HP ARTS -- ARTS EDUCATION CHAMPION FOR 25 YEARS
Founded in 1987, HP Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting arts education in HPISD. Since its inception, HP Arts has distributed over one million dollars in funds contributed by District families and cornerstone benefactor La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas. HP Arts was founded on the principle -- supported by numerous studies -- that arts education plays a vital role in the overall development and academic success of our students.
Every year, HP Arts assists with the purchase of much-needed musical instruments for HPISD's Band and Orchestra programs, and facilitates community donations of instruments through its "Play It Again Sam" program. The group also funds appearances and workshops by local actors, opera singers and clinicians, who work with HPISD students at all six campuses to enrich their arts education experience. The literary arts are part of the HP Arts "family," too, and HP Arts regularly provides funding for author visits, writing workshops, debate coaches and for the annual Highland Park Literary Festival.
Over the past 25 years, HP Arts has also supported important special projects, such as:
- the installation of a TV/film studio at the High School;
- thereplacement of all the old seats in the HPHS Auditorium through its "Take a Seat" campaigns;
- therefurbishment of abeautiful but dilapidated 1919 Steinway grand piano used by HPHS choirs;
- the purchase of new bagpipes for the HPHS Bagpipe Corps;
- the purchase ofa new stage curtain for the HPMS Auditorium;and
- thepurchase of much-needed new uniforms for the Highlander Marching Band.
No one should have to worry what the world would be like without meaningful arts education. HP Arts begins its second 25 years, determined to ensure the continuation of vibrant arts programs in our schools.