Community School of the Arts A r t s
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D a n c e
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D r a m a
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M u s i c
making waves
s
on the
axophone Adrian Crutchfield has always stood out in a crowd – even at 4 years old. It was at this age that he was spotted by Kenny G sitting in the fourth row at a concert his parents took him to in Roanoke, Virginia. The mesmerized little boy caught the attention of the renowned saxophone player who called Adrian to the stage, played a brief childish melody, and then asked him if he liked the saxophone. The awestruck child nodded his head yes, prompting Kenny G to hand over his instrument to Adrian. And in spite of financial hardship that would actually have his mother sell the family car to buy him a new instrument, that little boy grew up to be among the finest saxophone players in the music industry. Sound like a screenplay to a corny movie? Well it’s a true story – in progress. Adrian might not yet be an international superstar, Community School of the Arts is certain that this now 17-year-old young man will prove to be not only among the School’s most inspiring students, but a force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz music.
tableofcontents
welcome
from the
executive
director page 2
6th annual
BOB boogie woogie a aoflabor love ball page 5
page 5
what does
CSA
?
offer page 3
Adrian and his mother, Sandra, moved to Charlotte when Adrian was in the fifth grade. Sandra recognized that Adrian had a special talent and as she says, after watching him play ball as a child, “I knew my son was not going to be an athlete. Adrian was going to be in music.” Like many savvy parents, Sandra understood that Adrian needed more attention than continued on page 4
launched in South Charlotte dedicated to classical ballet and dance. In the Spring of 1999, CSA launched its first annual Children’s Arts Festival with significant sponsorship by MECA Properties, in Southend, free to families. In 2000, with grants from Myers Park Baptist Church, the Arts & Science Council, ABC Commission, National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina State Arts Commission, CSA opened arts classes in its second public housing community, Southside Homes. In 2002, CSA has launched its most ambitious program with BOB (Beginning Orchestra and Band) in cooperation with Char-Meck Schools to provide 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders the opportunity to study instrumental music, which had been cut out when the School and County budgets were slashed. To date, 340 students in 7 area schools and community sites have begun their journey as musicians, 50% of whom are on full tuition scholarship. Over the years, recognition of our efforts to be the only arts organization to teach all four disciplines, provide classes from ages 1- 91, to provide financial aid and grants for free classes to over 45% of the student body, has resulted in awards – the White House’s Coming Up Taller Award, ASC Vanguard Award to CSA’s nominee, Leadership Charlotte ‘Organization of the Year’, Forbes Magazine Entrepreneur Award to CSA’s nominee.
welcome executive director from the
Welcome to the very first newsletter of the Community School of the Arts! Let me bring you quickly up to date on the last 35 years… In 1969, the mission began with Choral Director Henry Bridges teaching free music lessons (piano and choral) to 20 children from the fragile neighborhoods surrounding First Presbyterian Church; children who would not otherwise be able to afford them. The efforts by the Church and Bridges expanded with the addition of dance and visual arts in a program formally named and incorporated as the Community School of the Arts. In 1983, the School began teaching piano and visual arts in its first of many community sites, Piedmont Court public housing. First Presbyterian Church has continued to fund the program annually. In 1985, CSA was contracted through Mecklenburg Park and Recreation to
provide arts programming after school to nearly 40 sites. In the late 80’s, CSA began a dedication to early childhood development in the arts with weekly visits to area preschools with a music program developed by composer Carl Orff and a Preschool Arts Center in Spirit Square designed by Karen Jones. In 1997, CSA began Summer Arts Camps and it opened the East Satellite specializing in piano, rock, pop, guitar, and folk instruments.
Through generosity and continuing support of many individuals including Sarah Belk Gambrell, the Cuthbertson Family, the Bradford family, and the Ray Family, the Community School of the Arts stands strong with some multi-year grants and beginning endowments. This 2002-2003 season is filled with enthusiasm for our new and continuing programs, but also with caution as we assess the current economic times we all face. Our goal is to engage 8,000 children in weekly, monthly or regular classes, which totals over 125,000 services. We don’t want any child to fall through the cracks. With that in mind, we are working diligently to make more people aware of the important work we do to serve children and to make Charlotte a better place to live through grassroots involvement and appreciation in the arts. More than anything we need the continuing individual, foundation and corporate support to make sure that CSA remains and grows with our community.
