Sonic Spark Lab

ACO SONIC SPARK LAB is a hands-on, project-based program that teaches students to engage with their creativity, to use curiosity to grow their imagination and to build an idea from just a spark to artistic realization. Sonic Spark Lab is a fun and effective approach to building creative capacity among New York City Middle and High School students

Why?

Students will engage in the arts, even if they have no prior experience.
Students will Develop creative thinking and flexibility that prepares them for achievement in all areas.
Sonic Spark Lab prepares students who are already engaged in the arts for a deeper pursuit of creative disciplines.

Who?

Middle School and High School students
In-school classroom setting OR after-school programs
Out of school time programs such as independent arts organizations
Other organizations serving NYC youth

Where & When?

Can be implemented on a full year or semester basis
Can stand alone, or be integrated into broader arts or academic classrooms
Is taught by exceptional professional composers who are experienced Teaching Artist and have trained specifically to deliver the Sonic Spark Lab model

Importance of Creativity

Creativity is rapidly becoming one of the primary determinants of academic success, higher levels of employment and social mobility. *

Sonic Spark Lab spurs and develops creative thinking in your students, at exactly the time that they’re most capable of benefiting from it.

*According the most recent World Economic Forum report, The Future of Jobs, Creativity was ranked the third most in-demand skill by the world’s business community. Creativity as an attribute lagged only behind “Complex Problem Solving” and “Critical Thinking”, which most in our field have long identified as the unifying skills of the creative mind.

Applications & Class Structure

Structure

Sessions run 6-16 weeks, with weekly or twice weekly classes.
Final presentation of student works as a culminating event
Class sizes are limited to assure personalized attention
Interest in any and all genres is welcome

Requirements

Students should be middle school aged.
Students will be asked to work with classmates to develop an original project
Students should plan on daily work outside of class time.

Upcoming Registration Deadlines

Fall 2020

Questions & Information

To find out how Sonic Spark Lab can magnify your community’s goals and prepare your students for greater success, contact Kevin James, Education Director: 212.977.8495 ext 202; or education@americancomposers.org

Our Mission & Vision

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With commitment to diversity, disruption and discovery, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders.