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State of the Arts

Educators have long recognized the value of music, art, drama and writing for students’ creative development and academic success. Yet the arts remain squeezed by tight budgets and test-driven performance standards. This series highlights efforts to protect and promote school arts programs.

00:01:56

A visit from angels

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A trio of serene angels, a twinkling Star of Bethlehem and a clear midnight sky provide a holiday scene for seniors to enjoy...

From Sherlock Holmes to ‘The Spore’

East Grand Rapids Phil de Haan

Whether playing 'spore kid' or a street urchin, Zoë Cunningham is having the time of her life as an actress...

Middle, high schoolers band together

Kent City Janice Holst

Eighth-graders fill in key spots to help Kent City High School march into another state band championship...

Puppets help ‘The Little Prince’ safely take the stage

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

Coming in the spring, The Wiz...

Cast resurrects ‘Young Frankenstein’

Wyoming Erin Albanese

More cast members were added to give current students the opportunity to perform...

00:01:25

Marching band racks up another national parade performance

Rockford Beth Heinen Bell

For the second time in four years, the Rockford High School marching band has learned that they’ll be performing for a national audience...

Mosaic Film Experience’s 10th anniversary event to award student filmmakers

State of the Arts Charles Honey

City High School graduate Mariah Barrera will speak at the 10th anniversary celebration of The Mosaic Film Experience on Wednesday, Nov. 3...

00:02:08

A joyful noise for all

Northview Morgan Jarema

A new program is putting a musical instrument in the hands of every district fifth-grader...

Pink Arrow Ts bring community together again, artfully

Lowell Beth Heinen Bell

A community art project, now on display at ArtPrize, has helped Lowell students start the school year on the right foot...

Like ballroom dancing without a partner

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

With COVID-19 safety restrictions in place, Kenowa Hills High School allowed the show to go on by filming a live performance of “Shakespeare’s Depictions of Love”...

‘Raising kids who care’

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Zinser Elementary students created and sold artwork to friends and family and raised $2,100 to put toward a water tank in the community of Mityana, Uganda...

Musicians, actors, artists celebrated in video presentation

Byron Center Erin Albanese

The show has gone on in Byron Center schools, with music made, theater performed and art created despite the pandemic...

In the mood for music? Student musicians present collage concert

State of the Arts Erin Albanese

‘Musical Moods,’ a recruiting tool for high school students, is a long-standing tradition, started 73 years ago. The performance debuts at 7 p.m. Friday, March 26 in a livestream format...

Making merry music, from a safe distance

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

The holidays may look different this year, but Kenowa Hills students are still finding ways to lift spirits by sharing their musical talents...

Sticks and stones, paint and light bulbs

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

This holiday season, Godwin Heights Middle School students are learning how to care for their environment by creating Christmas ornaments...

Visual performing arts elective lets students explore broadcasting

Sparta Janice Holst

The daily newscast includes in- and out-of-school topics...

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