The summer of 2008 will mark the 39th year of operation for the schools that form the New York State Summer School of the Arts. This program, with its eight component summer residential Schools is sponsored and supported by the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and is administered by the State Education Department. Recognized as one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation, over 15,000 high school age students have become part of this unique summer experience. Alumni surveys attest to the success of the schools in helping high school students with special talents identify and pursue career choices in all fields of the fine arts and performing arts at an early age. The Schools provide opportunities for all New York State students who qualify through auditions to receive the highest level of training and instruction.

The eight Summer Schools of the Arts are directed and staffed by internationally acclaimed artists and companies such as the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Students work in small groups and in one-on-one sessions with professionals and with other students of similar ability. NYSSSAÍs goal is clear: to provide intensive, preprofessional training programs for New York StateÍs most gifted and motivated young artists, those who are considering careers in the arts or entertainment industries. The schools provide intensive training in an environment where students experience the rigorous discipline of the daily life of a professional artist. The program is open to all high school age students who qualify through auditions. Tuition assistance, based upon financial need, is available. No students who qualify are denied NYSSSAÍs opportunities because they cannot afford them. NYSSSA represents the wide spectrum of cultural, ethnic, social, and economic that is New York State. For further information please visit the NYSED website.

2008 New York State Summer School of the Arts - Schools of Music (Choral Studies, Jazz Studies and Orchestral Studies

Brochures and application forms for the 2008 New York State Summer School of the Arts are now being distributed in local schools, arts organizations, public libraries and community groups across the State. Students will be selected for the summer programs through reginal auditions beginning in January through early February. Please visit the NYSSSA website for auditions locations and dates - www.emsc.nysed.gov/nysssa/.

The School of Choral Studies - where students receive private voice instruction and perform as a chorus at SUNY Fredonia and the Chautauqua Institution under the direction of Dr. Daniel Bara.

The School of Jazz - where Ed Shaughnessy, "the Tonight Show drummer", brings together a group of today's outstanding jazz artists to coach students in combos on the Skidmore College campus and where students attend the Saratoga Jazz Festival at SPAC.

The School of Orchestral Studies Ð where students are taught by the members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and perform as an orchestra and in ensembles at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center under the direction of Maestro Russell Stanger.

If you would like us to send you a NYSSSA booklet, please call, write, fax or E-mail:

New York State Summer School of the Arts
Room 866 EBA
State Education Department
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-8773 FAX: (518) 473-0770
E-Mail: nysssa@mail.nysed.gov