CHALKBOARD CHAT is an interview series highlighting the teaching artists and administrators who dedicate their time and expertise to ArtsConnection students. 

Brian McCormick

Teaching Artist

Started teaching Dance TRaC back in 2003. I was a working dance critic, contributing editor in dance at Gay City News, and a member of the New York Dance and Performance Awards (Bessies) Committee. When Arts Connection absorbed High 5, I thought perhaps it would mean the end of the program. Instead, it afforded me a lateral move to teaching the multidisciplinary trac, which went along with my shift to arts editor at the paper. Then in 2012 Sony approached AC with a partnership idea and Media TRaC was born. Although it didn’t exactly pan out as planned, it’s still a vital and attractive option.  
 
This journey shapes my perspective today. As an educator who teaches grad students media studies at The New School/Parsons, and undergrads courses in dance perspectives and multimedia performance at CUNY/Lehman College, I feel like I have a unique perspective on how these different populations have navigated all the changes we’ve undergone in the last 20 years. From a time when newspapers and network TV were the dominant sources of information, through the evolution of social media, the impacts of Covid, etc, it’s been a fascinating experience.  
 
Yet, what I’ve always enjoyed about TRaC is the opportunity to see and experience the arts for free, to create a space where you can talk about it all, and not only from an aesthetic point of view, but race, class, culture, et al, and to have the most unfiltered honest responses to bring forth and reckon with. I have also enjoyed the joy of learning from and collaborating with some amazing teaching artists and program directors over the years.  

What art discipline(s) and grade(s) do you teach?

Writing . Grades 9-12.m 

Describe your creative practice. 

Look. Think. Read. React. Write. 

What do you love most about teaching young people? 

That aha moment when they realize they actually have learned something, or that the point you’re making is salient. Or conversely, that aha moment when you realize they’ve taught you something. 

What’s your earliest memory of being moved by art? 

Seeing the teen summer theater performance of Oliver! in Port Washington, which launched me into a long history of performing over the years, in theater, dance, and chorus. 

Describe your primary school arts education in three words. 

We had music. 

Time management is hard. Any tips for balancing a personal artistic practice with a teaching career? 

Make time for your practice. Even if you spend that time not making but focusing on your practice, it will help to keep that discipline. Of course, inspiration doesn’t adhere to schedules, so make some wiggle room in that time, too. 

Finish this sentence:  “Arts education is important because…” 

It broadens our understanding and appreciation of other cultures and histories. It builds empathy, strengthens community engagement, supports social and emotional development, and promotes critical thinking.