DPSCD and Major Arts and Science Organizations Announce Series of Winter S.T.E.A.M. Events to Engage Students and Families Beyond the School Day

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DETROIT – January 27, 2017 – Detroit Public Schools Community District and major partners from the city’s largest and most exciting arts and scientific museums and venues took the temperature of Detroit this winter and collectively agreed that it’s S.T.E.A.M.y — with S.T.E.A.M. standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics!

On Friday, the district and supportive partners announced a series of free, fun and exciting events with a S.T.E.A.M. theme to engage DPSCD families in learning activities after school hours at the participating venues and at well-known family-friendly spots, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Belle Isle Nature Center, Michigan Science Center, Detroit Public Library, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Eastern Market and The Rink at Campus Martius Park. Other partnering organizations include Downtown Detroit Partnership, Detroit Public Television, detroitpbskids.org, and the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

“We are pleased to partner with so many of the city’s most prominent Arts and Science museums, as well as family centered venues to create this extraordinary set of experiences for our current and prospective students,” said Alycia Meriweather, DPSCD Interim Superintendent.

Many of the events will be open to the public, thanks to the partnering organizations. Some events will be specifically for invited DPSCD/EAA students that selected educators will choose based their display of S.T.E.A.M. ingenuity. Those students – called DPSCD S.T.E.A.M.-gineers – and a family member will receive special invitations. In cases where there are a limited number of slots for an event, DPSCD will make available a small number of free tickets for prospective students. Details on how to RSVP for events with a limited number of tickets will be available within one week at detroitk12.org/enroll.
The partners overwhelmingly chimed in with their support.

“Art is critical to helping children and families connect to our shared history and understand creative problem solving,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts. “We are thrilled to be able to devote a day to demonstrating to DPSCD students and families the many ways that art and science intersect.”

“DIME takes community outreach work seriously, and embraces every opportunity to support and contribute to the development of Detroit’s music communities. We believe that contemporary popular music is a valid and valuable field of study, and that the modern music business offers varied and exciting careers for those who have the right skills and knowledge. Studying at DIME enables students to acquire the skills which are necessary for sustainable long term careers,” said Karl Middleton Head of Institute. “Our event on March 5th offers aspiring, young musicians the chance to attend a variety of informative, introductory classes and gain insight into DIME’s unique approach to music education.”

“At the Michigan Science Center, we believe that all children and all communities should have access to STEM experiences that spark their curiosity and encourage imagination,” said Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO, Michigan Science Center. “Our newest IMAX® film, Dream Big, offers the perfect opportunity to inspire DPSCD students and their families. The film reveals how a diverse group of engineers is pushing the limits of innovation, proving that STEM is for everyone.”

“As part of our commitment to offering incredible musical experiences for all members of our community, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is always seeking ways to be an advocate for Detroit students,” said DSO President and CEO Anne Parsons. “This partnership with DPSCD is the perfect opportunity to join with our arts and science colleagues and create an unforgettable series of events for Detroit families.”
“We are committed to providing unique learning opportunities that lead to the appreciation and stewardship of wildlife and wild places,” said Ron Kagan, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society. “We are pleased to be working with our community partners in sharing authentic and meaningful STEAM-based educational experiences for our youth.”

“The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is thrilled to be part of this DPSCD partnership. Today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders. This robust cultural collaboration makes learning STEAM exciting and unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming participants to the Wright Museum,” said LaNesha DeBardelaben, Senior Vice President of Education & Exhibitions, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
“We are excited to support this effort because it only strengthens our ability to be in the community and amplify the work we’ve been doing with parents and educators,” said Tara Hardy, DPTV’s Education Specialist. “We are committed to our mission of engaging children in learning through our programming and various initiatives such as Digital Adventure and the new Detroit PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel.”

Amy Corle, MOCAD’s Curator of Education and Public Engagement, says that “MOCAD’s newest exhibition, The Architectural Imagination, is filled with perfect examples of how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics intersect in the real world. We’re excited to show students and their families some of the wonderful possibilities that can happen when S.T.E.A.M skills and unlimited imagination are combined.”

“The Detroit Public Library will joyfully continue to support and encourage the Detroit Public Schools Community District families through fun and engaging S.T.E.A.M. events,” stated Atiim J. Funchess, Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications, The Detroit Public Library.

