Art Attack: A Short Cultural History of the Avant-Garde (Print-Non-Fiction). Aronson, Marc. Clarion Books (ALL), 1998. 192 p. ISBN 0-395-79729-2 ($28.95 hdc.).
The avant-garde movement in art is described through the use of anecdotes, facts and illustrations that establish the intricate links between the fine arts, culture, music and history. This volume contains almost every artistic movement that has challenged the social, political or cultural status quo from the 1830s to the present, each within its historical context. Although a knowledge of both world and art history would be beneficial to readers, the author encourages further extension by including annotated notes and further readings. The plentiful black-and-white illustrations are well chosen, with the emphasis more on form than colour. Many of the references will interest teenagers, who, the author suggests, have always been closely allied to movements rooted in change and rebellion.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; General
Art of the Far North: Inuit Sculpture, Drawing, and Printmaking (Print-Non-Fiction). Finley, Carol. Lerner Publications (FHW), 1998. 56 p. ISBN 0-8225-2075-3 ($35.95 hdc.).
(CAN, I/M) Traditional ways have changed drastically over the past 50 years giving rise to Inuit artists whose work captures the customs, beliefs and legends of their people. Full-colour reproductions and a straightforward text give insight into the sculpture, drawing and printmaking of the Inuit. One of the chapters discusses such major influences on Inuit visual art as myths and legends, nature, the hunt and drum dancing. A regional map and an artist's gallery make this a good resource for interdisciplinary units dealing with Inuit peoples.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11; Social Studies: Grades 7-9
The Ballerina (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V579.
(CAN) This program examines the importance of the ballerina from a unique perspective.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Ballet in Asia (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V581.
(CAN) Margot Fonteyn said that the future of ballet lies in the hands of the people of Asia. This program focuses on the development of ballet in Asia. It examines what Hong Kong and China have done with the Russian "Vaganova" technique and looks at why they are winning all of the ballet competitions around the world.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Ballet in Russia (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V580.
(CAN) This program looks at the history and influence of the Kirov and Bolshoi Ballet Companies.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
La Bayadere (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V572.
(CAN) This ballet was choreographed by Petipa in Moscow in 1877 and the music was written by Leon Minkus. Viewers look at one of Petipa's most famous choreographies, considered by many as the culmination of his best work.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Between the Lines: Understanding the Media Through a Series of Creative Projects: Grades 8-12 (CD-ROM). National Film Board of Canada (LRDC), 2000. Order no. 9647 ($130.45).
(SK, WCP) Between the Lines presents eight insightful and diverse media projects: "Designing a Public Service Announcement," "Editing the TV News," "Spinning the News," "Ethical Choices," "Creating a Music Video," "Designing a Multimedia Advertising Campaign," "Developing a Soundscape" and "Visual Language." Students are encouraged to expand their repertoire of language skills and strategies through the study of media communication. As the producers, editors and directors, students are given the freedom to create their own thought-provoking media projects using a drag-and-drop interface. The nature of mass media is revealed through video and audio clips and "live" questioning from virtual characters. This two CD-ROM program includes a link to the "Communication Central" website, a glossary of multimedia terms, virtual characters and a customized evaluation component. The two CDs are Windows and MacIntosh compatible.
A comprehensive teacher's guide may be downloaded from the first disk. Instructions on how to use the resource are given, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use the units in the classroom for a whole course or for independent study.
Saskatchewan Learning distributed copies to high schools in the province. Additional copies may be ordered from the Saskatchewan Learning Resources Distribution Centre.
This resource has recently been selected through the Western Canadian Protocol for collaboration in Basic Education for English Language Arts.
Suggested Use: Media Studies
Other Use: Communication Production Technology; English Language Arts 20
Bruegel the Elder: His Life and Art (Video). Films for the Humanities & Sciences Inc. (KIN), 1998. 28 min. Order no. 3149 ($139.95).
A biographical account of Peter Bruegel, an influential painter who lived during the 16th century, is presented in this video. Insight into the world in which Bruegel lived is shown through the viewing of his most famous works. This resource gives an in-depth look at an artist who is relatively unknown. Serious art students who are researching the influence of 16th century artists will gain insight into the life and times of Bruegel while viewing this video.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Canadian Art: From Its Beginnings to 2000 (Print-Non-Fiction). Newlands, Anne. Firefly Books Ltd. (FIR), 2000. 355 p. ISBN 1-55209-450-2 ($85.00 hdc.).
(CAN, I/M) Anne Newland's book profiles 300 artists, presenting them in alphabetical order. Each profile includes a colour reproduction by the artist, a brief biography and an accompanying text that provides an interpretive description of each work set in a historical and regional context. The coverage of historical art is balanced, and the inclusion of Inuit and First Nations artists as well as multimedia, installation art and photography is laudable. The rich legacy and diversity of Canadian visual arts makes this survey of Canadian art a welcome event.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
Canvas of War: Painting the Canadian Experience, 1914 to 1945 (Print-Non-Fiction). Oliver, Dean F. and Brandon, Laura. Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group (GDS), 2000. 178 p. ISBN 1-55054-772-0 ($55.00 hdc.).
