Grace Place Hawaii Arts Pathway (Grades 3–12)

36-week progression aligned to the public school calendar
Our year is divided into four 9-week modules (Fall A, Fall B, Spring A, Spring B). Students may join for one module or continue for the full year. Each module ends with a showcase (informal or formal), and once each quarter students participate in a service-learning project (Kahauiki Village and Westside houseless centers), sharing what they’ve learned with other children. Classes and lessons can meet once or twice a week.

BEGINNING PROGRAM:
36-Week Step-by-Step Progressions

Voice (Beginning)

Goal: Healthy vocal habits, pitch accuracy, confidence, and joyful singing.

Weeks 1–9 (Foundations): posture; breathing basics; vocal warm-ups; matching pitch; simple melodies; diction; singing as a group; intro to “performance focus.”
Weeks 10–18 (Skill Building): stronger breath support; vowel shaping; simple harmony (partner singing); dynamic contrast (soft/loud); phrasing; microphone basics (when applicable).
Weeks 19–27 (Musicianship + Expression): rhythm accuracy; ear training games; expressive storytelling; basic solo technique; stage presence; confidence coaching.
Weeks 28–36 (Performance Readiness): solo or small-group feature; consistent tone; endurance; simple audition skills; showcase polish (entrances/exits, cues, audience awareness).

Ukulele (Beginning)

Goal: Play songs with steady rhythm and basic chords; build musicianship.

Weeks 1–9: instrument care; tuning; posture; basic strums; chord shapes (starter set); chord transitions; simple songs.
Weeks 10–18: expanded chords; stronger rhythm patterns; playing with a group; simple picking; intro to reading chord charts.
Weeks 19–27: fingerpicking patterns; basic dynamics; simple introductions/endings; tempo control; ensemble roles (lead/rhythm).
Weeks 28–36: performance set of 2–3 songs; clean chord changes; confidence playing with vocals or other instruments; showcase readiness.

Guitar (Beginning)

Goal: Strong foundational technique; basic chords; rhythm; playing real songs.

Weeks 1–9: posture; pick/finger basics; tuning; basic open chords; strumming; simple progressions; rhythm steadiness.
Weeks 10–18: more open chords; smoother transitions; simple picking; intro to tablature (optional); group playing.
Weeks 19–27: chord variations; simple riffs; dynamics; basic song structure (verse/chorus); timing with percussion/metronome.
Weeks 28–36: small performance repertoire; confidence accompaniment; consistent tone; stage basics.

Hula (Beginning)

Goal: Respectful cultural learning, foundational steps, rhythm, and storytelling.

Weeks 1–9: classroom protocol/respect; basic steps; hand motions; counting; rhythm practice; intro to mele (lyrics/meaning).
Weeks 10–18: step combinations; smoother transitions; facial expression/story; simple choreography sections.
Weeks 19–27: complete beginner routine; teamwork/spacing; posture; timing with chant/song; cultural context and vocabulary.
Weeks 28–36: performance polish; synchronized group work; hōʻike-style readiness (presenting with confidence and respect).

Acting (Beginning)

Goal: Confidence, communication, creativity, teamwork, and stage basics.

Weeks 1–9: theatre games; stage directions; voice projection; focus; improvisation basics; short scene work.
Weeks 10–18: character basics (who/what/where/why); listening/responding; simple monologues; movement and blocking.
Weeks 19–27: scene study; emotion choices; partner work; timing; audience awareness; intro to storytelling/Script basics.
Weeks 28–36: showcase pieces (monologues/scenes); stage etiquette; rehearsal process; performance confidence and critique.

Ipu Carving (Beginning)

Goal: Safe tool use, cultural appreciation, and completing a beginner ipu project.

Weeks 1–9: safety; Dremel introduction; gourd selection; cleaning/prep; design planning; cultural background of ipu.
Weeks 10–18: carving fundamentals; sanding; shaping; pattern work; finishing steps; basic care/maintenance.
Weeks 19–27: adding design detail; optional decoration methods; sound considerations; intro to playing basics (if appropriate).
Weeks 28–36: final finish; presentation-ready project; student artist statement (what they made and what it means).

Painting (Beginning)

Goal: Foundations (color, composition, technique) while encouraging creative confidence.

Weeks 1–9: materials; brush control; color mixing; values (light/dark); simple landscapes/still life.
Weeks 10–18: composition basics; focal point; texture; layering; painting from reference; critique norms (kind/helpful).
Weeks 19–27: stronger technique (edges, depth, perspective basics); nature studies; personal style exploration.
Weeks 28–36: a “capstone” piece for showcase; artist statement; finishing skills; presentation/portfolio basics.

Videography (Beginning)

Goal: Visual storytelling, stable shots, basic editing, and safe media practices.

Weeks 1–9: camera/phone settings; framing; steady shots; rule of thirds; short clips; intro to editing workflow.
Weeks 10–18: shot types (wide/medium/close); basic audio; lighting basics; simple storyboards; 30–60 second edit.
Weeks 19–27: interviews; b-roll; basic transitions/titles; teamwork roles; creating content with purpose.
Weeks 28–36: finished project for showcase; responsible publishing/media permissions; confidence presenting their work.

Musical Instrument Making (Ukulele + Ipu) (Beginning)

Goal: Understand how instruments work; build simple projects; respect craftsmanship.

Weeks 1–9: sound basics (vibration/resonance); materials; safety; simple percussion build; ipu basics (form and function).
Weeks 10–18: ukulele parts and function; basic measuring; sanding; simple assembly steps (age-appropriate); finishing.
Weeks 19–27: refinement: tuning concepts; setup basics; decoration/design; care/maintenance; pairing build with simple playing.
Weeks 28–36: completed instrument + presentation; demonstrate what they built and how it sounds; showcase-ready.

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM (What Expands)

Intermediate students build consistency, creativity, and performance skill with higher expectations.

Voice: harmony parts; vocal stamina; solo performance coaching; style interpretation; basic audition prep.
Ukulele/Guitar: more complex rhythms; fingerstyle; lead lines; ensemble arranging; beginning improvisation; stage confidence.
Hula: more complex choreography; cultural depth; stronger hōʻike readiness; leadership/assistant roles.
Acting: deeper scene study; character arcs; dialect/voice options; audition technique; ensemble storytelling.
Ipu/Instrument Making: more advanced finishing; higher craftsmanship; pattern complexity; playing technique integration.
Painting: composition mastery; more advanced technique (perspective, color temperature); series work; portfolio building.
Videography: stronger storytelling; editing discipline; audio improvement; multi-camera basics; longer projects.

ADVANCED PROGRAM (What It Adds)

Advanced students pursue mastery, leadership, and high-quality final products.

Performance & Portfolio Track: students develop a performance set, portfolio pieces, or a finished film/build project.
Leadership: mentorship roles, assisting younger students, helping with showcases and service projects.
Specialization: student focuses on a concentration (e.g., vocal performance, guitar lead, hula performance, film editing, fine art portfolio, or instrument craftsmanship).
Capstone Showcase: an end-of-year featured performance, gallery display, film screening, or instrument demonstration.