School Performances
Live performances can be an unforgettable experience that reinforce classroom learning, ignite creativity and help young people develop a lifelong enthusiasm for the arts. The School Performance Series presented by SOPAC complements classroom lesson plans by engaging students in entertaining and educational performing arts experiences that support the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. Performances often include Q&A sessions with artists along with Study Guides to help get the most fun and learning from your field trip experience.
Arts Residencies
Since 2016, the Classical Music, Strings Residency has partnered with the Orange School District to provide students with long-term, sequential, classical music instruction in the elementary and high schools.
The South Orange Middle School Jazz Ensemble was launched in 2021 and since 2018 SOPAC has partnered with the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation through AileyDance Kids, to offer a Dance Residency in the South Orange and Maplewood School District (SOMSD).
INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition
INSPIRED MINDS is a celebration of young artists in the region. The program provides an opportunity for Essex County high school students to undergo a full professional gallery experience; from application through exhibition, and possible sale of their art.
Providing opportunities for emerging artists was a passion of The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery’s benefactor, Milly Iris. Coupling those opportunities with arts education is at the core of SOPAC’s mission.
INSPIRING MINDS: Art Educators Exhibition
INSPIRING MINDS, presented in tandem with the student exhibition, is an opportunity for Art Educators to share their individual talents beyond their teaching credentials. Every teacher spends hours demonstrating art techniques, cultivating and displaying the artwork of budding student artists, but this show focuses on the other side of art education: the educator as an artist. This exhibition celebrates current art educators who continue to cherish their own inspirational journey and creative development. These unique and talented artists understand the significance of not only teaching art but creating it as well.
Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud® is a free national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about literary history and contemporary life as well as compete for awards and scholarships totaling $100,000.
SOPAC has collaborated with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts as the New Jersey Poetry Out Loud® Region 5 Competition Partner since 2013.