(CAN) The Canadian War Museum holds in excess of 13 000 paintings and drawings that were commissioned to capture history in the making during the First and Second World Wars. This fascinating and valuable book weaves 110 of these full-colour, seldom-seen Canadian war art images with archival photographs and an informative text. A capsule history of Canada's wartime role is included, as well as specific information about the art works. Quotes from the artists and from service personnel, politicians and other Canadians are sprinkled liberally throughout. The result is a visual and historical record of Canada's experience of war by such renowned artists as A. Y. Jackson, Alex Colville and Molly Lamb Bobak.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grade 9; Canadian Studies; Social Studies 20/History 20
Careers in Culture (Kit). Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC), 1999. No order number is required. ($FREE).
(CAN) Culture is an extremely broad term and careers in this area vary greatly. This kit contains excellent resources that inform students about the many fields of employment within the cultural sector. The six booklets in the kit focus on the information students require to make a decision about careers in film and television, the new media, music and sound recording, the visual arts, writing and publishing and heritage. An activity guide accompanies the booklets.
The CD-ROM has two main sections. The Discovery Game takes students through six buildings where they learn about the careers available and what the work involves. The Discovery Centre informs students about the education and training needed as well as how to present yourself to get work. Live video of workers in the cultural section presents various tips for success.
One activity guide and six booklets were sent to each high school in the fall of 2001. Further copies of the kit or individual components can be purchased from the Cultural Human Resources Council.
An online version is available at http://www.culturalhrc.ca
Suggested Use: General
Other Use: Career and Work Exploration; Career Guidance: Middle Level; Communication Production Technology
Cinderella (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V571.
(CAN) Cinderella was choreographed by Petipa, Ceccetti, Ivanov in Moscow in 1893 with music written by Baron B. Fitinghof-Schell. This popular ballet was based on Perrault's classic fairy tale and became the cornerstone of the growth and development of The Royal Ballet in London.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Clues to Acting Shakespeare (Print-Non-Fiction). Van Tassel, Wesley. Allworth Press (AWR), 2000. 189 p. ISBN 1-58115-022-9 ($16.95 U.S. pbk.).
Van Tassel's text is purposefully divided into four sections in order to reach manifold audiences. The first section is designed for college classes or independent workshops, and includes a complete study of 10 basic skills required to play Shakespeare's language truthfully. The second section is relevant for high school English or drama teachers and their students. The third section is geared towards professional actors and coaches, and the final section is a resource section containing a collection of exercises, an annotated list of selected film and video performances, a bibliography of some excellent books, a glossary of terms and an index. The material is detailed, well organized and clearly explained, and it will benefit both drama students and students interested in improving their reading of Shakespeare.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Drama
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 30
Coppelia (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V575.
(CAN) Coppelia was choreographed by Arthur Saint-Leon in Paris in 1870, and the music was composed by Leo Delibes. In Coppelia the czardas were first introduced into ballet and after this, national and folk dances became very popular. Coppelia was also one of the first ballets to have a doll come to life.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Dance and the Child International Conference 2000 "Highlights" (Video). East West Communications Ltd. (BIRD), 2000. 60 min. No order number is required. ($79.95).
(SK) Performances by young dancers from around the world are featured on this video. It was taped on stage at the Dance and the Child International Conference 2000 (DaCi 2000). Young dancers representing 31 countries display a broad array of styles from ballet to contemporary jazz and folk. Although the broadcast quality is not of a professional nature, this video is useful for teachers who want to share different examples of styles of dances with their students.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Dancetime! 500 Years of Social Dance: Volume I (15th-19th Century) (Video). Dancetime Publications (DPU), 1998. 45 min. ISBN 0-9662074-0-8 ($39.95 U.S.).
The history of Western European and mainstream American social dance is represented through performances featuring authentic costumes. An introduction precedes each century being presented, and some subtitles are included that help to explain the dance steps. Volume 1 features the 15th through 19th centuries. Teachers should supplement these programs with ones that offer a broader cultural perspective.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Dancetime! 500 Years of Social Dance: Volume II (20th Century) (Video). Dancetime Publications (DPU), 1998. 45 min. ISBN 0-9662074-1-6 ($39.95 U.S.).
The history of Western European and mainstream American social dance is represented through performances featuring authentic costumes. An introduction precedes each century being presented, and some subtitles are included that help to explain the dance steps. Volume II features the 20th century from the 1910s to the 1990s. Teachers should supplement these programs with ones that offer a broader cultural perspective.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Diaghilev's Ballet Russes (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V573.