“The DPS Foundation is proud to support the district’s S.T.E.A.M.y Series of events,” said Pamela Moore, President and CEO of the DPS Foundation. It’s part of the mission of the Foundation to support S.T.E.A.M. in education and career pathways, and we have directed hundreds of thousands of dollars in supportive grants to initiatives that support Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts and Math in our schools! We highly encourage industry and community partners to reach out to us to see how you, too, can make a difference by supporting our students through donations to the Foundation.”

S.T.E.A.M.y Events

*Belle Isle Nature Center
176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, 48207
Family-Friendly Birds and Bees Event
Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free Public event
Family-friendly Valentine’s event on “love” in nature with music, photography, bird seed and “bee mine” crafts and zookeeper talks on bird conservation & U.S. Forest Service. Nature Ambassador Joe Reilly concert at 2 p.m.

*Detroit Public Library – Main Library
5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48202
Concert: An Evening with Daniel Washington
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7- 9 p.m.
Free Public Event
The DPL presents the 73rd Annual E. Azalia Hackley Collection Concert, “An Evening with Daniel Washington.” Dr. Daniel Washington, Professor of Voice at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance, has performed at the world’s major opera houses and concert stages.

*Michigan Science Center
5020 John R St, Detroit, 48202
Sunday, Feb. 19, 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Dream Big IMAX® film
Limited free admission for prospective DPSCD students
Select DPSCD/EAA students will receive exclusive free access to visit the Michigan Science Center and view the new IMAX® film –  Dream Big: Engineering Our World. One hundred limited free admissions available for prospective DPSCD students. First come, first served; RSVP details to be at detroitk12.org/enroll beginning February 1.

*Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit – MOCAD
4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201
Contemporary Interactive Art Experience
Saturday, Feb. 18, noon
Free Public Event
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit invites DPSCD students and their families to view The Architectural Imagination, an exhibition featuring drawings and models of imaginary buildings designed for real locations in Detroit (a lot in Mexicantown, a riverfront post office, parcels along the Dequindre Cut, and the Packard Plant) and to design their own dream buildings using their imaginations and the inspirational materials provided.

*Drew Farm at Drew Transition Center
9600 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, 48204
Starry Night at Drew Farm
Friday, Feb. 24, 6-8 p.m.
Free Public Event with RSVP
DPSCD Office of School Nutrition and Garden Collaborative offer a “Starry Night at Drew.” Event includes a cooking demo, healthy snacks, nature walk and bird feeder crafts at Drew Farms. RSVP required. Please call 313-651-3457 or email garden.program@detroitk12.org to reserve.

*Detroit Symphony Orchestra, atrium
3711 Woodward Avenue Detroit, 48201
Concert and Activities: “Star Wars at the Max”
Saturday, Feb. 25, noon-1:30 p.m.
Limited free tickets for prospective DPSCD students
Tots to middle school students experience a Star Wars performance by a small ensemble of DSO Musicians, plus art and music making activities. Star Wars costumes welcomed. Limited free public tickets for prospective DPSCD students. RSVP at detroitk12.org/enroll beginning February 1.

*Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 East Warren Ave, Detroit, 48201
“Meet the Scientist Saturday”
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2-4 p.m.
Free Public Event
Curious students, young Einsteins, or future tech wizards who are always thinking of the next big thing are invited to discover and explore science with activities led by scientists and technologists with the hands-on exhibit, Inspiring Minds: African Americans in Science and Technology! Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for “Meet the Scientist Saturday” featuring David Head & Dr. Terrance Dillard on Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 2-4 p.m.

*The Rink at Campus Martius Park
800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48226
DPSCD Robotics on Ice
Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.
Free Public Viewing Event
DPSCD showcases a “Robotics on Ice” competition with invited DPSCD students at 10 a.m. Public is invited to view. Families can engage in Chess in the Park activities, sample cherry slurpies by DPSCD nutrition staff.

*Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48202
“Get S.T.E.A.M.ed at the DIA”
Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Free Public Event
Discover “Science Behind the Art,” a virtual field trip produced by DPTV, on the science of the DIA’s Conservation Lab; investigate technologies and innovations of ancient civilization; Career talk by Andrea Montiel De Shuman, Digital Experience Designer; Gallery games, drop-in workshops and more.

*Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME)
1265 Griswold St, Detroit, 48226
DIME for a Dime
Sunday, March 5, noon-3 p.m.
Limited Free Public Tickets for prospective DPSCD students
One-day event where students aged 12-19 can attend up to four 30-minute classes with the industry-professional faculty of DIME Detroit. Subject areas covered are guitar, bass, drums, vocals, songwriting and music business. Students rotate between designated classrooms. Very limited free tickets for prospective DPSCD students. Reserve at detroitk12.org/enroll beginning February 1.

