By ANGIE MASON
Daily Record/Sunday News

Raven Fink, 15, left, and Shea Passno, 16, paint on a canvas during "Night of the Arts" Wednesday, which showcased work from New Hope Academy Charter School's performing arts program at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center. (DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - KATE PENN)

From left, Joyce Gallego, 16, of York, Bradlee Gorrera, 17, of West York, and Yashira Rosado, 15, of York, perform Wednesday for friends and family during the first of four "Night of the Arts" conducted by students from New Hope Academy's performing arts program at the Strand-Capitol. (DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - KATE PENN)

Who: Students from New Hope Academy Charter School's performing arts program

What: The program held a "Night of the Arts" on Wednesday at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center to showcase what students are working on. The night was expected to include art displays, vocal performances, instrumental performances, and dance.

Why: The students will hold such an event four times throughout the year as a way to show others what they are working on, said Calvin Weary, director of the program.

"It's really a way to connect with the community and kind of open the Strand up to some people who generally wouldn't be here," he said. Students receive grades on their performances.

"It's important for them to perform in front of audiences," he said.

Background: The status of the performing arts program was up in the air in recent months. The school announced plans for the program, a partnership with the Strand-Capitol, over the summer. But the York City School Board then informed the school it needed an amendment to its charter in order to offer the program.

The board held a hearing and then approved the amendment last week, giving New Hope the green light to move forward.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 771-2048