(CAN) Ballets included in this program are Spectra de la Rose (1911), Petroushka (1911) and L'Aprè-midi d'un Faune (1912). The great producer Sergei Diaghilev was a major force in the development of ballet in the 1900s, and today Les Ballets de Monte Carlo maintains his proud tradition.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Don Quixote (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V574.
(CAN) Don Quixote was choreographed by Petipa in Moscow in 1869 with music by Leon Minkus. Based on Cervantes' novel of the same name, this ballet was produced chiefly to introduce Spanish dances.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Emily Carr: Rebel Artist (Print-Non-Fiction). Braid, Kate. (The Quest Library Series). XYZ Publishing (GDS), 2000. 178 p. ISBN 0-9683601-6-5 ($15.95 pbk.).
(CAN) One of Canada's most recognized female artists, Emily Carr, was also one of the first to draw her inspiration from First Nations People. Out of her personal struggles emerged a vivid, elemental art rooted in the West Coast landscape. This biography focuses on Carr's personal life, paying special attention to her early years. She was born in 1871 into a strict authoritarian family who never understood her. She scrimped to attend art school abroad and turned down marriage because of her commitment to art. Numerous black-and-white photographs of Emily throughout the chapters help to reinforce her determined, creative personality. An enlightening 20-page timeline traces Carr's life parallel to Canadian social historical events. An extensive and detailed index is included.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Encyclopedia of Theatre Dance in Canada = Encyclopédie de la Danse Théâtrale au Canada (Print-Non-Fiction). Macpherson, Susan, ed. Dance Collection Danse (DCD), 2000. 672 p. ISBN 0-929003-42-X ($29.95 pbk.).
(CAN) The first comprehensive French/English-language dance book produced in Canada, this resource reflects 150 years of Canadian dance through 300 entries: individual dancers and choreographers, histories of dance companies, entries on significant Canadian choreographies with original program notes and commentaries and a listing of music composed for dance. The book includes black-and-white photographs and is a very good source on Canadian theatrical dance.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Gala Excerpts (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V567.
(CAN) There are many famous, short ballets which have become standards in the circuit today, especially at Gala events. This program looks at the most famous and important of them. It contains various short ballets including The Dying Swan, Les Sylphides, Bluebird, Le Corsaire and Raymonda.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Getting Into Art History. Rev. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Smith, Annie and Hancock, Francena T. Barn Press (LRDC), 1996. 151 p. Order no. 63 ($57.65 coil-bound).
(CAN) Annie Smith wrote this book as a response to her own guiding question "How can we make the art object and its history a present, living, and meaningful experience?" The Experiential Approach, proposed and demonstrated in Getting Into Art History, was developed to encourage original study of artists, their subject matter, the circumstances of their lives, and the products of their creativity, by translating all of these matters into problems that are current. This is achieved by a variety of techniques including situational drama and brainstorming. The book offers numerous black-and-white and colour illustrations. It includes a table of contents, a comprehensive appendix of artists, art works and masterpieces, and a bibliography. It is not indexed.
Note: In 1991, the Canadian Society of Education Through Art named Annie Smith the C. Dudley Gaitskell Outstanding Art Educator of the year.
Suggested Use: Visual Art; Teacher Reference
Giselle (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V565.
(CAN) The challenge for the dancers in Giselle, one of the great Romantic ballets, is to make a believable story out of the absurd. The difference between this ballet and others is that there is a greater emphasis on character. The dancers must create and sustain a complete and essentially realistic characterization. Giselle has taught dancers the importance of acting.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
History of Art. 6th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Janson, Anthony F. and Janson, H. W. Prentice Hall Inc. (PRN), 2001. 997 p. ISBN 0-13-019732-7 ($87.16 hdc.).
Although this is a formidably large book, it is one of the most monumental studies of art ever published. The book is divided into four sections-"The Ancient World," "The Middle Ages," "The Renaissance Through the Rococo" and "The Modern World." Timelines, maps and an updated website directory of museums and general art sites, as well as an outstanding bibliography enhance this striking book. There are 1 352 illustrations-865 of them in colour. Many of these images have been added to informative, cross-disciplinary essays that focus mainly on music and theatre, but also on such topics as Greek and Roman mythology, Christian iconography, Western monastic orders and medieval guilds.
The book also contains information about a companion website that contains an online study guide that corresponds with the text. The site is a comprehensive resource that is organized according to the chapters within the text and features a variety of learning and teaching modules for students and instructors. The website address is: www.prenhall.com/janson
Although this book is often used as a university text, if budgets permit, this extensive resource should be in school libraries for both teacher and student use.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
The History of Rock & Roll (Print-Non-Fiction). Shirley, David. Watts, Franklin, Inc. (SCH), 1997. 175 p. ISBN 0-531-15846-2 ($13.95 pbk.).
