Place
Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) is in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. Founded in 1964, HSA serves ages 2 through 18.
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Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) is in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. Founded in 1964, HSA serves ages 2 through 18.
Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) is in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. Founded in 1964, HSA serves ages 2 through 18.
Harlem School of the Arts was founded in 1964, by soprano Dorothy Maynor in the basement of the St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem at a time when the community suffered severe physical blight, high levels of poverty, and few cultural resources for its young people. Maynor was succeeded by mezzo-soprano Betty Allen as President in 1979, when a new 37,000 square foot facility designed by Ulrich Franzen was completed. Other presidents included Allicia Adams, Camille Akjeu, and Daryl Durham. Eric G. Pryor was president and CEO between August 2015 and December 2019. Since September 2022, James C. Horton has served as president and CEO.
In 2005, the school was among 406 New York City arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, which was made possible through a donation by then New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Despite the Great Recession of 2010, the Harlem School of the Arts stabilized its fiscal position following a $6 million gift.
The school offers courses in four disciplines: music, theatre, visual arts, and dance. Courses in music include classical, jazz, gospel, R & B, electronic, and world music. Dance courses include ballet, modern, ethnic, jazz, and tap dance. In addition to theater classes, the visual art department offers courses that include sculpture and photography (digital and film). The school's students are of diverse cultural backgrounds with more than 85% of the students being African American or Latino. HSA provides financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis through the generous donations of the Herb Alpert Foundation and other generous benefactors. The school also offers private lessons in various disciplines, including multiple instruments along with dance, digital art, animation, cinematography, and acting.
The school was featured in the May 1966 issue of EBONY Magazine.
1947: After an international career as an opera singer, on April 21, 1947, Dorothy Maynor incorporates the St. James Community Center, Inc. in the basement of the St. James Presbyterian Church, where her husband was the pastor.
1964: Officially renamed The Harlem School of the Arts. Mrs. Samuel Duskin and Mrs. Artur Rodzinski were elected Co-Chairmen of the Board of Trustees
1966: Arthur Mitchell, the leading dancer with New York City Ballet, joins faculty. School is at full capacity with 300 students enrolled. May 17 – New York State Award presented to the school by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller for "outstanding dedication and accomplishment in developing the artistic talents of the children of Harlem.” Five children from the school performed at the event, held at Union College in Schenectady. John Philip Sousa III (grandson of the famous “march king”) was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Vladimir Horowitz forms Women's Committee with Leontyne Price serving as Honorary Chairman.
1967: The New York Times publishes the article “To Make Beauty in Harlem” on HSA November 5, “What we are counting on is that we can add new dimensions to their lives, the most important of which is beauty.” – Dorothy Maynor
1969: HSA inaugurates its new theater faculty with a production of Aime Cesaire's A Season in the Congo. The new theater was converted from an abandoned garage.
1972: Maynor serves as visiting lecturer for Yale University's Department of Drama (1971–72)
1974: The Harlem School of the Arts Heritage Society One Hundred Voice Choir, with Maynor as conductor, makes its Lincoln Center debut on March 4. The sold-out Gala Benefit Performance at Alice Tully Hall features soloists Betty Lane; Louise Parker, George Shirley, and McHenry Boatwright with a surprise performance by Metropolitan Opera star Martina Arroyo. The Honorable Mayor Abraham D. Beame and Mrs. Beame are honorary chairmen, and Ms. Alice Tully is Chairman of the event.
1975: HSA celebrates its 10th anniversary and breaks ground for the new building. The Heritage Society Chorus also performs at the United Nations in celebration of Human Rights Day, and HSA Founder Maynor becomes the first woman to conduct at the U.N.On March 4, New York City Mayor Abraham Beame issues a proclamation to “Dorothy Maynor In recognition of her outstanding career as a world-renowned soprano and her devotion to the people of New York. Her Harlem School of the Arts has given an entire community entrée to the World of Art.”
Source: Harlem School of the Arts (CC BY-SA)
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1978: The Municipal Art Society presents HSA with its Citation of Merit in recognition of the school's distinctive contribution to the cultural life of New York City. On June 6, The Bard Awards for Excellence in Architecture and urban design cite HSA building architects Ulrich Franzen & Associates for the design of the building, with special mention of “a grand and welcoming central hall, an attractive exterior courtyard and a myriad of lively class and practice rooms.” Maynor is presented with the Louis Armstrong Award from the Knickerbocker Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. The award is presented by Mrs. Louis Armstrong.
1979: HSA's new building is dedicated. Founder Maynor retires, appointing mezzo-soprano Betty Allen as new President & CEO.
1982: Harlem School of the Arts Orchestra is formed. 50 c
