Arts Council begins 30th season

September 24, 2008 11:43 pm

— From Staff Reports

With school in full session, the Navarro Council of the Arts is gearing up for another year of presenting an exciting season of the arts to all the schools in Navarro County.
For the past 30 years the Arts Council has presented high-quality, unique seasons to all the schools in Navarro County. Every school child, Pre K — 12th grade, will have the opportunity to experience two arts programs during the school year which will expose children to the wonderful world of the arts.
This season the Arts Council is presenting favorites along with some new and different arts programs that will enlighten our county.
The season will kick off with the Annual October Arts Festival returning to Corsicana for all 3rd and 4th graders. Texas artist Julio Suarez and his guest artists will present “PASSPORT to the World of Art.” This arts festival will give these students a chance to make art projects directly related to countries across the globe. This residency will take place at the YMCA Optimist Room from October 6 through 10.
The second art in education program is the nationally re-known group, Barrage. Barrage is a high-octane fiddle fest that features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance. All students in grades 5 through 12 will see this amazing performance at Corsicana High School the week of Nov. 3.
Pre K — 2nd graders in our county will have an opportunity to laugh and sing with the award-winning team, The Non-Toxic Band. These former Sesame Street writers will be making a stop at all the schools in Navarro County and presenting their blend of creativity and expression to music. This residency will take place Feb. 23 through 27, 2009.
For a new treat, the Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion will be coming to Corsicana to present a full illusion show on the CHS stage. This performance will be available to all 5th through 12th graders in Navarro County during the week of April 27, 2009.
Finishing out the season is a full percussion group lead by North Texas drummer, Mark Shelton. Mark will be performing for all Pre K — 2nd graders in Navarro County. Students will learn not only the art of drumming, but also about instruments from across the globe.
These programs give each child a chance to experience something different and spark their interesting in the important world of the arts. Thanks to generous donors, students in Navarro county are exposed to quality arts, while increasing test scores and sparking their creativity. These programs are brought to the students of Navarro County by the J. Tom Eady Charitable Trust, Rena Fleming Foundation, J.N. and Macie Edens Foundation, The Annie Lee Robbins Charitable Trust, Katherine C. Carmody Trust, Perry D. Graham Charitable Trust, Mid America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, and many generous donors.
For more information on these programs, please contact the Navarro Council of the Arts at (903) 872-5411 or visit the Web site at www.navarrocouncilofthearts.com.