In The History of Rock and Roll, David Shirley tells the story of rock and roll from its earliest days to the present. He examines the personalities, stories, scandals and fads that helped to shape rock and roll. He starts with Elvis and then moves on to the British invasion and rock and roll in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Black-and-white illustrations, suggested readings, suggested listening and an appendix of rock and roll hall of fame inductees make this resource appropriate for browsing or for beginning research.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
A History of Western Art. 3rd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Adams, Laurie Schneider. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited (MHR), 2001. 557 p. ISBN 0-07-243114-8 ($60.95 pbk.).
This text looks at western art with both a cultural and historical focus. Topics covered range from Prehistoric Western Europe to the 1960s: Pop, Op, and Minimalism. Five timelines and 11 maps help to illustrate the influence of art on the world. The visual reproductions of paintings, architecture and sculptures are excellent. A glossary, suggestions for further reading and an index are included. This is a resource that would be suitable for a teacher or student conducting in-depth research.
A smaller booklet entitled The McGraw-Hill Guide to Electronic Research in Art accompanies the text. It is a guide intended to help students and teachers use the power of computers to ease the research process. Chapters include background information about electronic research, tips for advance preparation, conducting and organizing information and fair use and copyright law in the U. S.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art; Teacher Reference
Inward to the Bones: Georgia O'Keefe's Journey With Emily Carr (Print-Anthology). Braid, Kate. Polestar Press Ltd. (RAI), 1998. 125 p. ISBN 1-896095-40-2 ($16.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Award-winning writer Kate Braid brings together two painters-Georgia O'Keeffe and Emily Carr, and takes them on a journey of the imagination in this slender volume of poetry. Braid speculates on the kind of friendship the two artists might have shared. The result is a compelling series of poems written as though the author was Georgia O'Keeffe. The poems explore the world of the female painter in the first half of this century, and they reveal how women's art differs in form and content from that produced by men. Detailed notes that complement the examination of the creative process accompany the poems. This anthology would work well in the viewing and representing strands of English language arts if prints by both artists were shown in conjunction with the reading of the anthology.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
Jeni LeGon: Living in a Great Big Way (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 1999. 48 min. Order no. C9199 086 ($39.95).
(CAN) Jeni Legon was a talented and passionate dancer who became the first Black woman to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. Jeni grew up in Chicago, where she taught herself to dance, gathering her early audiences around her on the sidewalks that were her first stage. She became a solo dancer in the Count Basie Chorus Line and set her sights for Hollywood. Although she performed in several films, despite her talent she could not break through the colour barrier of a segregated Hollywood. She moved to Vancouver in 1960 and became a teacher and choreographer. This film includes interviews with outstanding dancers and wonderful archival footage. It supports the historical context of arts education.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Jivin' Johnny's Classroom Jukebox… for Elementary and High Schools (Print-Non-Fiction). Jivin' Johnny. Jjohnny Press (JJP), 2000. 113 p. ISBN 0-9686403-1-1 ($21.88 coil-bound).
Jivin' Johnny (a.k.a. John Phillips) has been using popular music in the classroom for over 30 years. This collection includes some of his favourite songs with questions intended to arouse curiousity and emotions, stimulate ideas and creativity and promote discussion and understanding. The book is divided into sections that include the following themes: "Growing Up," "Our World," "Heroes," "Sexuality" and "The Lives We Choose." The book advises teachers to preview each song and to consider the audience, the school policy and the community before playing it in class. Some of the suggested pieces include references to sensitive issues. Teachers should make sure to connect the selections they choose to a context within the curriculum. Songs are not included with this resource, but a detailed index and tips for searching for certain titles may help in locating the songs.
Further information is available at www.jjohnnypress.com
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Music; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 10
John Coltrane: A Sound Supreme (Print-Non-Fiction). Selfridge, John. Watts, Franklin, Inc. (GRO), 1999. 95 p. ISBN 0-531-11542-9 ($30.00 hdc.).
John Coltrane came of age as a musician in the late 1940s. By the late 1950s he had emerged as a jazz giant and an unparalleled sax technician. In this biography, author John Selfridge follows the development of Coltrane's musical talent and the rise of his career. The book is illustrated with historical photographs of Coltrane and his contemporaries, and it includes an extensive discography and lists of books and online resources for further study. This resource provides an ideal young adult's introduction to one of the 20th century's jazz giants.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Journey Into Art: Going Beyond First Glance (Print-Non-Fiction). Seymour, Dale, Pubns. (PRN), 1994. 134 p. ISBN 0-86651-731-6 ($67.95 pbk.).
