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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 26, 2019
For More Information Contact:

JP O'Hare

(518) 474-1201

Press@nysed.gov

www.nysed.gov

 

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State Education Department Announces the Start of the 2019 New York State Summer School of the Arts

Program Begins June 30; Public Performance Schedule is Available

The New York State Education Department today announced the start of the 2019 New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA). Over 400 students in grades 8-12 are enrolled in this summer’s program where they will study with some of the world’s foremost artists in the visual and performing arts. NYSSSA is comprised of seven component schools that will be held throughout the summer: Theatre, Ballet, Modern Dance, Orchestral Studies, Choral Studies, Visual Arts, and Media Arts. Each program culminates in a final presentation or exhibition that is free and open to the public.

“This remarkable program gives New York’s talented high school students the opportunity to learn from fellow students and professional artists in a setting that encourages teamwork, discipline and ambition,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “I encourage children, adults and families to see these outstanding students perform at a public performance or exhibition this summer.”

“This program demonstrates the importance of the arts in students’ educational experience,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “The experience helps students develop their artistic skill and discipline not just for the summer but for years to come as they pursue careers or further study in the arts. The students’ concerts and exhibitions are inspiring and I encourage New Yorkers of all ages to attend a public performance.”

“Students at NYSSSA are chosen for their talent, skill, and passion,” said NYSSSA Executive Director Molly Hennighausen. “These students are some of the hardest working young artists I know, and we are excited to foster their talents this summer. We invite the public to attend our final performances or demonstrations to witness the work of the great artists of tomorrow.”

Founded in 1970, NYSSSA offers highly competitive pre-professional training to promising student artists through four weeks of intensive work and interaction with internationally acclaimed artists and performing arts companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Students live in a college dorm and take classes six days a week in their area of concentration. Students complete their experience with a final performance or exhibition at the end of the program.

Below is a schedule of free, public performances and exhibitions:

Schedule of Free Public Performances and Exhibitions
County School Performance Date and Time Location

Allegany County

School of Media Arts Final Student Exhibition

Friday, August 9 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

SUNY Alfred
10 Upper College Drive
Alfred, NY

Chautauqua County

School of Choral Studies Concert

Sunday, July 28 2:30 pm

Chautauqua Institution Amphitheatre
1 Massey Avenue
Chautauqua, NY

Chautauqua County

School of Visual Arts Final Student Exhibition

Friday, August 2 1:00 pm

SUNY Fredonia Rockefeller Arts Center
280 Central Avenue
Fredonia, NY

Chautauqua County

School of Choral Studies Honors/Scene Recitals

Friday, August 2 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm

SUNY Fredonia Rosch Hall
280 Central Avenue
Fredonia, NY

Chautauqua County

School of Choral Studies Final Student Concert

Saturday, August 3 1:00 pm

SUNY Fredonia Rosch Hall
280 Central Avenue
Fredonia, NY

Delaware County

School of Theatre Final Scenes

Saturday, July 27 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

SUNY Delhi Okun Theatre
454 Delhi Drive
Delhi, NY

Saratoga County

School of Ballet Final Open Demonstration

Friday, July 26
2:30 pm

National Museum of Dance
99 S Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga County

School of Dance Faculty Performance

Saturday, August 3 7:00 pm

Skidmore College Dance Theatre
815 N Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga County

School of Orchestral Studies Concert

Sunday, August 4
2:00 pm

Skidmore College Ladd Concert Hall
815 N Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga County

School of Dance Student Concert

Friday, August 9
7:00 pm

Skidmore College Dance Theatre
815 N Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga County

School of Orchestral Studies Concert

Saturday, August 10 2:00 pm

Skidmore College Ladd Concert Hall
815 N Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga County

School of Dance Student Concert

Saturday, August 10 1:00 pm

Skidmore College Dance Theatre
815 N Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga County

School of Orchestral Studies Final Performance

Saturday, August 17 2:00 pm

Saratoga Performing Arts Center
108 Avenue of the Pines
Saratoga Springs, NY

Students are accepted into NYSSSA through a competitive audition and review process conducted by the artistic staff. Tuition rates are maintained at a modest level and tuition assistance is available, enabling every student who qualifies the opportunity to participate in the program.

NYSSSA serves an important need to foster and enhance the artistic abilities of the state’s most gifted young artists regardless of race, religion or economic status. Follow-up studies on the program have identified former students who now hold positions within top professional companies around the world.