Harlem School Of The Arts Expanding Its Community Outreach

By Sam Mattingly

In a rousing pep rally that echoed with the spirit of resilience and artistic brilliance, The Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts (UASPA) and the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) unveiled a groundbreaking partnership.

The auditorium at UASPA, located on 509 West 129th Street, NYC, pulsated with the energy of students, faculty, and esteemed guests, all united in celebrating this momentous occasion.

Dr. Willayie Saybge, UASPA’s principal, and James C. Horton, President & CEO of HSA, proudly announced this collaboration, marking a new era of accessibility to pursue artistic excellence for Harlem’s youth. The event featured students, faculty, community leaders, representatives from Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine’s office, Council Member Gale Brewer, and HSA alum Ray Chew, musical director for “Dancing with the Stars.”

The rally showcased the immense talent nurtured within UASPA’s dance and voice programs, serving as a testament to the shared artistic vision that has brought these two institutions together. Mr. Horton spoke passionately about HSA’s commitment to expanding its reach, stating, “Over the past year, the Harlem School of the Arts has been exploring how we can serve more young people in our building during the school day. This important partnership builds on our founder, Dorothy Maynor’s mission to ensure that children in the community, no matter their financial or social circumstance, are given an opportunity to access the highest levels of arts education and training.”

A groundbreaking collaboration between the historic Harlem School of the Arts, a 60-year-old pillar of artistic excellence, and the newer Urban Assembly School, founded in 2006, underscores the commitment to providing world-class arts education to all students. This partnership offers UASPA students unparalleled access to HSA’s outstanding multi-disciplinary programs and financial aid, addressing the inequities that often limit arts education in communities of color.

Dr. Willayie Saygbe, UASPA’s newly appointed principal, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This partnership offers a unique and enriching opportunity for our students. Through this collaboration, students can expand the arts education they receive, fostering their artistic talents and creative expression… With exposure to a wide range of disciplines, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts, our students can explore their passions and develop skills that will open doors to college, professional arts programs, and beyond.”

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Dr. Buffie Whitfield, Executive Director of CUNY and Urban Assembly Schools, a proud product of Harlem’s educational institutions, added, “As a proud alumna of P.S. 129, JHS 43, and A. Philip Randolph Campus High School, this partnership is very close to my heart. Growing up in this community, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship… We are nurturing a generation of scholars who will carry the torch forward, making a lasting impact on the world.”

This transformative partnership will officially launch during the 2024-2025 academic year, providing 75-100 UASPA students with direct access to HSA’s courses in Dance, Music, Theater, and potentially Video Game Design. Mr. Horton concluded with a powerful message of hope and empowerment, “We are thrilled about this transformative opportunity to deepen our impact in Harlem and to continue nurturing the creative development of young people in our community.”

Harlem School of the Arts, The Herb Alpert Center

Harlem School of the Arts, The Herb Alpert Center (HSA) is a cultural institution uniquely positioned at the intersection of arts, education, and social justice. Founded in 1964, HSA offers world class training in music, dance, theater, musical theater, and media & design to children ages 2-18, and encourages students to reach their full potential through interdisciplinary arts training that celebrates the rich complexity of the African American community. To learn more about the Harlem School of the Arts, please visit www.HSAnyc.org.

Photo credit: Council Member Gale Brewer joined James C. Horton and music director and recording artist, Ray Chew.