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Performing Arts

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At Speedway Elementary, we are dedicated to making the Performing Arts an essential part of every student’s education. The Arts are not an “extra”; they are a core subject that enriches learning and inspires creativity.

We believe the Arts educate the whole child, helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Through music, dance, and drama, our students develop:

  • 🎶 Self-discipline and focus

  • 🤝 Cooperation and teamwork

  • 📚 Cross-curricular connections that deepen understanding in other subjects

  • 💼 Work-readiness skills such as communication, creativity, and problem-solving

At Speedway, the Performing Arts empower our students to express themselves, build confidence, and prepare for success in school and beyond.

🎨 Art at Speedway

At Speedway Avenue School, every scholar is encouraged to express their unique creativity through a variety of art media, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Art is more than a subject — it is a pathway to self-expression, cultural understanding, and global connection.

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Meet the Art Teacher: Ms. Brady

📧 Email: A1brady@nullnps.k12.nj.us

Ms. Brady is an international visual artist, art educator, and curator from Newark, NJ, and a proud product of Newark Public Schools. She first discovered her love for art as a student at Chancellor Avenue School, and later honed her skills at Science Park High School before graduating from Clark Atlanta University.

With a passion for providing culturally relevant arts programming, Ms. Brady has taught and created art across the globe, including in Jamaica, Brazil, and Angola. Now, at Speedway Avenue School, her mission is to:

  • Inspire students by showing them that art can transform lives.

  • Serve as a living example that you can create any reality you envision.

  • Encourage Speedway scholars to become international artists and global citizens, ensuring their talents are seen not only in Newark but throughout the world.

  • Showcase the incredible creativity of Newark students, proving their voices and visions matter everywhere.

💃 Dance at Speedway

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At Speedway Avenue School, dance is a vibrant part of the arts experience and a powerful way for students to express themselves, build confidence, and strengthen mind–body connection. In our dedicated dance studio, scholars explore multiple styles and techniques while learning to collaborate, create, and perform.

What Students Learn

  • Technique & Styles: Creative movement, modern, jazz, hip-hop, cultural/world dance, and choreography basics

  • Body Awareness & Wellness: Safe warm-ups, flexibility, strength, alignment, and injury-prevention habits

  • Creativity & Choreography: Improvisation, composition, musicality, and storytelling through movement

  • Character & Collaboration: Focus, discipline, teamwork, and performance etiquette

Performances & Opportunities

  • Showcases during the school year to highlight student growth

  • Community events that celebrate our students and the rich culture of Newark

Studio Expectations & Attire

  • Arrive on time, prepared to move, and follow studio safety rules

  • Hair secured away from the face; no jewelry that could cause injury

  • Recommended attire: comfortable, fitted movement wear (e.g., leggings/joggers and a t-shirt); dance shoes or clean sneakers as directed.

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Meet the Dance Teacher: Ms. Amanda Haraz

📧 Email: aharaz@nullNPS.K12.NJ.US

Ms. Haraz is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming, high-energy studio where every student can discover their artistic voice. She focuses on strong technical foundations, creative exploration, and performance readiness—helping scholars set goals, reflect on progress, and shine on stage. Her classes emphasize discipline, joy, and growth, ensuring all students feel seen, supported, and inspired.

🎵 Music at Speedway

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At Speedway Avenue School, music is a core part of educating the whole child. In our choral and instrumental music rooms, scholars explore sound, rhythm, and expression while building confidence, creativity, and community.

What Students Learn

  • Foundations: Beat, rhythm, pitch, melody, harmony, dynamics, form, and musical notation
  • Performance Skills: Healthy vocal production, instrument technique (recorders, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion), ensemble balance, and stage etiquette
  • Creativity & Literacy: Composition, improvisation, listening skills, and music technology for creating and recording
  • Culture & Connections: Music history, genres from around the world, and ties to ELA, math, social studies, and science

Ensembles & Opportunities

  • Choirs & Instrumental Groups (by grade/ability)
  • School concerts & showcases throughout the year
  • Honor ensembles & community performances representing Newark’s rich musical heritage
  • Cross-curricular projects (songwriting for ELA, rhythm & fractions in math, sound waves in science)

Classroom Expectations

  • Arrive on time with a growth mindset and be ready to make music
  • Take care of instruments and equipment; follow rehearsal norms
  • Practice regularly and reflect on feedback to track progress

👨‍🏫 Meet the Music Director: Dr. Desmond Moulton

📧 Email: dmoulton@nullnps.k12.nj.us

Dr. Moulton leads Speedway’s music program with a commitment to excellence, access, and joy. His classes emphasize strong fundamentals, ensemble teamwork, and creative exploration so every student can find their voice—whether singing on stage, playing in a group, or composing original music. Under his direction, scholars learn to listen closely, perform confidently, and use music as a powerful tool for expression and community building.

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