Technology in the Arts
by Susan Goodin & Tracy Wagner

                              THE VISIT
     Upon our arrival at the Governor's school, we were in awe of the beautiful landscaping on the Mercyhurst College Campus.  We were then ready to see the students engaging in artistic endeavors.  We observed that the Governor's school music and dance classes provided both traditional and contemporary musical instruments for accompaniment and composition.  The visual arts revealed use of painting from still life, figure sketching and graphic design using both technologies. 
     Dance students at the Governor's School use the computer program Lifeforms to choreograph dance movements creating a complete dance work for a final project.

Governor's School visual art student demonstrates a traditional sculpture method molding plaster and burlap over a wire armature.

     We also observed Troika Ranch Dance Company
demonstrating how movement of the body can affect sound through the use of laser lights, body sensors, and video equipment.  This contemporary technology is programmed to create live audio and visual stimuli.
                      

                THE STANDARD
     After observing and interviewing students, we knew the standard 7.1.J was integrated into the curriculum at the Governor's School.  A visual art student shared her delight when asked how she liked computer graphics.  "I like it because it's faster and it builds your confidence.  You can change your image over and over without erasing and you don't have to be afraid of making a mistake."  

Software programs like Lifeforms can turn traditional dance into a digitized dance piece.

                  THE  PROJECT
     Our learning community utilized Labanotation to create one 4/4 measure of movement.  This system of symbols is easy to understand, enabling non-dancers to create and record any kind of movement.  We used the program to create a movement motif.  Then, nine participants taught their measure to others in the group to produce a dance piece.  After completing the choreography, we incorporated technology by adding music and videotaping the dance.  This video provided many new perspectives of the dance.  Shown on the screen while the dancers performed in the foreground, this video produced a layering effect of colors and movement.

Learning to apply contemporary technology in our classrooms will help enhance students' understanding to produce, perform and exhibit works in the arts.  Our students will be broadened and art disciplines will be explored.  Integrating the art disciplines in alignment with the proposed PA Standards will create a community of the arts.

As an alternative to traditional      drawing and painting, Governor's School students explore creative technology in graphic arts.