Imagine that you are a painter and that each morning for three weeks you will be going to the studio to work with 13 or 14 other students under the direction of an accomplished artist. Imagine that the class is going to last for three hours, giving you time to throw yourself into you work.
If you are a dancer, imagine that you'll have the opportunity to stretch and grow in both classical ballet and modern dance. The classes are small, the passion is intense, and the growth is simply phenomenal.
It sounds like a dream, but for 90 West Virginia students who are currently sophomores, these dreams will become reality at the West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts (GSA).
The same growth opportunities exist for students in the other arts disciplines at GSA, a three-week residential program providing individual and in-depth group instruction in the arts for current high school sophomores living in and attending school in West Virginia.
Traditional arts areas addressed are creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art and vocal music. This year, media art is also being offered. Skilled artists/teachers will work with students who demonstrate potential in those areas. In addition, the Governor’s School for the Arts attempts to broaden the students’ understanding of the arts through interdisciplinary courses focusing on common elements in the arts disciplines.
The 2008 School for the Arts is being held at West Liberty State College. Dr. Alfred deJaager is the dean. Dr. deJaager, West Liberty, and the Governor’s Schools Advisory Council perceive the School for the Arts as a chance for the arts to awaken and flourish in the hearts 90 rising juniors. A lively schedule of classes, special programming and field trips are among the activities scheduled. Click Class Activity to see a schedule for a typical day in 2007. The 2008 schedule will not necessarily be a mirror image, but it will be similar.
The Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) was initiated through the efforts of former First Lady of West Virginia, Maestra Rachael Worby.
1994-1998 Fairmont State College Dr. Suzanne Snyder, dean; 63 students in areas of dance, instrumental music, theatre and visual art; number increased to 80 in 1995; vocal music added in 1998.
1999-2000 Marshall University Dr. Larry Stickler, dean
2001-2002 West Liberty State College Mark Williams, dean
2003-2004 West Virginia University William J. Windsor, dean; creative writing added to curriculum in 2004
2005-2007 Marshall University Dr. Larry Stickler, dean; number of students increased to 84
2008-2010 West Liberty State College Dr. Alfred deJaager, dean; number of students increased to 90; media art/digital media added
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to students or their families for tuition, room, meals, activities, books or instructional materials. The only expenses for which the students' families are responsible are health and accident insurance, personal expenses, and travel to and from auditions and the academy site.
If I am selected to attend GSA, will I have to stay weekends?
The GSA program requires that students be on campus and actively involved for the entire three weeks. You'll find, however, that you'll not feel that you "have to stay." Instead, you'll see they days go by so quickly that you won't believe that the final day occurs so quickly.
Will I be able to go to church on Sunday?
Unless the group is traveling, you will be able to attend church on Sunday morning. There is a chapel on campus that will appeal to many, but RAs will also be available accompany students to specific churches whose faiths are not represented on campus.
You are responsible for mailing the completed application, which is found in the Applications section of this site. It must be postmarked on or before December 4, 2007 and mailed to the following address:
Sherry Keffer
Director of Governor’s Schools
Capitol Building 5, Room 205
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
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