HOB arts program builds student confidence

Some pitches came in high, others low, but it didn't take long for a group of about 30 H.O. Brittingham Elementary students to sing in unison at an after-school program aimed at boosting academics through the arts.

For eight years, Rehoboth Beach's Clear Space Theatre Company has helped HOB students learn the joy of singing and the satisfaction of performing in front of a group. Students were in their fourth week rehearsing for the December performance of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” as musical director Marian Sunnergren helped them with notes and lyrics.

“We started the program to expose kids to the arts and also help them with academics after school,” said Kathy Miller, HOB reading specialist.

Twice a week, about 100 students in grades 2-5 stay after school for the “Lights on after school” program. The group is divided into a younger and older group; younger kids practice for the musical on one day while teachers help older kids with homework, and then the groups switch on the second day.

But the program is much more than singing and homework, Miller said.

“Kids have gotten much more confident,” she said.

Three children have gone on to perform with Clear Space on other productions, she said.

Miller said parents love the program because their kids work harder in school.

Parent Katina Bell's daughter, Adrianna, started performing with the HOB group in second grade. Now a fifth-grader, she has performed in every school production and has gone beyond the school, performing in plays at Clear Space and Possum Point.

“She loves plays and musicals. She lives and breathes this,” Bell said. “This has really enhanced her confidence.”

HOB's Clear Space program is funded through a federal 21^st Century Grant.

Bell is a strong supporter of the program, and she said it's a true asset for HOB.

“We have the best school, the best students and the best program,” she said.