In 1998 with the assistance of the Arts & Science Council, the School moved to Spirit Square, in an uptown neighborhood bursting with development of an arts district. In addition CSA launched an annual fundraiser the Boogie Woogie Ball, which has continued to raise needed funds to operate the School and provide financial aid.
Our contributing family continues to grow, but we need YOU to help us make a difference - please join us with your financial support, your volunteer assistance, and your interest. We want to know you and want you to know us, and join us in these important efforts!
In 1999, the Charlotte City Ballet merged its school of 150 students into the Community School and a second CSA satellite was
Jane Weaver-Sobel President/Executive Director President@csarts.org
2
CSAoffer?
what
does Music
Visual Arts
Private Lessons
Group Lessons
Piano Violin Viola Suzuki Violin Cello Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Flute Saxophone Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Banjo Dobro Dulcimer Fiddle Mandolin Keyboarding Voice
Preschool Arts Lab Arts Play Creative Fun for Ones Color-ific Twos Preschool Picassos Hand Built Ceramics Beginning Thrown Pottery Intermediate Thrown Pottery Beginning Painting Intermediate Painting Textiles & Fabrics
Camps Arts Discovery (Preschool) Arts Workshop (Elementary) Arts Institute (Middle School) BOC (Band & Orchestra Camp) Brightstar Music Camp Making a Rock Band Camp Fiddle Camp
Group Lessons Music Together (preschool) Music Around (preschool) Voice
BOB (Beginning Orchestra & Band) Violin Flute, Clarinet Trumpet, Trombone
Dance Group Lessons Kinderballet Pre-Ballet Ballet - 1, 2, 3 Pointe Character Dance Dynaband Junior Jazz Senior Jazz Stretch/Conditioning Hip Hop
Workshops & Festivals Halloween Horrors Gingerbread Houses & Huts PS I Love You Children's Arts Festival
Where are the classes? Spirit Square (Uptown) Area Preschools East Albemarle (Folk, Rock, Pop) Monroe Road (Dance, Ballet) Matthews Community Cntr (BOB) Trinity Pres. Church (BOB) MP Baptist Church (BOB) Lake Wylie Elem. (BOB) Nat.Alexander Elem. (BOB) Irwin Ave. Elem. (BOB) Neighborhood Centers (Pk.& Rec.) Piedmont Courts Public Housing Southside Homes Public Housing Southend's Camden Square (Festival)
for more information: 704.377.4187 ext.11 www.csARTS.org
mission statement Community School of the Arts Provides quality arts education to all children and youth, Cultivates an appreciation and enjoyment of the arts in children and their families, Provides an environment and curriculum that enables each student to achieve his or her highest potential, and Promotes equal access to our programs and reflects the diversity of the community. 3
2002-2003
arts are an
“essential element The
board members Please welcome back our continuing board members as well as our four new board members. We look forward to another rewarding year and appreciate their guidance and hard work as they help to promote our mission.
of
education, just like
reading, writing, and arithmetic…
music, dance, painting, and theater are
keys that unlock
profound human understanding and
accomplishment.