Journey Into Art is a production of the Art Institute of Chicago. It encourages teachers and students to explore works of art from many different times and cultures. Twenty works from the museum's collection serve as a starting point for learning experiences about the nature and value of art. The book is divided into five major sections: "Visual Language," "The Artist's Tools," "Personal Expression," "Time Travel and World Travel," "Art and Culture." Each lesson begins with information about the concept, artworks and artists included in the unit. Although the responding process differs from the format in the Arts Education Curriculum, the questions could be adapted to fit the context of the curriculum. Suggestions for further activities are provided and 20 full-colour overhead transparencies add to the usefulness of this resource. Teachers should ensure that this resource is supplemented with information about Canadian artists.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Lines of Site: Ideas, Forms and Materialities (Print-Non-Fiction). University of Alberta Press (RAI), 1999. 132 p. ISBN 0-88864-329-2 ($24.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Lines of Site presents a picture of a shared commitment in a series of works created by the faculty and graduate students from the printmaking centre at the University of Alberta's Department of Art and Design. The book was created to complement a special exhibition of prints from around the world that were brought together during a major international symposium on the theme of printmaking and image culture. The book contains an introduction and a section dealing with the history of printmaking. The reproductions are varied and thought provoking.
Please note that this resource is of limited value to generalist art teachers. It is geared to those who are teaching printmaking and to students who have a passion for this particular form.
Suggested Use: Grade 12; Visual Art
The Male Dancer (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V570.
(CAN) This program examines the development, importance, and changes in the role of the male dancer through the history of ballet with a special focus on Nijinsky and Nureyev. Stereotypes and gender roles are discussed. This program could be used to initiate discussion about gender and dance or overcoming peer pressure for young male dancers.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Margaret Bourke-White: Her Pictures Were Her Life (Print-Non-Fiction). Rubin, Susan Goldman. Abrams, Harry N., Inc. (GBW), 1999. 96 p. ISBN 0-8109-4381-6 ($29.95 hdc.).
One of the first female photojournalists was Margaret Bourke-White. Her stunning black-and-white photographs, which rose to the level of art, are profiled in this book. From the 1920s through the 1950s she created compassionate photographic records of the social, political and economic forces at work in the world. The study of these photographs will assist students in understanding the techniques used and how the results were obtained. An index is included.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Media Studies
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; English Language Arts 20
Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life (Print-Non-Fiction). Freedman, Russell. Clarion Books (ALL), 1998. 175 p. ISBN 0-395-74655-8 ($28.95 hdc.).
Martha Graham, the American dancer, teacher and choreographer revolutionized the world of modern dance. This biography documents her life from her birth in Pittsburgh in 1894 to her final dance performance at the age of 75 and her continued career as a choreographer until her death in 1991. The book connects Graham's breakthroughs in dance to the social and cultural history of her times. A stunning collection of photographs complements this rare look at the life of a great American artist.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Music Dictionary (Print-Non-Fiction). Bennett, Roy. Cambridge University Press (GBW), 1995. 414 p. ISBN 0-521-56930-3 ($24.07 pbk.).
This text is written and designed as a practical reference book for students and teachers. Over
3 500 entries provide information on musical works, technical and foreign music terms, musical forms, instruments and styles and types of music. A chronological chart provides easy reference to data on 195 composers. The Music Dictionary will be a valuable and handy guide for students and teachers who have an interest in understanding more about music.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Music; Teacher Reference
Music Directory Canada. 7th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Norris-Whitney Communications Inc. (NWC), 1997. 559 p. ISBN 0-9691272-7-8 ($39.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This Canadian listing includes music publishers, opera companies, music associations, music publications, radio stations, discographies of recording artists, music sites on the Internet, recording studios, music libraries and much more. It features comprehensive listings for every sector of the Canadian Music industry every published. This would be a useful addition to a resource centre.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Music of Ballet (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V578.
(CAN) If dancers were asked what compels them to dance they would likely tell you that it is first and foremost the music. This program highlights the great composers of ballet and examines the inseparable relationship between the music and the dance.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
The National Ballet of Canada (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V583.
(CAN) This program examines the history and influence of the National Ballet Company of Canada.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
The Nutcracker (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V569.
(CAN) The Nutcracker premiered in 1892 and marked the end of the age of classicism, the period of extravaganza that followed the Romantic period. The ballet, based on a tale by German author, E.T.A. Hoffman, with Tchaikovsky's wonderful music, is a classic fantasy where anything is possible. While there is little plot or characterization, and limited central roles, The Nutcracker has remained a favourite of the public during the Christmas season.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
The Other Side of the Picture (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 1999. 53 min. Order no. C9198 074 ($39.95).
(CAN) The Other Side of the Picture tackles the difficult question: Are there no great women artists?" The statistics are revealing. At Washington's National Gallery only 1 in every 30 paintings is by a woman. In Canada, women account for a mere eight percent of the National Gallery's collection. This film seeks to find out the answer to this difficult question. Interviews with artists, students, historians, dealers, curators and administrators reveal the complexity of the issues related to women artists. Artists Doris McCarthy, Mary Pratt, Gathie Falk, Joyce Wieland, Judy Chicago, Landon McKenzie, Jane Ash Poitras and others share their personal views and experiences. This is a very thought-provoking look at the role of women artists in our society. Caution: This film contains some nude images.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
The Paris Opera Ballet (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V582.
