The Two Rivers Community School is happy to announce that it will receive a $900 Grassroots Grant from the Watauga County Arts Council. The grant’s funding will support Two Rivers’ Artist in Residency Program taking place in May which will host the Orisirisi African Folklorist.
For four days, every student will receive instruction and practice in the performing arts of music, dance, and storytelling. On the final day of the residency students will perform a live show exhibiting the different music, dances, and storytelling shared by Orisirisi. The Nigerian born folk-artist, Adetutu Harrell, and music scholar and performing artist, Don Harrell, co-produce, direct, and perform Orisirisi (a Yoruba word pronounced o-re-she-re-she). They utilize varied artistic forms to impart folk-knowledge and experiences for their audiences. It is a hands-on and interactive experience for every student.
The husband and wife duo share their expertise in African Folklore and music engaging students to sing, drum, and dance their way into a deeper understanding of cultures and a greater sense of our global community. The schoolwide residency allows for the entire school community to connect with a shared experience in the arts.
The last visit Orisirisi made to Two Rivers was in 2010. It was a major success then leaving a massive impact on students and faculty. The Watauga County Arts Council recognized the benefit of hosting a multi-cultural artist and the value of facilitating a shared experience in the arts. The school is gracious for the grant and looks forward to sharing wonderful stories following the visit.
Founded in 2005, Two Rivers Community School is a tuition-free, K-8, public-charter school based in Boone, NC. The Two Rivers curriculum challenges students with dynamic learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. Academics are at the core of every opportunity provided with the expectation that students grow in both character and in intellect during their time at Two Rivers. This year the school’s enrollment is 178 students with enrollment open for the 2016-2017 school year. If you would like to learn more about Two Rivers Community School, please contact Beth Vossen at 828-262-5411 or email at bethv@trcsboone.org.