists and the elements that comprise quality arts programming. Staff and administrators participate in local and national conferences, seminars and workshops to gain continuing education and networking opportunities, and to share in best practices with other organizations |
Music
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MECA’s music department consists of a diversity of musical genres and styles from numerous global cultures. Both private and group classes are available, as well as periodic workshops and master classes. Music students have the opportunity to perform in end-of-the-semester recitals, and at community celebrations and special events.
MECA students and ensembles have performed at such institutions as the Winter Olympic Games, Miller Outdoor Theater and Wortham Theater. Ensembles have toured to Vietnam, Norway, Ireland and Mexico, and students represent MECA in various international competitions. Available music classes include:
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Our 2019 Student Recital Days; Each student displays the skills gained from their training. All ages & class levels are displayed throughout the Recital Days.
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Dance
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MECA’s dance program promotes physical fitness while exploring creative expression and cultural diversity. Each dance idiom counts with a strict curriculum created specifically for
MECA by dance professionals. Classes include warm-up exercises and core strengthening to promote injury prevention while placing an emphasis on dance technique. Workshops and master classes with touring artists are often provided. MECA’s most popular dance discipline is Mexican Ballet Folklórico. Mexican Ballet Folklórico is a traditional art form that combines elements of classical ballet and folk dancing. These colorful dances of Mexico with their choreography, costumes and accompanying music vary by geographic region, and may depict local animals, attire and folklore. MECA’s Mexican Ballet Folklórico ensembles are comprised of both youth and adults and are frequently invited to perform at community celebrations, festivals and special events. The practice of these classical and traditional art forms help students develop a sense of cultural pride and respect for diversity, as well as physical coordination, teamwork and confidence. Available dance classes include:
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Our 2019 Student Recital Days; Each student displays the skills gained from their training. All ages & class levels are displayed throughout the Recital Days.
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Visual Art
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MECA's visual Arts classes provide students a forum for hands-on creative expression activities. Classes are designed to encourage youth to explore their interests and imagination through various disciplines. The visual arts program serve underserved children, children with disabilities, youth, and adults. Students five to twelve years of age begin learning and implementing the principles and elements of design creating 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional works of art. Materials used in the classroom include but are not limited to, acrylic paint, colored pencils, markers, crayons, clay, fiber, aluminum, and wood. The goal of this class is to introduce the students to a variety of ways materials can be used to create art.
Students 13 and up learn the proper techniques of many disciplines, including metal, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, glass, woodworking, and illustration. The goal of this art class is to engage the students in critical thinking so that they can convey their thoughts and ideas through art. Both levels of art classes experiment with new media, photography, and animation. A sewing and fiber arts class has also been implemented into our curriculum, in this class students learn stringing, beading, lacing, tying knots, cutting, ironing, pattern making, embroidery and embellishment, weaving, and dyeing. Students also learn how to hand stitch and use a sewing machine. Available art classes include:
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Crafts vs Art: Kids art education just as important as math
Our visual arts instructor, Michael Allen Martin, takes teaching art to your kids as serious as HISD takes the Math STAAR test. Crafts have their place, but MECA is dedicated to quality art education. |
