The Community Weighs In Through The Arts

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For the past few weeks, the discussion has been brought to light that Detroit’s ONLY Fine Arts high school is having trouble with keeping their programs.  On Friday, September 27th an Alumni Benefit Showcase was held at the Ford Auditorium on the school grounds of the Detroit School of Arts. This brought talents from multiple graduating years together, to help aim the spotlight on an institution that helped cultivate and spring them forward in to a life long passion of the arts

Image Provided By: John King

Image Provided By: John King

The alumni’s mission is to, Increase awareness, increase enrollment, Increase funding, increase the teachers and become and fully operating performing arts high school in the city of Detroit, stated Teyuane Jackson, class of 2006.

Gwenation Photo Taken By: Constance Thomas

Gwenation
Photo Taken By: Constance Thomas

Prior to the event a survey was sent out to many within the community of Detroit to get their take on whether the importance of the arts curriculum within a school is needed. The responses made a clear statement.  Many expressed how important the arts were.

We (Renee Aaron) also placed a post on Reddit regarding the arts being eliminated from the school. One responder stated, “Is it better to cut the teachers and keep the school open or keep the teachers, and maybe, in the end, lose the school too.”  This is a valid point, however the key is to understand that the issue the school faces is due to low enrollment numbers. The conversation is below:

 

Reddit response

 

 

 

Survey Given By: Renee Aaron thru Survey Monkey

Survey Given By: Renee Aaron thru Survey Monkey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The schools goal along with the help of the very active alumni to date is to continue a legacy that was birthed in 1992, by Dr. Denise Davis-Cotton.

We here are Renee Aaron will continue to follow this story and watch as things unfold.

Academics vs. Fine Arts: Your Thoughts [Survey]

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For many, fine arts are an extra curricular activity that one takes part of after school. For some, fine arts are intertwined with their everyday class schedule, like the students at the Detroit School of Arts. At the start of the 2013-2014 school year; students were welcomed with fewer fine arts programs included in their class schedule. Four arts teachers were transferred to other schools within the Detroit Public School System, because of low enrollments numbers.  While the school is in a 5million deficit, the importance of the arts in the Detroit School of Arts seem to be a non-factor when it comes to keeping curriculum based programs.

Click here to take survey

One can only imagine the affects that fine arts programs have on a young students mind. It is said that being involved in any form of fine arts helped a student perform well on standardized tests. Whether a student attended a charter, private, or public institution, the results would end in the same, successful. Having a true passion for the arts results in a well-rounded educational experience. Moving forward in life, scholarships are given to those who show an enthusiastic drive to continue in higher education. If one wanted to pursue this journey further the opportunities are endless; such as recordings, musical direction, world tours and contributing back to the community to help advance those taking forward movement.

 

The information on this survey will help continue the research to finding the balance between academics and the fine arts within the Detroit School of Arts.

DSA Alumni Spotlight- Kristopher Thomas

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As a young eighth grader, the time comes to decide what high school to attend. For Kristopher Thomas, an IT Technician for the international company Faurecia, he thought the decision was easy to make, it was going to be Cass Tech. However his mother had other plans for him. He can’t remember exactly how his mother found out about the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts (DSA). During this time, he had one goal and that was to attend what he thought would be the best school in the city. Little did he know that the next four years would change his life completely.

“As students of DSA, our goal was to be well-round not only to excel in our arts but excel in our academics,” these two go hand and had. He also states its important whether you follow the path in your major or not you still need to be well rounded. As an artist one may be creative but you need to have a business sense as well. In which that is where academics plays a part in your life.

As a visual art major while attending DSA, when asked what were his fondest memories he gives one word, “studio”. He elaborates more to say, “It was extra time to work on what you started, and this was a time to develop a skill set with more personal time with the teacher.” Currently with eight teachers being transferred, students will not be able to have that personal time.

Thomas continues to speak about the legacy that was left at the school. “Many alumni have gone on to do great things in society, such as music directors, Broadway performer, scientist, dentist and even lawyers.” Today he wishes to give back to help with the current state of low enrollment. “I will do what I can t to the best of my ability to help DSA reach its goals of having the enrollment numbers, in order to receive more funding to bring those teachers back.”

Thomas with many other alumni are working on a special alumni showcase later this month, to help bring awareness back to DSA. They wish to help not only encourage the students during this hurting time, but hopefully raise money to help fund some of the needs the faculty and students may have.

The time is now to give back and the only way DSA students know how to make an impact is by performing.

On One Accord with Detroit School of Arts

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[PRESS RELEASE] Detroit School of Arts Alumni Benefit Showcase

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DSA School Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Constance Thomas

313-283-8366

reneeaaronevents@gmail.com

 

Detroit School of Arts Alumni Launches

Benefit Showcase Sept. 27th

DETROIT (September 13, 2013) – The Detroit School of Arts (DSA) Alumni, in collaboration with the administration have announced a showcase to benefit the students and faculty.

The school recently lost four arts teachers, due to low enrollment. With this news, graduates from the first graduating class of 1996 to present day wanted to show their support. Their mission is to heighten the awareness that DSA is still a catalyst to enrich, cultivate and stimulate the young minds of a budding artist.

The event will take place on Friday, September 27, 2013 from 7:00pm – 9:30pm. It will feature a strolling art gallery and performances by alumni in the Ford Performing Arts Auditorium (Detroit School of Arts), 123 Seldon St. Detroit, MI 48202. General admissions tickets are $25 and $15 for students.

“The teachers and administration are not just educators; they stand as role models that many of today’s youth are lacking. The teachers care about the well-being of the students and will push you to reach your fullest potential,” says Teyuana Jackson, Class of 2006.

For more ticket information please visit https://dsaalumnishowcase.eventbrite.com

DSA Alumni Showcase Flyer (V2)

About DSA

Detroit School of Arts is a nationally renowned Arts and Academic high school that offers a strong college preparatory Academic and Arts Curriculum, with pre-professional study in Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music Technology, Dance, Theater, Speech, Radio/Television production, Visual Arts and Visual Communications.

DSA alumni have performed in Les Miserable on Broadway. They have been featured in television series such as 24, Law & Order and Detroit 187. They have toured the world with artist such as Justin Timberlake, John Mayer and Rihanna. Their artwork has been displayed in the Detroit Library and the Charles H. Wright Museum. Alumni also hold positions as music directors, graphic designers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, community activist and so much more.