GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK (GAW) - NOVEMBER 12-16
ABOUT GAW
In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation establishing the third week in November as Geography Awareness
Week (GAW). The goal is to promote the importance of geography in the U.S. and other parts of our world by engaging everyone
in learning about the diversity of our planet's people, places, and natural wonders.
Visit National Geographic's My Wonderful World site where "geography is celebration".
ABOUT GAW at DIAMOND PATH
Did you know that over 2,000 different languages are spoken on the continent of Asia and that the population is over 3.8
billion? Diamond Path will be celebrating Geography Awareness Week by focusing on Asia. Be sure to ask your child to share
with you some of the things they will be learning during the week.
GAW FOCUS on ASIA - WEB LINKS of INTEREST
MU DAIKO JAPANESE DRUMMING GROUP
The Diamond Path Lyceum committee has invited the Mu Daiko Japanese Drumming Group to appear at Diamond Path on November
20th, as a culminating event to our celebration of GAW. The program includes the drumming performance interspersed with information
on the history and tradition of taiko, how the drums are made, how the songs are taught and learned, and a question and answer
period. At the end of the performance, Mu Performing Arts invites volunteers or selected students from the audience to come
up and try the drums.
Some information on Mu Performing Arts can be found on the Young Audiences of Minnesota website.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: TOM GRADE - SEPTEMBER 2007
Artist and paper-maker Tom Grade visited Diamond Path in September for a week, to share his skills and talents with many
of our students. Visit the Art Gallery for more information on Tom, his visit, and to see some photos from the week.
Artist in residence - Paper Making
OTHER EVENTS COMING TO DIAMOND PATH THIS YEAR
Here's a sampling of the many cultural events taking place at Diamond Path this year. We will post more information, as
dates and performances are finalized.
The Ethnic Dance Theatre (coming mid January)
From the Young Audiences of MN website - "Ethnic Dance Theatre is an energetic collaboration of folk dancers and the Ethnic Dance Theatre Folk Orchestra.
This company, with over thirty years of worldwide research, offers culturally authentic, custom-designed performances and
workshops."
The CAAM Chinese Dance Theatre (coming in early February, close to the Chinese New Year)
From the Young Audiences of MN website - "The Dance Theater is a division of the Chinese American Association of Minnesota (CAAM), the oldest, largest Chinese
American community organization in Minnesota. CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, under the artistic direction of award-winning choreographer
and teacher Lili Teng, performs for over 17,000 audience members annually. CAAM Chinese Dance Theater celebrates, teaches
and preserves Chinese culture through the universal language of dance.
Danielle Daniel, story teller with musical accompaniment (coming in mid March)
From the Young Audiences of MN website - "Artist educator Danielle Daniel encourages self-discovery, social interaction and free expression. She has worked
with numerous schools and communities to promote cultural diversity. Danielle is an international performer, presenting storytelling
and theater projects in the Twin Cities, nation-wide, and in Africa, England, Germany and Italy."
Cuadro Folklore Music and Dance from Spain to Mexico (coming in April)
From the Young Audiences of MN website - "This performance demonstrates the passion and spirit of Spanish flamenco as well as the music and dance from the
Mexican states. Learn about the basics of flamenco including the intricate footwork that is the heart of this amazing dance
form."
Images of the World (coming in May)
From the Images of the World website - "IMAGES OF THE WORLD is a series of educational and multicultural school assembly slide show programs, lyceums
and books created by the husband and wife team of Bruce B. Junek and Tass Thacker to share their experiences bicycling and
adventure traveling around the world."
This year, Bruce and Tass will be presenting their "Mummies and Mosques" show to students during
the day. We are delighted to announce that Bruce and Tass will then return in the evening to present "African
Safari" for Diamond Path students and their families.
From the Images of the World - Mummies and Mosques website - "Egyptian, Greek and Roman history -- plus Islamic culture! In 2005 we bicycle through Egypt, Jordan, Greece, and
Turkey. Our journey follows the path of early civilizations across three continents -- Africa, Europe and Asia."
From the Images of the World - African Safari website - "African Safari is our newest slide program. We bicycle through southern Africa, visit numerous National Parks,
track elephants and lions on foot, and have many other exciting wildlife encounters. We also meet a variety of people--some
living in cities, others in remote tribal villages--and learn about their lifestyles, customs, clothing and jewelry. Africa
is a land of contrasts and wonder: ancient rock art and modern skyscrapers; penguins and giraffes; deserts and rainforests!
Experience African Safari!"
Thursday Musical - an introduction to the Opera (date unknown at this time)
Korean Dancers (January)
Throughout the year, our students take part in a wide variety of field trips in the Twin Cities area. Here's a sampling
of some of those trips.
The Walker Art Center
Visit the The Walker Art Center website.
Among other things, the Walker Art Center features an outdoor sculpture garden.
The Minnesota History Center
Visit the Minnesota History Center website.
From the History Center's website: "The Minnesota Historical Society is chief caretaker of Minnesota's story—and
the History Center is home to the Society's vast collections. Within its archives reside artifacts ranging from American indian
moccasins and artwork to furniture and photographs, Civil War-era flags and a wealth of geneaological information. All of
it is accessible today and for future generations."
The Weisman Art Museum
Visit the Weisman Art Museum website.
From the History Center's website: "Housed in a striking stainless steel and brick building designed by architect Frank
Gehry, the Weisman Art Museum offers an educational and friendly museum experience. The museum's collection features early
20th century American artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Marsden Hartley, as well as a diverse selection of contemporary
art. A teaching museum for the University of Minnesota and the community, the Weisman provides a fresh, engaging arts experience
through an array of programs and a changing schedule of exhibitions."
This "Field Trips" area is under construction. More details coming soon.
