Students selected for OnStage! development program

Iowa State Center is proud to introduce this year’s On Stage! group.  This exciting program has given more than 200 high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to ‘live’ the arts, and continues to introduce students to the performing arts—from theater and dance to classical music and world culture—in the hope they gain a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Those chosen this year from the many applicants are Ames High School students Iris Brenner, Angela Zhang, Anna Hampton, Ann Ku, Ben Tuggle, Charlotte Mann, Daniel James DeLay, Ellen Iverson, Emily Linch, Ezgi Ustundag, Itzel Padron Zunga, Katie Jurenka, Leanna Mullen, Liz Mullen, and Mariah Griffith.  Those chosen from Gilbert High School include Adrienne Gent, Joelle Swanson, Kayla Pierce, Sarah Azam and Zachary Pahl.  Teachers James Webb and Marcy Good coordinate the program for Ames and Gilbert schools respectively. 

The OnStage! group was privileged to meet Ambrose Akinmusire, Walter Davis, and Justin Brown who had just finished performing The Miles Davis Experience: 1949-1959 in Stephens Auditorium Sunday evening, October 9.  The three performers spoke with the students about their performance, how they came together as a quintet, and how they view their role as musicians. 

Students from various central Iowa high schools are invited to submit an essay detailing why they should be picked to participate in this highly-successful program. Those selected are given the opportunity to attend six Performing Arts Series performances and post-performance discussions with artists from the production or local arts experts to discuss and interpret each event. Also, prior to each performance, students are provided with background information to help them write a brief essay about their reactions. Upcoming performances for the group from Iowa State Center’s Performing Arts Series are The Irish Chamber Orchestra, Macbeth, Sleeping Beauty Ballet, My Fair Lady, and Danu.

For information, video and music samples, visit our web site:www.center.iastate.edu

Tickets: Iowa State Center Ticket Office - North entrance of Stephens Auditorium at the corner of Lincoln Way and Beach Ave., Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.