(CAN) This program looks at the history and influence of the Paris Opera Ballet.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Partnerships (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V577.
(CAN) Great partnerships no longer exist in ballet. This program looks at some of the greats (Nureyev/Fonteyn, Sibley/Dowell, Vasiliev/Maximova, Kain/Augustyn) and examines why this phenomenon has ceased.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Reading TV (Video). National Film Board of Canada (MGR), 1996. 51 min. Dup. order no. V525. Program Guide - Order no. G525 ($Free loose-leaf).
(CAN) For many people, especially young viewers, television is a major source of information as well as a frame of reference for interpreting experience and the world. But what do we really know about television and how it works? Reading TV, an introductory resource for media literacy education, provides opportunities to think more critically about what we see on television and to develop a better understanding of the most influential, widely disseminated medium of communication.
Reading TV brings together five provocative explorations of themes central to any inquiry into television. The medium as a marketplace for products and ideas comes under scrutiny in The Bronswick Affair, a lively spoof of television journalism exposing the excesses of consumerism fostered by a steady stream of commercials, and in the animated film TV Sale, a channel-surfing tour de force. Two other animated titles, the fast-paced Watching TV and the quietly expressive TV Tango, focus on the issue of television violence and its impact on impressionable viewers. In Toys, a commentary-free fantasy about the merchandising of values, a diverting window display of children's playthings takes on ominous overtones.
Suggested Use: Media Studies
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
Romeo and Juliet (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V568.
(CAN) The story of the ballet version done in 1935 is faithful to Shakespeare's 1597 play. Romeo and Juliet differs from classic ballets of the last century in that the tragic tale of two young lovers is as modern a story as there is in ballet. It is all about life, people, love and human tragedy. A dramatic challenge is presented for the dancers to reflect this special chemistry in their relationship and their passion. The portrayal of their enthusiasm for life demands that the two dancers are in constant motion.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Salt (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2000. 78 min. Order no. C9100 129 ($39.95).
This video is composed of four short films produced and written by four 17-year-old girls who were attending an alternative school in Montreal. The topics include different perspectives on the lives of youth and issues important to them-namely the school system, today's punk movement, self-mutilation and the independent music scene. Each film is well done, with bright, intelligent comments and insights provided by the young people involved. Information about the young producers is included. This is an excellent video to share with students who are interested in making their own video documentaries. Teachers should be aware that the topics filmed contain sensitive content that is handled in a mature manner.
Suggested Use: Media Studies 20
Other Use: Canadian Studies
Self-Portraits (Art Prints). (Take 5 Art Prints Series). Crystal Productions (CRY), 2000. ISBN 1-56290-253-9 ($44.00 U.S.).
Take 5 is a series of fine art prints published in sets of five large reproductions grouped around a particular theme. On the back of each print is information about the artist and the art, plus a guided analysis for critiquing, understanding and interpreting the work. These prints support the responding process as described in the Arts Education Curriculum, and they are highly recommended as an excellent resource to use in the visual art strand.
The teacher guides include lesson preparation ideas and provide additional information and related activities.
More information about the prints sets that are available may be found at the following website: www.crystalproductions.com/posters/take-5
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9
Shared Visions: The Art of Storytelling (Video). Storytellers Productions Ltd. (FW), 1999. 24 min. No order number is required. ($195.00).
(CAN, I/M) Shared Visions features interviews with artist and shaman Norval Morrisseau, Canada's best known aboriginal actress Tantoo Cardinal, and the writers, producers and animators from Bardel Animation and Bioware Active Media. It explores the creative vision, talents and the process that came together in the evolution of the animated and live-action aboriginal special Stories From the Seventh Fire.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: English Language Arts 20; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
The Sleeping Beauty (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V566.
(CAN) The Sleeping Beauty was choreographed by Marius Petipa of the Imperial Ballet of Russia. French ballet masters migrated to Russia when the Romantic Era ended in Western Europe. With great resources of money and human resources available to these choreographers ballet was once again an entertainment of the court in Tsarist Russia. This throwback was known as the age of classicism and many conventions of ballet that had been discarded by the Romantics reappeared. Excess was the style while plot and the ability to portray characters (Romantic period) became less important. Audiences have loved Sleeping Beauty for its artistry, solos, processions and adagios. Tchaikovsky's music is inspiring to audiences and dancers.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Susan Point: Coast Salish Artist (Print-Non-Fiction). Kew, Michael, et al. Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group (GDS), 2000.
144 p. ISBN 1-55054-810-7 ($39.95 pbk.).
