Barkai Yeshivah prides itself on its comprehensive art and music programs. The art room at Barkai has become a center for challenging the minds and the imaginations of children, while the music program focuses on listening skills and musical interpretations. Together, the art and music programs enrich the overall academic curriculum at Barkai.
Art Is a Language
Barkai Yeshivah believes that art is a language to be learned, so they teach their children the building blocks of visual expression such as line and shape, color and texture.
Art is Integrated
Art lessons are linked to art history, literature, science, social studies and Judaic studies, thus integrating art with the various curriculum subjects.
Techniques
Techniques are the introductory part of every art lesson. Learning how to use materials opens up creative possibilities for the artist.
Creative Problem Solving
Creative problem solving is at the heart of all lessons, and Barkai’s faculty aims to foster the unique and individual spirit of each child.
Art affords each student the opportunity to find his or her strength. It allows individual self-expression and acceptance in a classroom setting and helps to develop self-confidence in each child. The Barkai Method is dedicated to educating the whole child, and the Arts Program mirrors that goal.
The Music Program
Music is introduced to the early childhood classes with singing. It is further developed in the 1st and 2nd grades by an understanding of instruments and illustrated with classical selections, such as Peter and the Wolf, and Carnival of the Animals. Third graders learn musical notation and the recorder. By the 4rth grade, the children are prepared to learn the great works of composers, such as Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Mozart’s The Magic Flute. The children are exposed to the fairy tales which inspired those works, as well as the cultures of the countries represented in the tales. All music lessons are reinforced with art activities through which the children can express what they have learned.
Barbara Azizo, Director of the Art Program, holds an MA in art education. In addition to her work at Barkai, Ms. Azizo is a teacher-volunteer with Learning Leaders, in conjunction with the NYC Schools and the Brooklyn Museum; a teacher-volunteer at PS 209, where she is spearheading a committee to implement an art curriculum; and an Instructor in Art History at The Yeshivah of Flatbush.
Elizabeth M. Rappa is a NY State certified fine arts and drama educator. She holds an MA in art education from Brooklyn College as well as a BA in fine arts from Cedar Crest College. She has worked at Barkai for the past two years. In addition to her work as an art educator, she has extensive experience in dance, theatre and set design.
Rachelle Sitt has been an instructor of Barkai’s Music Program since its very beginning. She holds a BA degree in fine arts from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women, with a minor in music and Judaic studies. Her experience includes work as music director at the Sephardic Community Center, music teacher at Camp David and Gesher Yehuda, and as musical director- in-taining for famed director Yeeshai Gross.
