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Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts: Living the dream through the arts
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
children and families in the North Lawndale community, especially those with loved ones who are incarcerated. Celestial Ministries combines music and art education with relational nurturing to provide a safe, supportive family environment where children can explore talents and develop character to become tomorrow’s leaders. Celestial Ministries believes God has gifted every child with talents and worth. Our programs are designed to provide an environment where children can become all that God has created and called them to be.
CELESTIAL MINISTRIES SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS The Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts is the premier outreach of Celestial Ministries. The School of Fine Arts provides music theory, dance, and hands-on musical instruction available in individual and group lessons. The School of Fine Arts currently has group classes available on Saturdays at Lawndale Community Church, Mondays through Wednesdays at Catalyst Charter School, and Wednesday and Friday mornings at William Penn Elementary. Individual lessons are set up by individual instructors.
Sessions/Terms The School of Fine Arts runs four sessions/terms throughout the year. Fall Session: October-December Winter Session: January-March Spring Session: April-June Summer Session: July-September New students may join at the beginning of each session as long as room is available. If a session has already begun, new students must wait until the beginning of the next session.
REGISTRATION The Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts registration fee is $25 per household (up to 5 students) per three month session (average is 12 group lessons per session). This amounts to an annual cost of $100 per household for the year. Financial assistance is available upon request. Tuition scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis. Celestial Ministries provides students with books, sticks, practice pads, and the equipment necessary to practice and play for classes and performances. Lost books, sticks, and other equipment must be replaced at the student’s expense. Celestial Ministries uniforms and t-shirts are available for purchase as needed throughout the year. Registration fees are non-refundable.
ATTENDANCE Attendance is crucial for developing commitment, discipline, and musical competency. We urge students to attend classes faithfully. Students are allowed two excused absences per session. If a student is running late or planning on missing a week, they must contact a staff member prior to
class. Students who attend faithfully and students who never miss will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the end of each session. Every student should make their best effort to be in class on time each week.
ADMINISTRATION For organization and accountability purposes, Celestial Ministries is required to keep track of student information and parent/guardian consent forms. Information is kept completely confidential and only used for auditing purposes.
All forms sent home with students should be signed and returned. Students cannot participate in classes without completed registration forms and payment. If you have any difficulty complying with these requirements, please contact Antoinette Ratliff.
Drop off/pick up Parents must drop their children off before 9 a.m. and pick them up no later than 11:30 a.m. Please advise a faculty member if your child will be picked up by someone other than you or if your child will be taking public transportation.
Saturday Classes Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts meets every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Students are asked to show up on time (9:00 is considered late). The Saturday class schedule is as follows:
Tutoring is provided by Mary Cray, a retired teacher from William Penn Elementary. Mrs. Cray uses interactive teaching methods to engage students in areas such as science, math, and study habits. Every student in the School of Fine Arts will be challenged toward excellence in academics and the arts.
Music Theory Music Theory is conducted by the Director of Celestial Ministries, Stanley Ratliff. Students learn notes, scales, and other musical terminology. Student progress is evaluated through quizzes, tests, and oral questioning. After music theory, students break off into group lessons where they apply what they have learned.
Group Lessons
Celestial Ministries is currently offering group lessons in: · Dance · Keyboards · Guitar · Drumline · African Drums · Drumset In group lessons, students interact with instructors and each other to generate a creative and stimulating learning environment. Music instructors use a variety of techniques to engage students and inspire a desire to learn. Group lessons involve practical hands-on experience, beginner-intermediate-advanced tracks, and opportunities for student leadership. Instructors assess progress frequently through individual and group exercises, performances, and recitals. Students cannot switch instruments or area of focus until the next session. See class schedule for specific classes available.
Individual Lessons Individual lessons are set up by individual instructors at different times during the week. Ask instructors for their schedule and availability. Individual lessons are not included in the registration fee and fees vary depending on instructors.
Student Leadership
Today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders. Therefore, Celestial Ministries is dedicated to developing strong student leaders. Student leaders are selected by the instructors to set the example for other students and to help with discipline and instruction. Student leaders are chosen on the basis of age, experience, maturity, dependability, musical ability, character, and leadership potential.
The student leaders should be shown the same respect as the instructors. If another student or parent has a problem with a student leader, they should consult the instructor immediately.
Snacks On many occasions, Celestial Ministries provides snacks for students at the end of classes and for special events. Often parents, guardians, or friends will be asked to bring food supplies for a class, parade, or event. This is something we expect from all those who are able. Donations of food or money are welcome anytime to help the ministry with these expenses.
Angel Tree
Celestial Ministries is involved in the Angel Tree program in North Lawndale. Every Christmas, Celestial Ministries gathers and distributes Christmas gifts for 1700 children of incarcerated parents. If you are aware of any children that has a mom/dad or sibling incarcerated please invite them to join Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts.
Special Needs We are not adequately equipped to address special needs children in the School of Fine Arts without parental supervision. If you wish for your child to participate then please make arrangements to accompany them.
PROGRAMS Celestial Ministries also takes their program to the community. Celestial Ministries partners with other community organizations and schools to reach more children in the Lawndale community.
Marcy-Newberry Center During the summer, Celestial Ministries has partnered with the Marcy-Newberry Center to expand our reach to more kids in the community.
The Marcy-Newberry Association was established with a mission to address the needs of west side communities of Chicago by developing, managing and operating groups and individual programs to stimulate self-determination, empowerment, self awareness, community development and
revitalization, human dignity and racial pride; promote positive self images in children and adults; provide, through the existing resources of the agency and referral to others, education/training designed to lead to employment and job fulfillment; and promote citizen involvement in the improvement of the neighborhood.
Every Thursday from 3:00-4:30 p.m., the Celestial Ministries School of Fine Arts goes to the Marcy Center on 16th and Avers. This summer, the kids were able to show off their new skills in the Marcy-Newberry end-of-summer recital. Students must be enrolled with the Marcy Center to participate in Thursday classes.
Catalyst Charter School
Celestial Ministries will be partnering with Catalyst Charter School, a new alternative school in North Lawndale.
Catalyst Schools Chicago serves as a catalyst for transforming inner-city communities by developing highly educated, concerned, committed citizens of character who understand their role as agents for change within their communities. Catalyst Schools will transform lives and neighborhoods by providing quality educational opportunities built on commitment, collaboration, and community.
Celestial Ministries will team up with the Catalyst School’s Renaissance after-school program to offer drumline and music theory as an option for their students Mondays through Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Students must be enrolled at Catalyst Charter School to participate in the Renaissance programs.
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