(CAN) Susan Point is an artist from one of several Coast Salish nations that originally inhabited the southern mainland of what is now British Columbia. This book is a celebration of her artistic career and offers a significant body of work created especially for an exhibition hosted by the Spirit Wrestler Gallery in Vancouver, as well as chronicling key works. Her art includes jewellery in precious metals to prints, paintings and monumental pieces in wood and glass. She is considered to be among the most innovative Northwest Coast artists at work today. This volume includes a description of traditional Coast Salish art, culture and beliefs as well as a biographical essay following the artistic development of Susan Point. Each of the works of art illustrated is accompanied by a description of its meaning. The detailed nature of this book makes it appropriate for teachers of art at the senior level.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art; Teacher Reference
Swan Lake (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V564.
(CAN) Swan Lake is the most popular ballet in the world. It captures the full range of human emotions from hope to despair, from terror to tenderness and from melancholy to ecstasy. It is one of the more technically demanding ballets as it requires the ballerina in the central dual role of Odette/Odile to perform 32 fouettes in a row. Dancers find Swan Lake one of the few classical ballets that is as consistently challenging technically as it is emotionally.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
La Sylphide (Video). (Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet Series). Sound Venture Productions (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V567.
(CAN) La Sylphide introduced the dance world to The Romantics when it debuted in 1832. The young artists who revolutionized ballet were responding to the grim time of the Industrial Revolution and looked for a hypothetical dream world far from reality. La Sylphide was the first ballet to successfully express the Romantic philosophy where a hero suddenly throws everything away in a search for true happiness-a search that is always fruitless. Also included is the notion of a lyrical netherworld usually represented by a fanciful female creature condemned to dance forever.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Tango in a Cold City (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2000. 43 min. Order no. C9100 125 ($39.95).
(CAN) This film is a tribute to the power of dance. It is visually beautiful and highlights the importance of tango to the many people living in Canada who came from other cultures. A short history of Argentina and the roots of the dance we call "tango" are included. Toronto is cited as being "the most multicultural city in the world." The film introduces the audience to Christina Rae-a dancer who came to Toronto from Argentina. She now teaches dance to the Canadian Children's Dance Theatre and to many adults who are attracted to the mystery of tango. This video could be used in many ways in the classroom-from the historical context of dance to discussions dealing with the difficulties facing immigrants to this country.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Thin Ice (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2000. 58 min. Order no. C9100 076 ($39.95).
(CAN) Bruce McCall is often called the most gifted satirist in America. He made his name in the pages of The National Lampoon and Esquire before becoming a favourite of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. This documentary chronicles his lifelong odyssey from his 1940s boyhood in small-town Canada to his present-day success. His writings and drawings are featured. Students who are studying satire or parody will benefit by viewing this video.
Suggested Use: Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
Tomie dePaola: His Art & His Stories (Print-Non-Fiction). Elleman, Barbara. Putnam Publishing (CDS), 1999. 218 p. ISBN 0-399-23129-3 ($50.00 hdc.).
Tomie dePaola is among the best known, best loved artist-authors creating books for children today. His art and his stories, filled with imagination, humour, elegance and curiousity, emanate from a love of life reflected in everything he does. In this detailed, copiously illustrated and beautifully produced book, Barbara Elleman explores Tomie dePaola as artist and illustrator. The book looks first at dePaola's family life and then at the extraordinary scope of his work-autobiographical picture books, folktales, Christmas themes, religious stories and more. The book contains over 200 illustrations that help to give a fresh appreciation of this unique artist-author. Notes, a chronology, a bibliography and an index are also included.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Other Use: Arts Education: Grades 6 to 8; Arts Education: Grade 9; English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Toronto Dance Theatre, 1968-1998: Stages in a Journey (Print-Non-Fiction). Saxton, Nadine and Cornell, Katherine. Captus Press (CPYU), 1998. 191 p. ISBN 1-895712-21-1 ($24.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This book reveals the extraordinary drive for artistic expression and visionary spirit that put Canadian modern dance onto the international stage. The book contains revealing personal accounts from the founders, dancers, choreographers, directors and fans of the Toronto Dance Theatre. Over 90 rare archival and personal photographs as well as original artwork visually support the three decades of dance. This text could be used for students who are doing research on the history of dance in Canada, or for those who plan to pursue a dance career after high school. Appendices include a list of company dancers, a list of the choreography performed by the Theatre from 1968 to 1998, extensive notes and a bibliography.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance
Traudt's Quartet (Video). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 2001. 19 min. Order no. C0001 001 ($29.95).
