Of all of the world-renowned performances that take place on an ordinary basis at the Fox Theatre, one of the most special nights at the venue showcases the entertainers of tomorrow from right here in St. Louis.
Next Thursday, May 7, The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation and the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation will present the 7th Annual St. Louis Performing Arts Night.
The “big name and bright lights” aura of the Fox showcases the talented students of elementary, middle and high schools from districts across the area. More than 400 are scheduled to participate.
“I think that it is important to show the really good work that is going in our schools and the talent that is there and is being nurtured, ” said Kathryn Ballard, executive director for the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation.
What began as a program that was exclusive to students within the St. Louis Public Schools became all-inclusive with respect to participating schools and districts three years ago.
“The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation and the SLPS Foundation just wanted to offer the same opportunity to schools throughout the region,” said Kaye Harrelson, music education supervisor for the St. Louis Public Schools.
“It’s a cheerleading event. Everybody is supportive of all performances, regardless of district and backgrounds.”
The program was modeled after Detroit Public Schools event that has been taking place for more than 25 years in Fox Theatre – which is nearly identically to its St. Louis sister venue.
“One of the cool things about the students getting this opportunity to perform at the Fox is that they receive the same professional and technical staff supporting this show,” Ballard said.
Offering the ultimate in encouragement with respect to the possibilities, the show features music from all genres, performed by choirs, soloists, orchestras, bands and ensembles on one of the grandest stages in the area.
“We have fun pieces like ‘Cheek to Cheek,’ ‘Puttin on the Ritz,” and ‘My Girl,’” Ballard said. “It’s a really nice mix.”
More than a dozen schools are on the roster for the 2009 Performing Arts Night Out – representing districts that include East St. Louis, Hazelwood School District, St. Louis Public Schools in addition to the Opera Theatre St. Louis Artists in Training Program and more.
“These students have the opportunity to do it in grand style at the fox with professional sound and lighting,” Harrelson said.
“That is an opportunity that they aren’t going to get in a regular school setting.”
Harrelson, who participated in St. Louis Performing Arts Night as band director for Carr Lane VPA Middle, said that as recent as this week someone approached her about her group’s performance during the event.
“They remembered back to the time when I was in front of my band and they could describe the music and remembered it so clearly,” Harrelson said.
“I hope the public will know deep in their hearts that there are many amazing things going on in public districts across our area in performing arts, and they should be proud of what’s going on.”
St. Louis Performing Arts Night will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at the Fox Theatre (527 N. Grand). Free tickets are available at the Fox Box Office and parking will be free for the night at Grand Center lots (except for the Scottish Rite Garage). For more information about the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Events, visit www.foxpacf.org.
