The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is continuing its partnership with the South Orange and Maplewood School District (SOMSD) this November to provide “transformative arts education experiences” to over 1,400 students. Through two events, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations Arts in Education assembly and an interactive performance by LUX Orchestra, students will have the opportunity to engage with world-class artists.
On Nov. 15, South Orange Middle School will host the Revelations AIE Assembly, featuring Ailey Teaching Artists performing sections of Alvin Ailey’s work. The performance will introduce students to modern dance terminology, Ailey’s choreography, and his commitment to using dance for social change.
“Alvin Ailey did not just break artistic barriers — he used his art to challenge cultural ones,” said South Orange Middle School Principal Lynn Irby Hill. “Revelations is a powerful experience that transcends time and still resonates today, crossing boundaries of race, identity, and community.”
The LUX Orchestra Initiative, founded by conductor and composer Brent Chancellor, will present an interactive performance on Nov. 21 in collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Link Up and SOPAC. Developed with SOMSD music educators, the performance will invite students to actively engage with the music, including singing along to famous pieces and learning about the orchestra’s role in various genres.
“The beauty of this program is that students actively engage with the music,” Chancellor said. “It’s all about creating a memorable experience that fosters a lasting appreciation for classical music.”
Since 2016, SOPAC has partnered with SOMSD to make arts education accessible to students from all backgrounds, going beyond one-time field trips to provide in-depth residencies and skill-building opportunities. “At SOPAC, we believe every child should have access to transformative arts education,” said SOPAC Director of Arts Education Linda Beard. “We strive to empower and inspire students by exposing them to different forms of artistic expression.”
SOMSD Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts James Manno noted, “SOPAC Arts Education programs help students engage with art in personal and meaningful ways. Our partnership reaffirms our mutual commitment to integrating the arts into education. Together, we connect students with world-class performers and provide transformative experiences that build cultural awareness, creativity, and a lasting appreciation for the arts.”
The Revelations AIE Assembly and LUX Orchestra performance are part of SOPAC’s “ongoing commitment to arts education in the local community.” Through partnerships like the one with SOMSD, SOPAC “aims to ensure that all students have access to high-quality arts experiences that foster creativity, cultural awareness, and personal growth.”
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.