Goodrich- Though FAME (Fine Arts; a Mainstream in Education) only recently wrapped up their second season in the district, they are already hard at work on their third.
FAME will re-emerge in Goodrich July 28 with a bit of music in the park.
Co-Director Donna Heiderer said Big Chief Chorus, a 60-member all male Barbershop Chorus, will bring some light and breezy summertime sounds to the Commons for a free concert.
Their sound is ?…very light, literally ‘summer in the park?, family-type music,? said Heiderer.
When classes resume, so will FAME’s signature series. Each year, the group strives to bring four performances from the four areas of the arts’art, music, drama and dance? to the community.
First up this year will be ‘The Magic of Lyn? with illusionist Lyn Dillies and her Vegas-style, all ages show.
‘There’s a lot to be said of someone who can make something appear to be what it isn’t,? said Heiderer.
FAME strives to bring an educational experience with each performance. To that end, Dillies will be working with drama students on the subject of stage presence.
Additionally, as part of the program’s inaugural children’s series, Dillies will be performing a magic show and workshop specifically for kids with an emphasis on self-esteem, said Heiderer.
‘One of the things we always wanted to do was start up a children’s series,? said Heiderer. Of all the facets of FAME’s third season, Heiderer said that is her favorite.
‘I’ve just wanted to do it for so long,? said Heiderer. ‘Not that our signature series isn’t for the younger kids? because we work so hard to keep it for the family? but just to give them even more.?
Next up on the FAME roster is a holiday pops concert with the Motor City Brass Band.
‘This group, I have heard personally…they are excellent musicians,? said Heiderer. ‘I have gone back to hear them, many times.?
For the educational part of this performance, the group will be working with the high school and middle school bands.
The Flint Youth Symphony will be coming to town Jan. 26 in the second half of the children’s series. The group will come with an instrument petting zoo, in which youngsters can touch instruments for some hands-on learning.
On Feb. 29, FAME will present an evening of chorales, including the Bazeal Dennard Chorale and the Carolyn Mawby chorale.
Heiderer said the chorales are working together to create a program highlighting African American music and its influence as part of Black History Month. Additionally, the chorale directors are scheduled to speak with students in American History classes, as well as working with the middle and high school choirs.
‘This is a nice cultural diversity (event) and we’re so very proud to bring it,? said Heiderer.