By Amy Wallot
amy.wallot@education.ky.gov
The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) celebrated 25 years this summer. The three-week residential experience is intended to mimic an intense college conservatory atmosphere. It is held on the campus of Transylvania University in Lexington. Incoming juniors and seniors are study one of nine art disciplines including architecture, creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theatre, new media, visual art and vocal music. According to GSA Executive Director Carrie Nath, 1800 students applied this year for the 225 available positions. Forty-three counties were represented in this year’s class.
This was my first time photographing GSA. I was blown away by the talent and enthusiasm of the students. My visit was on the second to last day, when students were preparing for their final presentations and performances. I can’t wait to go back next year, mid-program, when the students are creating their pieces.
Henry Clay High School (Fayette County) junior Helen Lee performs “Rondo” by Ludwig van Beethoven during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Lee said the experience was “awesome” and said it gave her new experiences, like working with an ensemble, and improved her time management. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
North Hardin High School (Hardin County) senior Marvin Anderson plays the trumpet during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Shelby County High School senior Casey Hill, center, points out a print by a fellow student that she likes during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Hill and the rest of the group focused their studies and activities around visual arts. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
SCAPA (Fayette County) junior Marrgie Wiemann stretches before taking the stage during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Wiemann said she would like to study dance or musical theater in college. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Dancers perform during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Students watch and critique a student-produced short film during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Henry Clay High School (Fayette County) senior Emma Friedman, Boone County High School senior Trevor Arsenault and Brown School (Jefferson County) senior William Kolb watch a student produced short film during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Youth Performing Arts School (Jefferson County) seniors Hunter Schanz and Alex Kapp practice “Sound the Trumpet” by Henry Purcell during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Elizabethtown High School (Elizabethtown Independent) junior Hassan Haider reads his poetry to other creative writing students during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Haider was encouraged to write about what he knows and many of his poems reflected Desi culture. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Lafayette High School (Fayette County) junior Smruti Patil works on her poetry during the Governor’s School for the Arts. Photo by Amy Wallot, July 6, 2012
Leave A Comment