|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| Tony Bennett to Welcome Jazz Trumpter Wynton Marsalis as Keynote Speaker at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts Premiere jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis will address the senior class of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts (FSSA) at graduation ceremonies to be held on Monday, June 27 at 3 p.m. Welcoming Marsalis to the event will be singer Tony Bennett, who was the guiding force behind establishing the school, which opened in 2001. The graduation ceremonies will be held at the Main Stage Theatre of La Guardia Community College (Building E) in Long Island City, NY. With 90% of the senior class earning a diploma, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts enjoys a graduation average above New York City's citywide numbers. In addition, it is anticipated that 100% of FSSA's graduates will be attending college this fall. FSSA is a public high school open to all students in New York City. Acceptance is based on an audition and academic achievement. The program consists of a demanding academic curriculum in addition to a pre-conservatory studio education in one of the following art forms: instrumental music, vocal music, fine arts, drama and dance. This is the second graduating class since the school first opened its doors. Jerry Seinfeld was last year's keynote speaker at graduation. FSSA has an enrollment of 532 students and is currently housed in 100,000 square feet of converted space on two floors with an atrium located at Thomson Avenue in Long Island City. A permanent site for the school is planned in Tony Bennett's hometown of Astoria, Queens, adjacent to the Kaufman Astoria Studios complex. Construction on the permanent building is planned for July of 2005 and is expected to be open for students in September, 2007. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |