By Jennifer Colosimo
As a student in Forsyth County, the stage is yours. From elementary to high school, kids have the chance to ignite new interests, develop their talents and find their voice through a wide range of arts education programs. It’s a life-changing opportunity that Fine Arts Specialist Catherine Keyser takes seriously in her pursuit to help students find a creative outlet while preparing them for what comes next.
Forsyth County Schools has also created a venue for students to showcase their artistic expression. The FoCAL (Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center) is an 81,000-square-foot performing arts and education facility featuring a state-of-the-art main theater, a 250-seat black box theater, banquet and meeting spaces and student art galleries. It houses both school-produced and community events and provides a gallery space for children as young as kindergarten to show off their work. Serving both school and community audiences, FoCAL provides opportunities for students of all ages.
Why is arts education important for academic development?
Catherine Keyser: Participating in and experiencing the arts has a profound, scientific connection to the brain. The processes it takes to create a piece of art and explain it, that’s a form of literacy. Reading music supports language acquisition and bridges cultural connections. Theatre and dance are some of the oldest forms of communication.
What are you most proud of since stepping into your role?
CK: I love that we have an increased presence of fine arts in the community through our students. We’ve worked hard to tell our story. Our teachers are amazing at what they do and the way that they connect with their kids. I’m so proud of the work we’ve accomplished to equip teachers to empower their students creatively.
How do Forsyth County arts programs uniquely prepare students for the real world?
CK: Once students get to high school, we offer arts pathways and students can earn a state diploma seal. This tells colleges and employers that they’re ready to pursue further studies in college or go straight into a career in the arts if they want to. Over 300 seniors earned an arts seal this past school year. This is important because there are so many career opportunities that exist outside of the traditional 4-year college.
No matter what field you choose, creative arts are connected to the real world. Are you going into marketing? Your product needs to appeal to an audience —that’s art. Practice in theatre teaches you to read a crowd, control your facial expressions and support a team—all great preparation to be a lawyer, journalist or even a politician. The mastery and technical dexterity involved in creating music ties in beautifully with any career. Overall, the arts teach resilience, perseverance, communication and collaborative thinking—skills that will carry you through life.
Catherine’s Leading Roles: Mountain Biking at Matt Park and Chicken Bowls at Lake Burrito
