Back from vacation, off to school - the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts
I always have trouble returning to earth after my yearly working vacation at the Toronto International Film Festival, and this year’s recently completed 34th edition was certainly no exception. The number of films with Michigan connections was particularly striking, with Drew Barrymore’s first pic behind the camera, “Whip It,” shot largely in our area. Much of “Youth In Revolt” — starring Michael Cera — was also filmed here, while Pioneer High School grad Adam Zang wrote the script to the dramatic feature “Cole.”
“Up In The Air” received major kudos at its world premiere in Toronto and features numerous scenes shot not far away at Metropolitan Airport in Romulus; plus, Michigan native Michael Moore scored a bull's-eye with his incendiary “Capitalism: A Love Story,” which depicts the sad demise of the American middle class at the hands of filthy rich.
As for outstanding acting performances, look no further than Nicolas Cage at his maniacal best in Werner Herzog’s “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans,” Robin Wright Penn’s shatteringly great work in Rebecca Miller’s “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee,” and ingénue Carey Mulligan evoking Audrey Hepburn in the enchanting “An Education.” Many of these and more cinematic treasures from Toronto will surely appear soon at the Michigan Theater.
Back to schoolFounded by five local music professionals in 1991, the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts features something for just about everyone. “We offer classes in several different program areas,” explains Weaver. “We have individual instruction for every instrument: strings, piano, voice, winds and percussion for all ages. We have 44 teachers, 30 of those working with individuals. We also offer early childhood programs, with classes offered here at our Main Street location. Our largest program is the youth orchestra program, founded by Dan Long in ‘92 at Clague Middle School. There are 120 kids in that program, from 1st through 11th grade.”
If you or your kids have even a passing interest in music instruction, you’ll be knocked out by the school’s many offerings, everything from jazz and chamber music studies to music play for toddlers. Also nice, especially in these difficult economic times, is the fact that financial assistance is available to those who want to take classes but can’t afford them. “We try to find an individual scholarship program for every student,” says Weaver. “We take into account everybody’s goals and interests, and this wonderful program utilizes a sliding scale based on household income.”
Later this year will come the School’s Practice-a-thon, a week-long event for the scholarship program, and other special events like first Friday brown bag lunch concerts, free performances that involve both faculty and students.
Martin Bandyke is the 6-10am morning drive host on Ann Arbor’s 107one. Follow him on Twitter @martinbandyke and at his web site.
The Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts has its primary offices and studios at 637 S. Main Street, and even if you don’t plan on taking classes this fall, do plan on supporting this worthwhile nonprofit organization with a donation, as it needs to raise 30 percent of its annual budget from the community. Full class and donation details available at Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts web site or 734-213-2000.