Had a lovely afternoon at Booker T. Washington High School here in Norfolk for the very first Community Day, organized by Communities In Schools.
There were about 300 attendees and we visited with at least 35 people – students and families – letting them know about the Opera and its offerings this season, both at the Harrison Opera House and in other community or school settings. Children were invited to touch our display items and several parents told us about their experiences attending the opera as students themselves. We’re excited about getting to know BTW staff and the students and faculty of their Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.
We also networked with other community partners present, including Next Step to Success, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, and Teens With a Purpose, discussing future opportunities to offer programming to students and families.
Thanks to the City of Norfolk, Dominion Energy, Altria, the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts for helping fund this visit!