What is First Ovation?
The First Ovation Scholarship Program through Clarion Center for the Arts strives to provide dance, music and theatre opportunities for kids who would otherwise never be able to afford it. The arts have an incredible way of enriching kids' lives, building their confidence and helping them break free from the bonds of poverty.
Who is eligible for the program?
First Ovation specifically targets first graders who qualify for free or reduced lunches through the public schools. Through auditions and interviews with eligible students and their teachers and parents, First Ovation determines which families are in the best position to make the most of a dance, music or theatre scholarship. Clarion Center for the Arts believes in the power of the performing arts and desires to make a difference in the lives of as many kids as possible by setting them up for their first ovation.
Why is this important?
At Clarion Center for the Arts, we recognize that the majority of our students won't go on to pursue careers as performers. Our focus, therefore, is on setting students up for success no matter what they choose to do by giving them the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional tools they need. Some of these strengths - like grit, confidence and imagination - come naturally through any performing arts education. But there are other attributes that we strategically incorporate into our curricula in order to positively impact the development of the whole student.
How does it work?
Clarion Center for the Arts works closely with the local public schools to find and recruit students for the First Ovation Scholarship Program through auditions, interviews and conversations with teachers and parents. We want to recruit families who will be able to make the most of the scholarship.
How can I help?
Our First Ovation Scholarship Program is funded through our Artists Striving to End Poverty chapter, ASTEP in Clarion. Individuals can contribute to our First Ovation scholarship fund by making a tax-deductible donation to ASTEP and putting "Clarion First Ovation" in the comments section. Click the link below to access their donation page!
(Don't forget to put "Clarion First Ovation" in the comments!)
If you would like to send a check, please mail your donation to...
ASTEP
165 W.46th Street, Suite 1310
New York, NY 10036
Be sure to put "Clarion First Ovation" in the memo!
How much should I give?
Of course, any amount is appreciated, but here are a few suggestions for making the most of your gift...
A recurring gift of $30-45 a month would cover a portion of a child's monthly dance, music or theatre tuition (you can set up a recurring gift through the donation link above!)
$870 would cover a child's dance tuition for the year
$500 would cover a child's music tuition for the year
$398 would cover a child's theatre tuition for the year
Where can I learn more?
If you'd like to read more about how our performing arts programs are benefitting kids, check out some additional blog posts below!
Thank you in advance for supporting our mission of using the arts to make a difference! If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us.
Call/Text: 814-319-5631
Email: info@clarioncenterforthearts.com