Each year Regina Elementary, through the Home and School Association, sponsors a visiting artist in the area of arts, fine arts, music, physical education or cultural awareness.
Past artists have included a mural designer, a music composer, a dance instructor and an instructor in Aikido Martial Arts. Teaching through the arts motivates students and lets then tap into another dimension of learning.
Regina students were treated to the sights, sounds and history of Russia through a presentation by Cultural Kaleidoscope, a Kansas City, Mo., based educational group. Sergei Shapoval, Ukraine native and musical educator, taught the students about Russia through music, dance and stories.
Shapoval told the students that there are many differences between the United States and Russia, but these differences are instrumental in bringing people together. He also said it is important that citizens of different countries look past their differences to achieve a common goal.
Shapoval discussed the geography, history and people of Russia, which has 150 million people.
The guest artist played a variety of instruments, including an accordion and several sets of wooden spoons. He also sang and taught the students traditional Russian dances.
Mary Cole, the elementary music teacher at Regina, coordinated this musical educator’s visit.