”
- william bennett
adrian crutchfield continued from page 1 could be given to him through group lessons at his public school. She saw her son get bored with the elementary scales he was forced to practice and sought a means to cultivate and spark his talent. She had no money for private lessons, however, so she got Adrian involved in the orchestra of a local production of “The Wiz.” It was there that Adrian met local musician Michael Porter, who was on the faculty of Community School of the Arts. When Sandra learned of CSA’s scholarship program she brought Adrian to the attention of CSA, which immediately responded by giving Adrian a full scholarship to study saxophone with Michael, who became a mentor to Adrian. Since 1996, Adrian has been a star student at Community School of the Arts, studying saxophone as well as piano. In 1999, he dazzled more than 400 guests at CSA’s Boogie Woogie Ball when he got up on stage and jammed with the Jimmy Church Band, and has come back to play every year since. At CSA’s 30th anniversary concert, “Champagne and Gershwin,” he had the audience up on its feet when he played a duet with one of his heroes, the beloved Loonis McGlohan. The school takes great pride in how much Adrian has accomplished since moving forward with his studies. In July of 2001,
Adrian opened for national recording artist, Regina Bell. In September of 2001 he received two awards from Cultural Calendar Magazine, one for being an outstanding youth musician and the other as artist of the year. In November of 2001 he was the lead alto saxophonist in the North Carolina AllState High School Jazz Band that features the finest high school jazz musicians in the state. Two months later, Adrian serenaded recording artist Angie Stone and was offered a job in her touring band. At the age of 17, Adrian already has two movie credits to his name, having performed in B.B. King’s miniseries “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” and in Michael Singleton’s feature about boxing, “In This Corner.” Today, CSA is proud to report that Adrian studies at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem on full scholarship. He is working on original material for a CD and plans to pursue his musical studies in Europe upon graduation. CSA keeps close tabs on this young talent through an ongoing relationship with his mom Sandra. “I am happy to tell anyone who will listen about the difference CSA has made in the life of my son,” Sandra says. “I could not possibly have afforded the private instruction that has allowed Adrian to blossom, not just has a musician, but as an excellent student and well-rounded, confident human being.” While it may be said that CSA has been a gift to Adrian Crutchfield, it’s just as true that Adrian been an inspiration to CSA. 4
Board Officers Edwin (Ed) Dalrymple, Chair Carol Hamrick, Vice-Chair Jan Stedman, Secretary Doug Hoy, Treasurer Lifetime Directors Henry Bridges George Campbell Joseph (Joe) W. Grier, Jr. Harriette Line Thompson New Board Members Debbie Abels Laurie Bond Anthony R. Foxx Shannon W. McFayden Continuing Board Members Becky Carney Wynn Davis Sarah Belk Gambrell Duncan Gray Joseph (Joe) W. Grier Laurie Johnston Jeffrey (Jeff) M. Klein N. Eric Laster Valecia M. McDowell Dr. Thomas (Tom) B. McElwee Shannon W. McFayden Mark Mealy Anthony T. (Tony) Pressley Ward Pritchett Cecilia A. Ramirez Josephine Rankin Rick Ray Reverend Mary Katherine Robinson CSA Staff (704) 377-4187 We’re here to help. Receptionist - Eddie Campbell ext. 10 Enrollment Coordinator - Phil Edwards ext. 11 Program Administrator - Sarah Rodier ext. 12 Pres./Exec. Dir. - Jane Weaver-Sobel ext. 14 BOB Director - Richard Waterman ext.15 Community Relations Dir. - Jay Ahuja ext. 16 Finance/Accounting - Fatima Robaina ext. 18 Development Associate - Bonnie Edsall ext. 19 Music Chair - Dennis Jewitt ext. 21 Admin. Assistant - Melissa McKay ext. 22 Early Arts Coordinator - Jamie Speice ext. 24 Finance Assistant - Vikki Burke ext. 26 Dance Chair Melissa Hale-Coyle, (704) 708-4474 Arts Reach/Ballet Manager Shon Wilson, (704) 708-4474
boogie woogie ball On Saturday, March 8, 2003 CSA will host its annual black tie fundraiser, the Boogie Woogie Ball. This year’s benefit will be held in a new location, the recently renovated courtyard at Camden Square Village in historic South End. Chairing this year’s gala is CSA Board Member Laurie Bond. The “Mustang Sally” theme will encourage guests to kick up a storm in their black tie and cowboy boots while raising money to support Community School of the Arts’ programs and financial aid funds. Last year’s event raised a record amount of more than $180,000. After a one-year hiatus, we’ve brought back the wonderful moveable feast from Aberdeen Catering for this year’s gala. The menu will feature such favorites as sautéed breast of Carolina quail, Carolina shrimp and plantation cheese grits, and imperial crab claws. Entertainment and dancing will be provided by the high-energy, showstoppers, The Wallers. A fun part of each year’s Boogie Woogie Ball is the Silent Auction, which features a wealth of items ranging from affordable nights on the town with dinner and theatre tickets to incredible vacation packages. Last year’s auction raised a whopping $30,000, and we hope this year’s festivities will be every bit as successful. Ticket prices for the event are $150 per person for Patron level tickets, which also includes admission to the Patron’s Pre-Gala Cocktail Party, and $85 per person for Supporter tickets. For more information regarding the gala, silent auction donations, or corporate sponsorships call Bonnie Edsall at (704) 377-4187, ext. 19. Thanks to everyone who has participated over the years. We hope to see you again this year.
