MORE Opera - ADVANCE


	ADVANCE, the official arts education parent of MORE is entering its 14th year of providing opera appreciation workshops and performances for disadvantaged youth and the elderly, through broad outreach partnerships with educational entities nationwide. ADVANCE's educational initiatives are designed to compliment National Core Curriculum Content Standards in Arts Education. Since its inception in 1987 in Central Ohio, the Association of the Development of Vocal Artistry and Neighborhood Cultural Enrichment (ADVANCE) has been deeply committed to presenting superlative arts education programs for youth and adult audiences in underserved communities, and increasing performing opportunities for professional singers. By 1993, ADVANCE had established credibility and name recognition, and was successful, achieving its founding pledge. ADVANCE began producing concerts and educational progams in Manhattan during 1995 and in 2001 made the city its home. ADVANCE's most recent accomplishments (FY2000) include numerous performances of Paul Robeson: A Celebration of Culture and Meet Dorothy Maynor, both funded, in part, by The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). More than 1,200 people and 350 school-aged students have been entertained, uplifted and enlightened by these productions. ADVANCE's educational program about Mozart has been so successful, that the Opera Camerata of Washington, D.C. recently contracted with the company to produce the project in the nations capital. Currently, ADVANCE seeks to extend its community outreach and educational programming into the Harlem area. During 2002, a newly established partnership with Harlem Dowling West Side Center, one of the most prominent social service institutions in the United States, will enable ADVANCE to bring its acclaimed opera program to Central Harlem. In addition, ADVANCE is conducting a feasibility study investigating the possibility of a future headquarters in Central Harlem, along with the establishment of a music school for talented children and teens unable to afford private music lessons. ADVANCE's educational initiatives are designed to meet the National Core Curriculum Content Standards.