I realized November was coming to an end when I received my 2023 Wrapped message from Spotify. Sometimes I am surprised by what makes it onto this list and what is missing. Did I really spend that much time listening to movie soundtracks? How did a certain commercial jingle not make it on the list when my 9-year-old likes to play it regularly for me as a joke? Seeing that I had spent 17,728 minutes listening to music and podcasts on this particular platform led me to reflect on how else I use my time. As I looked at whether my calendar was aligned with my personal and professional goals, I did notice I had several large projects in various stages of completion. Rather than let that discourage me, I am going to focus on what I have accomplished and then make time to complete what is important and see what I can let go or pass on to someone else. This exercise has been a powerful experience for me and I’d encourage you to do the same.

I have the privilege of interacting with many of you throughout the year and end up being inspired by you daily and this will always remain a priority in my work. Please enjoy this month for all that it is and be sure to take some time to rest and enjoy yourself prior to starting 2024.

If you are looking for additional resources and support, I encourage you to continue reading this newsletter, regularly visit the SDCOE VAPA website, and reach out to me with your questions by email or phone.

VAPA Coordinator, San Diego County of Education (SDCOE)

858-295-8881

Visit the SDCOE VAPA website to learn more about these professional learning opportunities:

Whether you are looking for resources to increase staffing, adopt new instructional materials, or find a new arts partnership, please check out the resources available on the SDCOE VAPA website to get informed and inspired today.

Abeba in the Tall Grass, written by Jonathan Norton and directed by Nikki Mirza, is about a 5th grade aspiring horticulturist and the urban garden that has become her sacred space. Through encounters with the school goof-offs, she realizes like plants need water and light to flourish, people need friendship and community to thrive. One of La Jolla Playhouse’s signature Learning and Engagement programs, the Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour is an annual world-premiere, Playhouse-commissioned production that brings the magic of theatre to San Diego classrooms.

Get inspired by the excitement of Afro-Cuban drumming! Groove with the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra and explore percussive rhythms, identify emotions, and discover connections across cultures. Center for World Music’s internationally recognized teaching artist Juan Carlos Blanco will demonstrate this exuberant dance style while showcasing how community drumming helps focus energy and express joy. Spanish/English narration will deepen the students’ understanding of this art form’s rich cultural history.

San Diego Youth Dance Festival (SDYDF), an annual community dance experience for youth, ages 12-18, to celebrate dance, embody new experiences, and connect with fellow dancers from across San Diego County. It is open to middle and high school dance groups (both during and after school), non-profit youth dance groups, and self-organized (not-for-profit) community youth dance groups within San Diego County.

Youth Town Hall at The Old Globe Theatre

The Old Globe is hosting a Youth Town Hall event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, with the opportunity to watch a showing of Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show following the event.

This free event is designed to create space for youth voices to discuss what concerns them in the art industry, and how theatres such as The Old Globe can help, and what resources they need on their artistic journeys.

The Youth Town Hall event includes dinner and a ticket to Scrooge, which begins at 7 p.m. It is open to middle and high school youth up to age 19 from all artistic backgrounds. Middle school students can attend with a parent if they prefer.

Registration is required to attend; each will receive a confirmation via email.

We are pleased to invite you to submit your student artwork for the 2023-24 California Art Education Association of San Diego (CAEASD) K-8 Student Art Exhibit. Entries must be submitted by the teacher. Artwork will be on view from Feb. 26 to March 23 in the community room of the Carmel Valley branch of the San Diego Public Library.

If you have an upcoming arts event for students or educators, an arts professional learning opportunity, or an arts curriculum resource to share, submit your ideas to us here.