ROSA PARKS SCHOOL OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS IN PATERSON

The success of the Newark Arts High Program led the staff at Rosa Parks to request a similar program. The program began in 1994, with slight variations that fit this particular school. The basic format is the master class technique, conducted in two sessions as at Newark Arts High.

The Colonial Symphony generally holds one of its formal rehearsals during the year at Rosa Parks, where students have the same opportunity as at Newark Arts High to observe professional musicians up close. In addition, a busload of students is usually taken to at least one of the Colonial Symphony concerts in Morristown.

The joint concert in the spring at Rosa Parks includes 11 or 12 Colonial Symphony musicians (again depending on funding), who provide support to the student musicians. Since Rosa Parks has a "we try harder" attitude, the spring concert is an electric event in which our musicians are always astonished at their pupils' accomplishments.

In addition to the funders listed above, the Rosa Parks program has received support from Cytec Corporation in West Paterson.