Friday Flashback - Cultural Arts and Education

Cultural Arts and Education, 1977 Personal Progress Book:

"An ideal Latter-day Saint young woman knows and appreciates her culture and heritage. She recognizes her own talents and understands how to use them. She seeks beauty and wisdom in books, in music, in people, in prayer -- wherever they are found. Cultural arts and education lead her to self-enrichment and fulfillment."

Categories of possible goals:

Keeping Personal Records
A diary, journal, scrapbook, photo album, "treasures of truth book," or book of remembrance. Frame picture or keepsake from a special event. Record the dates of priesthood blessings you receive, along with insights and their significance for you. Write or tape record stories from your grandparents. Write your own personal history, interviewing parents or grandparents for your early childhood. Take a genealogy course/ submit your 4-generation sheets. Record spiritual experiences in your life.

Becoming Involved in Current Events
Read newspapers and news magazines regularly, or listen to TV/radio news broadcasts. Attend lectures on current issues. Take part in public/community debates, panels or open discussions. Volunteer for worthy community and national causes. Participate in a current events seminar.

Improving and Increasing Your Education
Develop good study habits. Participate in school-sponsored activities. Study other cultures. Plan & save for post-HS education. Take "aptitude tests" to determine your interests/abilities. Attend summer classes. Help collect usable resources for the meetinghouse library.

Increasing Literature and Writing Skills
"Make a list of enjoyable books; then read them." Read & review a book. Read from a good book daily. Study the lives of great authors. Attend a book review. Write an autobiography. Write a poem or story. Write regularly to "servicemen, missionaries, or students away at school." Assemble of a booklet of original writings of class members. Clear this activity with your bishop: Compile a book of original talks, short stories, limericks & poetry from ward members, and then sell it to ward members to fund-raise for the ward budget or building fund.

Developing Music Skills and Interest
Sing in a choir. Learn how to lead music & use this skill in Church. Learn how to play an instrument and practice/perform regularly. Teach music lessons. Be part of a young musicians festival. Perform a musical number in a Church meeting. Study an opera or other musical work and (if possible) attend a performance of it. Study the lives of composers & listen to their music. Compose an original song for a family member's birthday. Perform in a talent show. Enter a music contest. Organize & participate in an evening of folk music.

Increasing Dance Skills and Enjoyment
Organize or attend a dance workshop. Help plan a "dance festival, a floor show number*, a semiformal dance, a folk dancing session, or father-daughter evening." Plan a FHE of dancing. Learn ballroom dance. Attend local dance performances. Plan & carry out a "creative dance session" for mothers/daughters [what, interpretive dance?]. Learn folk dances of various nations.

Developing Drama Skills and Interest
Take part in a choral reading*. Write a script or take part in a roadshow, readers theater, play or dramatic presentation. Direct a play. Learn about drama production (directing, lighting, makeup, staging) and assist in a production. Present a puppet show for children. Attend a local theater production. Help and present a one-act play.

Improving Speech Skills
Participate on a panel or debate team. Participate in a speech/rhetoric workshop. Prepare and give talks in Church or school. Enter a speech contest. Start a resource file for Church talks. "Participate in a quiz on items from the New Era."

Developing Visual Arts Appreciation and Skills
Enroll in/attend an art class. Study lives of famous artists. Make an "object" out of wood, stone, or soap. Paint roadshow scenery. Study art from different cultures. Draw a house plan. Create a watercolor, oil painting, or pencil/chalk drawing. Participate in an art show. Organize a ward arts festival. Put pictures in an album. Compile a Mutual class scrapbook. Enroll in/attend a photography class. Learn how to develop pictures.

*Seriously, when was the last time you heard the phrase "floor show"!??! Also, when did we stop having "choral readings"? Love it. And, I miss roadshows. I remember reading over and over these lists because so many of these projects were appealing to me. Looking back, I'm now intrigued by the "current events" category - interesting.