“The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic . . . music, dance, painting, and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.”

-- William Bennett, former US Secretary of Education

The Monroe County Schools Fine Arts Center is an integral part of the school system’s efforts to fulfill its mission “to motivate and inspire a passion for learning so all students learn, grow and succeed.”

In its efforts to fulfill this mission, the school system is guided by the belief that a youngster’s education should include opportunities to be involved in and participate in a wide variety of experiences. Monroe County students at all grade levels are able to take part in academic and extra-curricular activities, including band, chorus, drama and musical theater and many visual arts programs.

What was missing from that robust arts program was a venue that allowed the students to demonstrate their various talents. The Monroe County Schools Fine Arts Center, which opened early in 2017, provides that performance venue as well as space for visual arts displays and exhibits. During each school year, Monroe County’s three elementary schools, its middle school and its high school all stage musical theater productions. Elementary, middle and high schools bands and choruses – which regularly rate superior and excellent at interscholastic competitions – present seasonal concerts during the school year.

The Fine Arts Center features a 1,200-seat theater facing a 5,000-square-foot stage. In addition to hosting school-related concerts and theater productions, the facility’s convenient location in Middle Georgia make it the perfect place for visiting performing artists. Already in the few short months it has been open, the Center’s stage has held Nashville recording artist John Berry and 60’s British Invasion sensation Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. Other performance events are forthcoming and will be announced as they are confirmed.

Most school-related events will be general admission with tickets at the door. Tickets for professional visiting performers and productions will be available online at TicketAlternative.com.

How can I help support the arts in Monroe County?

Because the Monroe County Schools Fine Arts Center belongs to the students and citizens of the community, many people have wanted to get more involved in this fabulous facility. One way supporters and patrons can help is by naming a seat in the center.

By making a $250 tax-deductible donation to the Monroe County Schools Fine Arts Fund, patrons can name a seat in the facility in honor or in memory of a family member, a teacher, a student, or anyone who has had an impact on their lives. Already, a number of Monroe County arts patrons have joined in the seat-naming program.

All proceeds from the naming of seats will be used to enhance, advance and improve the Monroe County Schools Fine Arts Programs by bringing educational, cultural and entertainment events to the community. Additional funds raised through those events will help provide more educational opportunities for the students.

By naming a seat in your name or in that of someone you love or want to celebrate, you will become a part of the story and history of the Monroe County Schools Fine Arts Center.

A dedication form with instructions joining in the seat-naming program can be downloaded here or you can call for more information.

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