Spring Enrichment Workshops

Monday:

Musical Making-
3:15-4:15
Instructor: Nicole Tardivo
Students will get creative while learning about well-known show tunes. We will create new lyrics for our favorite songs, and learn to sing each one. Students will be able to work individually or in groups to rewrite lyrics for the show tune of their choice. At the end of the workshop, we will perform one song. Come show off your creative side!
Limit 15 Students

Set Building
3:30-4:45
Game Building Workshop
Instructor: Beth Bosworth 
In this workshop, students will learn various sculptural techniques along with prop and set design methods as we create the sets used in the Playmaking workshops. We will use our powers of creativity and problem solving skills to plan, design and then build the set and props. Some of the techniques we will use are painting (large and small scale), wood construction, paper mache, and multi-media sculpture. Students are welcome to attend all sessions, or to attend as they are able. All are welcome!
Limit 15 Students.

Sewing and Fashion Basics-
3:30-4:30
Visiting Artist: Fumiko Ishikawa
A talented seamstress and designer, Fumi will teach the students in her class the skills they will need to be able to read and use a paper pattern to create their own piece of clothing. In the class, students will choose a simple pattern and complete the entire creation process, from cutting to sewing to walking away with a new garment!
Limit 15 Student

Tuesday:

Elephants of India
3:00-4:00
Instructor: Ms. Byrnes
Students will study the history of the traditional Elephant Parade in Jaipur India. Elephants are groomed in vibrant colored attire of embroidered velvets and glittering gold ornaments and paraded before an entranced audience. Students will work on their hand building ceramic skills while sculpting an elephant out of clay. They will also learn painting, fiber arts, beading, and embroidering skills while creating their elephants. Limit 15 Students.

Theatre Workshop
3:15-4:15
Instructor: Christy Betit
Visiting Artist, Christy Betit will be directing a play that will give students the chance to act in a theatrical production. The focus is on the performance, production, set design and of course acting fundamentals. Whether it’s your first play, you’re an experienced actor, or you are just curious this workshop will help you continue to grow your acting experience.   
Limit 20 Students

Book Club
3:30-4:30
Instructor: Mrs. Ellard
Book club is a chance for you to learn about different books and authors from Mrs. Ellard and other students. This is also a chance to tell other book lovers about the books you have read and loved! Come join to hear some great stories and to share some of your own!
Limit 15 Students.

Middle School Model UN
3:45-4:45
Coordinator: Claudia & Kimberly
Do you have something to say?  Say it with Music!  Claudia and Kimberly return with a new music program.  In this workshop students will learn how to craft lyrics, melodies and harmonies while writing songs based on their chosen themes.  Students will be able to play instruments (including but not limited to hand drums, piano, bells, and claves) to orchestrate their songs, and possibly create skits based around their music. Music experience not necessary!

Chen-Ex Kindergarten Buddies
2:45-4:15
Instructor: Chenex Staff
 7th and 8th graders will walk to Burbank After School Program ( B.B.A.S.P) to engage with younger children in a one on one, or small group reading program. Students will be assigned a buddy and will work to cultivate reading skills and to serve as a peer mentor.
Open to 7th and 8th grades.

Wednesday:

Improv
3:00-4:00
Instructor: Nicole Heisler
Chen-Ex Improv is continuing in 09 and is open to new students. You can look forward to fun and creative improv games. There is a performance element for all those interested in showcasing the skills. Learn to think on your feet and to become an active listener, and have fun while doing it!
Open to 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

Digital Photography
3:15-4:15
Instructor: Doobin Im
We will explore the world of digital photography. With the new technological advances in the digital world, students will be able to manipulate photos like never before! Students will learn to crop, edit, distort, and create photo albums using editing programs such as iphoto and photoshop. Students will learn composition and lighting both indoors and outside. Come join us and express yourself through digital photography!
Limit 15 Students.

Book Making
3:30-4:30
Instructor: Maureen Cayer

Maureen will return this spring to teach an exciting class on handmade books.  When you think of a book, what do you think of?  Come expand your idea of what a book is and can be.  Create a beautiful work of art that is also a personal journal.  Make a tiny book for a friend.  Use an unusual object as a book cover.  Get creative, and join Maureen for this fun workshop!

Limit 15 Students

Habitat: Pulling Partners
2:30-4:30
Instructor: Habitat TBD

Students travel to the Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary were they will help with maintaining the facility, working outdoors, and helping with volunteer based nature activities. Time can be used towards community service.

Open to 6th graders only.

Thursday:

Sock Monsters
3:45-4:45
Instructor: Priscilla Ewen
This is a new and improved twist on the classic sock monkey. In this workshop, you will learn how to make at least three different kinds of monsters from a variety of funky, cool socks. You will learn basic hand sewing techniques and how to adapt patterns to create new ones.
Limit 12 Students.

Playmaking Class
3:30-4:45
Instructor: Nicole Heisler
Our 7th and 8th grade playmaking students have come up with the concept and plot for this years performance.  The idea is a social experiment for middle school students in the setting of a reality TV show.  If you are interested in acting in the play, please sign up.  The play will be a combination of video and theatrical performance.  In March we will be filming at the Belmont Media Center.  Anyone interested in working behind the scenes in filming, editing and other technical aspects should join us.  Finally, those interested in set design, costume building or helping as a stage manager should sign up for this class!
Open to 7th and 8th grades.

Friday:

Playmaking Class-
3:00-4:15
Instructor: Nicole Heisler
At this point in the year, our playmaking students have already created their theatrical piece. If you are interested in acting in what has been created, working as a stage manager or helping with set design please sign up. The play will be performed in late March.
Open to 5th and 6th grades.

Zen of Juggling
3:15-4:15
Instructor: Dave Marcus
In this workshop students of all levels will learn the basics of juggling using balls, batons, juggling games, and partner passing. Students will create their own juggling bean bags to practice at home as well as spend time learning to juggle at Chenex with anywhere from two to five balls at one time. We will practice tricks, techniques and learn the concentration it takes to achieve the Zen of juggling! All skills levels welcome, no experience necessary.
Limit 15 Students.

Scrap Booking
3:30-4:30
Instructor: Amanda Sorenson
Scrap booking is a great opportunity for students to express themselves through pictures, captions, and fun memories. We will be able to reminisce and share our favorite memories from years past. It is an exciting project that allows students to use their imaginations to create a masterpiece. Students will also be given disposable cameras to create new memories. This is a good way to learn about themselves and allow them to explore their artistic side. Lastly, this is a fun chance for the students to get to know each other and build new friendships.
Limit 15 Students.