DPS is stepping up where the cash-strapped state can’t, kicking in a $500-per-student fee for the Governor’s School of North Carolina.
That’s not the case around the state, where some school systems have decided to ask students’ families to pay for the program.
That’s a problem: Families that can afford $500 for a summer program are probably able to provide enrichment for their gifted kids. One of the best things about Governor’s School is that it has historically been a need-blind incubator for the smartest, most talented kids, regardless of their ability to pay.
The nationally renowned, six-week residential program starts with a rigorous audition for the arts programs.
Then it takes exceptionally gifted students — artists, biologists, musicians, writers — and puts them into an immersion program where they are surrounded by other kids whose talents match their own.
Governor’s School alumni describe it as a life-altering experience, where they were exposed to world-class artists, scientists and instructors, often for the first time.
Thirteen of Durham’s students are going to study the arts: Choral music, instrumental music, dance, drama and visual arts. Another four will study science and Spanish.
It’s a safe bet that they will all emerge from this summer inspired. Good job, DPS.
n For those who want to seek inspiration from youth artists, we suggest a stroll down to the Durham School of the Arts today.
The students and faculty there are offering the school’s second Arts Fest and have been added to the Durham Art Walk for the first time.
The National Honor Society’s art sale and a series of performances will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the really inspired part is where the proceeds of the sale go: Student art sales will benefit Back Pack Buddies, a program that the Interfaith Food Shuttle runs to make sure children who are on free and reduced meals on weekdays at school will continue to have food on weekends. Thanks to Back Pack Buddies, on Fridays, students who might otherwise go hungry are sent home with a backpack full of healthy food — but buying that food takes money.
This week’s Durham Grit Award goes to the Durham School of the Arts, for using beauty to overcome the ugly truth of childhood hunger.
n And if you like your arts a little more seasoned — say a 20-year vintage? — N.C. Central will wrap up its annual Jazz Festival with a concert by Christian McBride & Inside Straight at 8 p.m. today in the B.N. Duke Auditorium.
McBride, a Grammy-winning bassist, is completing a two-year term as the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s creative chair for jazz.
Supporting the festival — which also includes the photo exhibit “20 Years: Jazz at NCCU” — also supports Central’s Jazz Studies Program, one of the few programs in the country that preserves the American art form and emphasizes performance. It’s a worth a visit, if only to understand why Durham is becoming a mini-hub on the national jazz scene.
