After school program offers music art dance
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor
What began as the brainchild of one teacher has grown and developed into a thriving program at Troup Elementary School.

Susan Womack works with Alexis Lummus, one of her second-year students. Mrs. Womack took piano lessons as a child and finds the classes give her a chance to pass on her love for the piano, since her two sons “avoid it like the plague.” Of the program, Mrs. Womack said it’s about giving the kids a chance to see if they like it, and to realize their potential in something they didn’t know they could do.

Now in its 10th year, the After School Arts program offers cultural exposure, an outlet for burgeoning creativity and an environment favorable to self-expression.

“I believe in this program because it exposes youngsters to a vibrant part of life – the arts,” said second-year director and longtime Troup teacher Barbara Barton. “Students learn cooperation, selfdiscipline and listening skills while hopefully establishing a life-long enjoyment of music, art or dance.”

“The study of the arts will help students know themselves better and realize their talents,” added Barton.

The program is just what the title suggests – an after-school option for elementary students who want to try their hand in one or more of the disciplines offered. The classes are free, with costs for supplies and instructor salaries covered by grant funding.

“The program is open to all students in grades one through five, on a first-come first-served basis,” said Barton. “If necessary, students are put on a waiting list.”

The numbers continue to grow, and Barton said this year’s response has been almost overwhelming.

“I try to limit class sizes to 12, but it is hard to turn down anyone who wants to take the classes,” she said. With 53 students enrolled in dance, 62 in art and 26 in piano, the four instructors are currently navigating larger classes than the norm.

Classes are held on Monday through Thursday, although not every class meets every day. The program relies on four instructors who cover all disciplines with classes separated into age groups, or for beginners and intermediate students in the case of piano instruction.

“The teachers are compensated for hours of instruction, but end up donating much personal time for preparation and set up,” said Barton. “They are hard-working and willing to give of themselves and their time to ensure a quality program.”

It was Troup teacher Rebecca Dubose who wanted to form a program for the arts. She approached then-principal Gay Barron in 1996.

“I didn’t think the kids were getting enough fine arts, could afford lessons and the school budget was limited to just music -- nor art or dance,” explained Dubose. “I knew many of them were probably talented but did not have the funds to study, and I hoped it would make a difference in their lives.”

Dubose got permission to pursue the program, researched it and wrote the grant.

“I think it was a miracle that I actually got that grant written and we got the money,” she said. “At the time there were very few programs like we wanted to start.”

The first classes began in 1997-98, funded by the grant, monies from the school board and the help of PTO and other fund-raisers.

A grant has to be written and approved each year, with this year’s amount $15,000. Barton now handles the grant-writing responsibilities.

PAM SAMUELS: Mrs. Samuels (at left) is a first-year teacher for the after school arts program. She has a large class of fourth- and fifth-graders. Mrs. Samuels has never taught professionally, but has a degree in elementary education. JULIE SMITH: Mrs. Smith (above) is also a Troup ISD employee, coordinating the English as a Second Language program and teaching dyslexia classes. With 10 years of teaching, this is her second year to instruct art classes. “I started because they needed someone, but I thoroughly enjoy it,” she said. “The program is wonderful for the kids and they really seem to enjoy it.” Both Samuels and Smith commented on the looser environments of the classes, but Smith said “we still have expectations and want them to learn.” KATIE HUTTO: Ms. Hutto (at right) is in her second year with the program. A graduate of Whitehouse High School, she also teaches dance at TJC and gives private lessons. At 20 years old, Ms. Hutto said her youth has its pros and cons. “The kids definitely get quieter when Mrs. Barton comes in, than when it’s just me,” she said with a laugh, but she has found the program gives her a chance to serve as a mentor for the girls. They have a short “circle time” before class, where the girls tell her about their days. “They tell me stories and about their crushes,” she said. The classes end in April with a Grand Finale, showcasing all disciplines of the program. Ms. Hutto said her students routine last year was wonderful, and personally, “it was the most rewarding thing ever for me.” SUSAN WOMACK: Mrs. Womack is in her seventh year teaching beginning and intermediate piano. Her beginners meet as a group, using finger boards, and she gives individual lessons to more advanced students.