The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) continues its partnership with the South Orange and Maplewood School District (SOMSD) this November to provide “transformative arts education experiences” to more than 1,400 students. Through two events, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations Arts in Education assembly and an interactive performance by the LUX Orchestra, students will have the opportunity to engage with world-class artists.

On November 15, South Orange Middle School will host the AIE Revelations Assembly, featuring Ailey teaching artists performing sections of Alvin Ailey’s work. The performance will introduce students to modern dance terminology, Ailey’s choreography and her commitment to using dance for social change.

“Alvin Ailey didn’t just break artistic barriers: he used his art to challenge cultural barriers,” said Lynn Irby Hill, principal of South Orange Middle School. “Revelations is a powerful experience that transcends time and still resonates today, crossing racial, identity and community boundaries. »

The LUX Orchestra Initiative, founded by conductor and composer Brent Chancellor, will present an interactive performance on November 21 in collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Link Up and SOPAC. Developed with SOMSD music teachers, the show will invite students to actively engage in music, including singing famous pieces and learning about the role of the orchestra in various genres.

“The beauty of this program is that students actively engage with music,” Chancellor said. “It’s about creating a memorable experience that fosters a lasting appreciation of classical music.”

Since 2016, SOPAC has partnered with SOMSD to make arts education accessible to students from all backgrounds, going beyond one-off field trips to offer in-depth residencies and skill development opportunities. “At SOPAC, we believe that every child should have access to a transformative arts education,” said Linda Beard, SOPAC Director of Arts Education. “We strive to empower and inspire students by exposing them to different forms of artistic expression.”

James Manno, Visual and Performing Arts Supervisor at SOMSD, said, “SOPAC’s arts education programs help students engage with art in personal and meaningful ways. Our partnership reaffirms our mutual commitment to integrating the arts into education. Together, we connect students with world-class artists and provide transformative experiences that build cultural awareness, creativity, and a lasting appreciation of the arts.

The AIE Revelations Assembly and the LUX Orchestra performance are part of SOPAC’s “ongoing commitment to arts education in the local community.” Through partnerships like the one with SOMSD, SOPAC “aims to ensure that all students have access to high-quality arts experiences that promote creativity, cultural awareness, and personal growth.”

* * *

Submit Essex County community news to [email protected].

———

Generative AI was used to produce a first draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.