Welcome Summer! D-E 360° Summer Connections (SC) 2019 officially kicked-off Monday, June 24, and by all accounts it was a great success, with dozens of opportunities for all our campers (along with their teachers, “blue shirt” counselors, and even their families), to “LEARN BOLDLY”!

This issue of our e-newsletter features highlights from the various Enrichment, Immersive, and other programs that took place during “Week 1” of Summer Connections (SC) 2019.

We also provide here an overview of activities this week and a look ahead for our Discoveries & Adventures and Junior Summer Day Camp Programs.

We encourage you to learn more, register online for future program opportunities, and enjoy many more highlights too! — at de360.d-e.org/summer.

Enrichment & Immersive Highlights

String Society

String Society returned this week to D-E 360° SC 2019, celebrating its 12th year and attracting nearly 40 dedicated, talented string players to the D-E campus. Designed for exceptional string students in Grades 5 – 12, String Society is an SC “Immersive” that provides an intensive orchestra and chamber experience. The “stringers” were involved in sectional, improvisational workshops, and team-building exercises. Each String Society student was given the chance for two separate private lessons. There were also plenty of opportunities to take a break including sessions in basketball, yoga, kickball, and mindfulness activities.

This year, String Society was privileged to be joined by guest violinist Sarah Whitney. She worked with the students in small ensemble/improvisational sessions and was the featured performing artist at the Grand Finale Concert. The energy and attention from program directors Annaliesa Place and Diego Garcia — together with an equally high level of engagement and commitment from the String Society faculty and counselors — was palpable and as clear as the memorable music streaming through practice rooms and performing spaces!

To finish the week, String Society performed a Grand Finale Concert in Hajjar Auditorium, performing Vivaldi’s “Allegro” from Concerto in B Minor; Piazzolla’s “Oblivion”; Karl Jenkins’ “Palladio”; and Shostakovich’s challenging “Allegro Molto” … to name a few. BRAVO!

Make ‘Em Laugh

This week in Make ‘Em Laugh, students entered the world of comedic improvisation. They participated in a variety of theater games and improvisational scenes, practicing vocal emotional, and physical expression. They completed exercises and played games in pairs, small groups, and as a class. They also had opportunities to present in front of the class to learn how to perform in front of an audience.

Archery

Mr. Keith took the students on a journey this week to find their targets. Early on, they learned how to hold a bow, the meaning of different whistles, and how to aim at a target. Every day, students practiced honing their archery skills. At the end of the week, they had a competition to test their abilities. To learn more and register for Archery in SC 2019, click here!