“
without
music,
life journey is a
through a
desert.” - pat conroy
BOB
a labor of love Richard Waterman is a shining example of what makes Charlotte such a can-do city. On April 9, 2002, the local school board decided to eliminate beginning orchestra and band instruction at the elementary school level. At the time, Richard taught at eight southwest Charlotte schools and had been with the CMS school system long enough that he had tenure, meaning that he earned what amounts to a lifetime contract with the school system. Furthermore, he had nearly finished with his National Teacher Certification process, so he was due a 12% raise upon completion of the program. Richard could have easily taken the path of least resistance and become a general music teacher at an area school. Instead, he felt so strongly about the need for kids to start learning musical instruments at an early age, that he teamed up with the Community School of the Arts to provide what he thinks will be an ideal band and orchestra program. Beginning Orchestra and Band (BOB) classes will feature 30 weeks of group lessons. Students learning to play the violin, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or flute will spend the year with accomplished teachers, and get together at the end of the school year for a concert. With CSA’s scholarship program 5
students who are enrolled in the school system’s free and reduced lunch program are able to participate in BOB with a subsidized tuition. Richard explains, “They offer access to everybody, not just the wealthy kids, and that’s important to me.” Richard took this route despite the fact that if he and CSA were not able to register enough students; he would find himself without a job. He risked everything for the prospect of helping these kids, who he believes are entitled to musical instrument training in their formative years. Fortunately, the BOB program is on its way to succeeding. So far, more than 330 students have signed up for the program and more than 145 have qualified for the scholarship program. BOB is offered throughout Mecklenburg County at three area schools and three offsite locations. Additional sites are planned for the 2003-2004 school year and folks wanting to set a BOB program in their neighborhood have already contacted CSA. Vision and execution such as this is integral to our mission and another example of how hard our staff works to fulfill the goals set out more than thirty years ago by Henry Bridges and Community School of the Arts’ founders.
calendarofevents The Nutcracker Suite Saturday, November 16th The Charlotte City Ballet Company featuring students from Community School of the Arts Ballet program will be performing selections from the Nutcracker Suite and other short works at Providence High School. The show starts at 7 PM and tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Call (704) 377-4187 for additional information. A second performance with the Charlotte Philharmonic Symphony will be held at 8 PM on Sunday, November 24 at the Belk Theater in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 and $30. Call (704) 846-2788 for tickets or more information.
Gingerbread Houses and Huts Saturday, December 7th Bring the kids and help them decorate their very own gingerbread house. Children and their parents are invited to stop by the third floor studio at Spirit Square for one of three sessions. The first session starts at 9 AM. Candy and pre-constructed gingerbread houses will be provided. Cost is $35 per house. For more information call Sarah Rodier at (704) 377-4187 ext. 12.
Fifth Annual Children’s Art Festival Saturday, April 5th This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever. As always, the festival is free and features hands-on, interactive activities in music, dance, and visual arts. It will be held at Camden Square Village in South End and we hope to see you there.
CSA is a member of NGCSA, ASC, SRBA, RDA Newsletter Sponsor: Issue 1 Winter 2002 www.csARTS.org Spirit Square 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202
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