“How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
Excel as a student at Columbia Arts Academy!”
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On Saturday, July 8th, music students from the Columbia Arts Academy will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City! The performance begins at 1 p.m.
The students are invited to perform one acoustic piece each. Regarding what kinds of music they will be tackling, founder Marty Fort says, “I’m very excited for the program. We’ve got performers from age 7 to 65 performing piano, violin, voice, guitar, drums, and it’s a real eclectic mix. We’re performing everything from Chopin to KISS and that says it all.”
He goes on to say, “Admittedly I’m a little nervous to perform at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Being from Columbia, starting out playing in Five Points at the age of 15 at Rockafellas and now being on that stage in New York City, it’s pretty surreal. But I’m thankful for the experience, the staff, teachers, students, and parents for all being a part. It’s a key part and perfect way to help our 20th Anniversary for Columbia Arts Academy”.
This isn’t the first time Fort has taken his students on exciting excursions. In fact, it is becoming part of his modus operandi. In the past Fort has taken students on the road to such iconic music locations as Graceland, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and Columbia’s own Koger Center for the Arts.
Columbia Arts Academy Student and Faculty Performing at Graceland
Columbia Arts Academy Student Shane Manning Performing at Koger Center for the Arts
Screen capture of Metallica’s Kirk Hammett social media post — performing with (pictured) Columbia Arts Academy Founder Marty Fort at Columbia Museum of Art, 2020
Family, friends, and supporters of all kinds are encouraged to attend if they are able, and tickets are $25 each. For more information about the performance, what audiences can expect, and to purchase tickets, visit the Columbia Arts Academy website.
And watch this space as Jasper continues to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Columbia Arts Academy in the weeks to come! To give back to the community, the school is hosting a special 20th Anniversary celebration Friday August 4th through Sunday August 6th. The public is welcome and encouraged to stop by any of their locations in Columbia on Rosewood Drive, Lexington on Barr Road, and Irmo on Lake Murray Blvd.
By Liz Stalker