*Eastern Market, Shed 3
DPSCD “All Schools” S.T.E.A.M. Showcase
2934 Russell Street MI 48207
April 2, noon-3 p.m.
Free Public Event
Discover “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math” S.TE.A.M. events with representatives of every DPSCD school. Give-aways! Science, tech and agricultural arts demonstrations. Learn about tuition-free Montessori, foreign language immersion and more.

Click here to download the full brochure!

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DIME is looking for a full-time Marketing, Events and Guests Manager for it’s Detroit location.

This is a broad role, primarily focused on Marketing, Press liaison, and the management of DIME’s social media platforms and website content.

The post holder will have excellent communication, prioritization and organizational skills and have significant demonstrable experience in leading on the development and execution of creative, innovative marketing campaigns across a variety of platforms.

Additionally, the post holder will have experience of delivering projects to a high standard, on tight deadlines.

Click here to view the full Marketing, Events and Guests Manager Job Description

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to Brittany Linville at brittanylinville@dime-detroit.com

DIME Presents is a new night dedicated to showcasing artists and bands from DIME and the Detroit area.

Join us for our very first event on February 16th at 6:30pm in The Underground @ DIME

All ages are welcome! FREE and open to the public.

Only at DIME!

Thinking about auditioning for DIME,  but not sure if you’re quite ready? Here are 5 tips from the DIME team to help you prepare:

#1. Choose the Right Songs for you!

At DIME, we offer the benefit of letting you choose songs that accurately represent your style and musical abilities. So, don’t choose to audition with a song that pushes you outside of your comfort zone. If you are a vocalist, choose a song that’s in your range. If you’re an instrumentalist, pick songs that demonstrate your playing at its best. If you’re a songwriter, choose the songs that you feel speak to your own songwriting talents. If you’re auditioning for the Music Industry Studies program, we want to see your involvement and passion for the business of music, so bring along examples of your work!

A group of DIME students, staff, and faculty on stage after our their end of semester show.

#2. Come Prepared

In theory, this one should be a no-brainer, but we understand that sometimes it’s difficult to know how to prepare. First, grab the audition requirements for the program  you are interested in and read through the bullet points carefully. Practice each one of the tasks. When you’re asked to play or sing a major, minor, or pentatonic scale, you should be able to relax and do so at a comfortable tempo.  Don’t rush it, we just want to hear the correct notes! If you are confused about any of the tasks, please let us know. We want to help you prepare and monitor your progress if possible.

Rehearsing the songs is also an important part of preparing for an audition, but how? One good suggestion is to focus on the weaker areas of the song. If there’s any point in the song you are performing that feels lackluster, loop that section until it feels right.

#3. Be Confident

Note: You must complete steps #1 and #2 before this is possible! Once you’ve got the music together, how can you make sure you feel great on stage? First, try to get a good night’s sleep and drink a lot of water, especially if you’re singing at your audition. Eat good food: no dairy, nothing ice cold, and our vocal instructors may even suggest no coffee/caffeine! (I’ll let you decide on that one!)

Also – Dress to impress! We’re not talking about a suit and tie, but come to an audition at DIME dressed as the best version of yourself.  This is for your benefit more than ours. If you look good, you will feel more comfortable and more confident!

#4. Warm Up

Before you come to DIME, you should spend 30 minutes warming up on your instrument or with your voice.  When you arrive for your audition, don’t be afraid to ask us for a room to use for 5-10 minutes to run through your songs or play some scales. If there’s a space available, it’s yours! We understand that auditioning can be a nerve-wracking prospect. Just as completing steps #1 and #2 will help you get to step #3, the process of warming up can help get the jitters out and allow you to be your most comfortable and confident self.

#5. Be Professional

Remember: one of the most important aspects of your DIME audition is the interview where we learn more about your experience in the music scene. We want to get to know you and understand your history with music as well as your career goals moving forward.

Come prepared to speak about your experiences. This can include taking part in school ensembles, choirs, and lessons, but should also include your own personal passion projects, recordings, shows, and bands outside of the traditional school setting. Students auditioning for the Music Industry Studies program are asked to bring evidence of their work in music. This can include booking shows, creating flyers/posters, forming and leading bands, promoting recordings and events, producing recordings, and even includes your work on social media to build buzz and get noticed in the music scene. We want to hear about YOU!

Are you ready to schedule your audition?

Click here to give us your best availability and we’ll follow up with you ASAP to schedule a time.