For immediate release: December 13, 1998
Grants connect Waterloo Region students to the performing
arts
KITCHENER: Local students are entering a world of imagination and
creativity¾the world of the performing arts. The J.M. Drama Performing Arts
Education Sponsorship Fund will provide $5,000 in grants to enhance performing
arts education in schools across Waterloo Region.
J.M. Drama established the fund in 1997 to promote participation in the
performing arts. Examples of eligible projects included bringing in performing
artists or others to provide training in the arts and sending students for
similar training. The annual budget for the fund is $5,000. An individual
project may receive up to $500. Multiple school projects are eligible for
larger grants.
To date, seventeen schools shared $4,050. Students at St. Mary's High
School and St. David Catholic Secondary School received $500 to explore music
with the Foothills Brass from Calgary, Alberta. On November 27, students
learned how music fits into the lives of people through the years and how music
is influenced by events. After the concerts, 30 - 40 students at each school
participated in a more in-depth workshop with the ensemble.
Waterloo Collegiate Institute received $450 towards Festival '99 in
May. The festival provides students with a variety of arts experiences. This
grant gives Waterloo Collegiate the opportunity to engage more performing
artists and performers of a higher calibre.
Thirteen elementary schools received grant money. One example is Our
Lady of Lourdes School where 50 junior division students presented "Of Mice and
Mozart." The $250 grant covered the cost of costumes and an accompanist. The
students worked after school with the help of a parent with musical background.
"We are pleased to be opening doors to the performing arts for local students,"
said J.M Drama President Don Bourgeois. "As active participants, students are
challenged to grow. We look forward next year to even more applications that
connect students to the performing arts."
J.M. Drama is celebrating its 15th anniversary as a community theatre
group. A registered charity, it actively supports the performing arts in
Waterloo Region and performing arts education. In addition to the J.M. Drama
Performing Arts Education Sponsorship Fund, the organization offers the
Adie-Jane Bergauer Scholarship for students pursuing training or careers in the
performing arts. Teachers and parents interested in receiving more information
on the fund can call 741-0642. Some money remains available for further
projects in the current school year.
Contact: Don Bourgeois 519.893.1564 or James Howe 519.578.3666
|
