Plainville High School Choral Director, Todd Helming, has received a $2,500 grant to support access to live arts performances for students. The grant was made possible with the support of the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Last year, Helming discovered that less than 5% of students in the school choirs had been to a live musical theater performance. As a result of that finding, he completed the grant application through the State of Connecticut, and ultimately received the grant award.
“We will be combining the grant funding with our own fundraising efforts to take the entire Plainville High School Chamber Choir to see a performance of WICKED at the Bushnell in April,” explained Helming. “Students will be learning about the story of the Wizard of OZ and viewing the 1939 movie in preparation for this performance. After, students will reflect on both the musical and on the experience of attending live theater.”
“We are so proud of our Fine Arts and Music Departments at PHS. The opportunities Mr. Helming and the rest of our staff offer our students are valuable beyond words. This is another great example of the rich experiences our students are exposed to in Plainville,” said Plainville High School Principal, Jennifer DeLorenzo.
“This is a wonderful example of creating opportunities for our students to expand their experience and understanding of the Arts,” noted Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reas.