Fund for the Arts Brings the LO to High Schools
Last week blew in a whirlwind of ‘positivity’ and affirmation at the Fund. On Saturday, the Fund for the Arts Gheens Young Artist Scholarship, sponsored with the generous support of The Gheens Foundation, was awarded at the Gheens Great Expectations Showcase.
On Wednesday, twelve talented and motivated young singers, musicians, actors and dancers auditioned for the Fund for the Arts Whittenberg Scholarships, generously made possible by Joan Whittenberg in memory of her son William Tolbert Whittenberg.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the full Louisville Orchestra – conducted by Jason Weinberger -- performed at Atherton and Buechel Metropolitan High Schools, respectively, culminating the pilot year of the Fund for the Arts High School Partnership Project, funded by the National City Teacher Arts Grants, with additional funding from Alcoa and Metro Government. Performing with the LO were a string ensemble from the Jefferson County Public Schools All-County Symphonic Orchestra and violinist Mikaela Holland, a winner of the Association of the Louisville Orchestra’s Young Artists Competition.
The High School Partnership Project, in its simplest form, uses the universal language of music to teach students how orchestra members ‘speak it’ to work, play, and make harmonious music together, regardless of their differences. Certainly a powerful lesson for today’s youth.
Area high schools applied to participate in this year-long partnership with the LO. A committee of LO, the Fund, and Jefferson County Public School representatives selected the two schools to participate. Students from both schools saw and heard the LO’s education ensembles perform in their schools. In addition, all students received pre-concert visits from the LO’s Associate Conductor, Jason Weinberger, who talked with the students about the pieces to be performed as well as what instruments, performers and players comprise the orchestra.
This particular Partnership Project is one of many behind-the-scenes innovative programs and services provided by the Fund and its member groups to area schools and community centers made possible by your generous contribution to last year’s $8 million campaign. Such partnerships bring the arts to new and emerging audiences and strengthen the arts and humanities offerings at the local school level.
If we are to continue outreach programs such as this, we must reach our $9 million goal this year. So, if you haven’t already, please make or renew your gift today. It’s simple. Just click here to donate now! Because together through the Arts we create a Great American City!
