Siler City, NC – More than 60 Jordan-Matthews High School arts students will have an opportunity to experience world-class performances this spring thanks to a grant from the Galloway Ridge Chatham County Charitable Fund.
The contribution made to JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, funds two of the six events in this second season of Pinnacle of the Arts, a series allowing Jordan-Matthews students to experience world-class arts regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
All events — including outstanding seating locations, transportation and a meal — are offered to students entirely free of charge. Most also provide personal interaction with the performers, who answer questions and provide expert perspective illuminating the artistic work students are encountering.
The Galloway Ridge Chatham County Charitable Fund grant makes it possible for more than 30 Jordan-Matthews artists to experience the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the nation’s largest and one of the world’s most acclaimed modern dance companies.
It also makes it possible for another group of 30 Jordan-Matthews artists to attend the North American Broadway tour of “Hamilton,” a cultural force now celebrating its 10th anniversary. “Hamilton” received of 11 Tony Awards in 2016 — the second-most ever awarded, one short of “The Producers” — as well as the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
“Many Galloway residents have told me of the wonderful memories they have of arts experiences,” said JMArts President Rose Pate. “We are grateful they have chosen to help our students have these memories as well!”
Pinnacle of the Arts began in September with the Kotis Street Art Experience, an expert tour of world-class street art in Greensboro followed by a hands-on spray-art workshop. Other events this year include Handel’s “Messiah” performed by the North Carolina Symphony and North Carolina Master Chorale; a daylong, behind-the-scenes look at the North Carolina Museum of Art; and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
Those events also are offered free of charge with contributions from another community foundation and a local strategic communications consultant.
More information about Pinnacle of the Arts is available at jmarts.org/pinnacle, on the JMArts website that also includes information about JMArts Scholars, Chatham Rabbits, Jordan-Matthews High School arts events and other projects to help high school artists’ dreams come true.