(CAN) This video features a series of three short films by Wayne Traudt, an animator who lives in Calgary, Alberta. As renowned Qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn performs "Tracery," composed by Michael Brook, the animations by Traudt echo the phrasing of the music, evoking life and breath. This multi-faceted compilation will be of interest to students studying animation and for art students studying life drawing.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Dance; Visual Art
Two for the Show: Scenes for Student Actors. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Kennedy, Brian, ed. Playwrights Canada Press (PLCN), 1999. 260 p. ISBN 0-88754-579-3 ($15.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This anthology contains 39 short scenes written by over 20 of Canada's premiere playwrights. The aim of the collection is to provide young adults with a selection of character scenes so they will realize that the essential process of rehearsing, playing character and staging a short scene is an enjoyable and engaging experience. An introduction to playwriting and critical analysis of dramatic text as well as a sample rubric for evaluation are included. The themes and issues contained in the short scenes feature a variety of cultural and social settings and will appeal to young adults.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Drama
Other Use: Arts Education: Grade 9
Voices (Print-Non-Fiction). Mitchell, Joni. Mendel Art Gallery (MNG), 2000. 63 p. ISBN 1-896359-28-0 ($45.00 hdc.).
(CAN) This book is the catalogue that was prepared to accompany the first retrospective of the visual art of Joni Mitchell. It begins with a comprehensive introduction acknowledging Mitchell's contributions to music and words over the years. It goes on to explain that the title of the exhibition is intended to underscore, in a subtle way, her visual art and to present it as another, though lesser-known voice of the artist. Various song lyrics are super-imposed on full- and double-page colour reproductions. The reproductions are very true to the actual art works in the exhibition. Insightful short comments by Joni Mitchell about specific events and experiences in her life and in her arts are interspersed throughout the book.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Visual Art
Voices: Poetry and Art From Around the World (Print-Anthology). Brenner, Barbara. National Geographic Society (DIS), 2000.
96 p. ISBN 0-7922-7071-1 ($27.95 hdc.).
This book is a beautiful fusion of art and poetry from various continents of the earth. Each continent is introduced with a striking two-page photograph that sets the mood. The poems that follow are paired with paintings, folk art and historical artifacts to further evoke a sense of place and culture. Sidebars help to put everything in context, and they supply details about the significance, purpose or role of the various art works or events in history.
Suggested Use: Visual Art
Other Use: English Language Arts 30
World Music, Volume 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East. New ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Broughton, Simon, et al., eds. Rough Guides Ltd. (CDS), 1999. 762 p. ISBN 1-85828-635-2 ($37.99 pbk.).
This resource has full coverage of everything from Congolese soukous to Greek rembetika, and biographies of artists from Thomas Mapfumo to Cheb Khaled to the Afro Celt Sound System. It contains more than 80 articles from expert contributors, focusing on both popular and roots music. Extensive discographies for each country, with biography notes on nearly 2 000 musicians and reviews of their best available CDs are included. The book has photo and album cover illustrations gathered from contemporary and archive sources. A directory of World Music labels and specialist stores around the world and on the Internet rounds out this extensive resource.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Music
The World of Music. 4th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Willoughby, David. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited (MHR), 1999. 383 p. ISBN 0-07-289639-6 ($76.95 pbk.).
The World of Music is designed for teachers who want to focus on perceptive listening to music as it exists in the real world. In addition to Western European classical music, this text includes folk, religious, jazz, popular and world music. Both cultural and historical examples are provided in this comprehensive resource, and no prior musical training on the part of the student is presumed. Students will learn to recognize different styles, appreciate their different functions and develop a solid foundation for continued learning in areas of personal interest. Each chapter includes a pre-plan outline stating concepts and vocabulary and ends with a concise summary and list of terms. Photographs throughout the text depict music as it is-performed by people everywhere to serve many valid purposes and to be enjoyed and valued in many different contexts. People are seen making and responding to music, symbolizing its human dimension. An excellent glossary of musical terms and concepts is included.
A set of two CDs or cassettes is available. This set contains 50 listening examples taken from the "Study in Sound" sections in each chapter in the text. Also available is a full five CD set that contains all of the 104 listening examples from the text.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Music
Other Use: Arts Education: Grade 9
Yellow Journalism: Scandal, Sensationalism, and Gossip in the Media (Print-Non-Fiction). Cohen, Daniel. Twenty-First Century Bks Inc. (FHW), 2000. 128 p. ISBN 0-7613-1502-0 ($36.95 hdc.).
Daniel Cohen takes a look at journalism gone awry starting with an 1835 New York Sun article describing alien life discovered on moon, and then stringing together one fascinating story after another. He illustrates how the public's voracious appetite for scandal empowers hack journalists. Accounts of media coverage of some specific events such as the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the Sam Sheppard case and the O.J. Simpson trial are included. Later chapters include discussion of the influence of television and the Internet on shaping public opinion on everything from Kennedy's election to Monica Lewinsky's notoriety. Well-chosen, black-and-white illustrations, including several graphic photographs appear throughout.
Suggested Use: Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Media Studies
Other Use: English Language Arts 20