PERFORMING WORKS
Free arts education program for students planned this summer
COHOES, N.Y. » Students in the Cohoes City School District will have a unique opportunity this summer.
The students will be able to participate in a 3-week performing arts education pilot program for free.
The program is being made possible thanks to a partnership between the city of Cohoes, the Cohoes City School District, Music Hall Arts Alliance, Park Playhouse and Peak Music. The program is free thanks to donations, in part, from Prime Companies, Pioneer Bank and the Cohoes LDC.
The three-week long pilot program will serve 75 or more students with the program running from July 9 to July 27 and it will wrap up with a showcase presentation on the stage of the Cohoes Music Hall.
The program’s musical theatre curriculum will be designed by the staff of Park Playhouse, and will cover all areas of musical theatre performance, including instruction in dance, acting and voice. Teaching artists from Park Playhouse and staff from the Cohoes City School District will provide instruction geared to students in fourth through eighth grades.
Most of the program will take place at Abraham Lansing Elementary School up until the final performance at the music hall.
A song-writing and video presentation program, IGNITE Music Passion!, designed by Jeff and Crystal Moore of Peak Music will also be offered. Peak Music, a new business to downtown Cohoes and adjacent to the Music Hall, has developed this program for aspiring singer- songwriters of various ages.
“As a small business, we welcome this collaboration with the City and School District. What a great opportunity to mentor and work with the youth of Cohoes to cultivate their creativity while helping them develop skills that will serve them well in their academic and personal lives,” said Crystal Moore during a news conference Tuesday afternoon at the Cohoes Music Hall.
The program will culminate in the screening of a world premiere of a music video featuring a song written and performed by the participating students. The goal of
IGNITE Music Passion! is to excite students about the personal and professional transformational qualities of music.
Students will spend halfdays for one week (3 different age groups hosted weekly) working in an ageappropriate, welcoming, supportive, fun, and challenging environment designed to promote creativity, a sense of belonging, community pride, and selfdiscipline. No musical experience is necessary other than an interest in musical expression. Students will draw on their diverse backgrounds and rich life experiences in the City of Cohoes to compose the featured song.
“This is a great example
of community resources working together to engage students with high quality ‘hands-on’ arts education in our great city. Providing our students with more opportunity to channel their inner creativity is an integral part of development,” said Mayor Shawn Morse.
Officials said that studies show that performing arts education enhances a child’s interpersonal skills, collaborative abilities, and boosts confidence. Additionally, exposure to arts education helps students make sense of their emotions and develop new ways
to express themselves.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the students of Cohoes. Just last year, we were able to add back band and chorus at our elementary schools. Now, we are forming key partnerships with music professionals to help further inspire our students and strengthen their engagement in the arts,” Cohoes Superintendent Jennifer Spring said. “Music education spurs creativity and this type of collaboration provides academic, social and personal benefits for our students. We feel so fortunate to be forging these partnerships. Few districts have the privilege of having arts professionals in their backyard. Fewer still make connections that offer opportunities for students to experience and participate in the arts.”
“We are looking forward to working with the school district to serve the students of the City of Cohoes,” added OwenSmith, Producing Artistic Director of Park Playhouse.
Technical rehearsals and the students showcase presentation will be held at the Cohoes Music Hall during the final week of the program.
“It’s energizing to see these entities come together for the benefit of arts and children of Cohoes,” said Holly Brown, Executive Director of the Music Hall. “I am proud to be a part of this program, and also to be able to share this historic theatre with children and their families. This is an important experience that lasts long after the final showcase performance is over. I look forward to working alongside these professionals to grow arts education in this city and our region.”
Officials said the summer program will be firstcome-first- serve basis for registration, with registration forms being planned to be sent home and posted on the school district’s website by the end of April.