Events show off what students have learned

The Jessye Norman School of the Arts will present its annual spring showcase today.

"It's a showcase of what the kids have been working on and gives the community an idea about what we do here," director Michael Ray said. "During the showcase they dance, act, sing and show off their art."

The Jessye Norman School of the Arts is a free after-school program that provides instruction in dance, music, art and drama to students from Richmond County.

The school, which is funded by donations and grants, is geared toward students who are economically disadvantaged.

"The majority of our students are middle school children. However, if they are exceptional students, they may be asked to come back during their high school years," he said. "We tend to give our older kids a leadership role in the school while they are learning."

The school holds two showcases each year, one in the winter and another in the spring.

"It's special to see these kids perform for an audience," Mr. Ray said. "A lot of these kids have hidden talents that no one knows about it. It's amazing to see their faces when the audiences clap and appreciate their talents. It makes them feel as though they are on top of the world.

''We are here to help them succeed, not just in art but life in general. The more positive responses they can get, the better off they're going to be."

The showcase is free, but tickets must be reserved by calling the school.

The school's performance team, a selected group of the top students, will give a separate performance Friday at Le Chat Noir.

"In this performance they will have a short series of vignettes focused around Motown. They will act a few scenes, and then it'll turn into a performance of songs and dancing," he said. "Beautiful artwork created by our students will make up the scenery. It's going to be a nice event."

There will be an admission fee for the performance. Money raised will go toward the school's programs.

For more information about the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, visit www.jessyenormanschool.org or call (706) 877-0411.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.