“I get to sing with the most talented students, in the best facilities in Oklahoma,” said Samantha Mason, an OSAI chorus student. “Working and playing with a group that loves music and the arts a much as I do makes OSAI an exciting, fun experience and an opportunity of a lifetime.”
At OSAI, Oklahoma high school students study one of nine artistic disciplines for at least six hours a day. In the evenings, they attend a variety of performances, lectures and demonstrations. Students from different towns and backgrounds study, reside and eat meals together. With so many highly motivated and talented students working together in close quarters, lifelong friendships and career-enhancing collaborations often develop.
Oklahoma Arts Institute, “Student Attends Summer Arts Institute”
“At OSAI, I expect to grow in my knowledge and love for music, and have my voice mature in strength,” said John Morrow, an OSAI chorus student. “Being around a group of people who love doing what you love doing is really exciting.”
The program takes place inside Quartz Mountain state park. The facilities are secluded between Lake Altus-Lugert and the dry, cacti-dotted Quartz Mountains, creating an ideal location for total arts immersion. Students and faculty gain inspiration from the beautiful natural setting.
“I am also looking forward to the inspirational people, scenery, landscapes, and teachers that will be a part of this very amazing opportunity of a place,” said Mario Winston, an OSAI drawing/painting student.
Over the past 30 years many famous artists have taught at OSAI, including recipients of the Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards. Some of those artists have returned this year, including Ed Sherin, the Emmy-Award winning executive producer of "Law & Order" and Gisčle Ben-Dor, former associate New York Philharmonic conductor.
"Altus students are studying with some of the nation's top artists," said Julie Cohen, Oklahoma Arts Institute president. "It's an opportunity most people never receive."
“After attending several OSAI performances during the last few years, I believe the world-renowned directors at the Institute will help me excel in this area.,” said Chris Cheaney, an OSAI chorus student. “It will also be a great opportunity to learn among other young people who have the same interest in the arts.”
Oklahoma Arts Institute, “Student Attends Summer Arts Institute”
Altus area students were chosen to attend OSAI through competitive statewide auditions. This year, almost 1,200 students auditioned for just 266 spots. In conjunction with acceptance, each OSAI student receives a full scholarship to the program, worth over $2,000. Altus students' scholarships are provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Bank of Oklahoma & George and Betty Kaiser Foundation Scholars Fund, Helon Whiteside LaGree Scholarship Fund, Inasmuch Foundation, Jarrod Fergeson Scholarship Fund, Richard W. Moore Memorial Scholars Fund, Sarkeys Foundation Scholars Fund, and SBC Foundation Scholars Fund. Additional funding is provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and Target.
Altus area students in residence at Quartz Mountain:
Chorus - Selina Coronado, Samantha Mason, John Morrow and Chris Cheaney
Drawing/Painting - Matthew Williams and Mario Winston
Film/Video - Alex Greenlee, Todd Greenlee and Ryan Warren
Photography - Kaylan Liles
OSAI culminates in ONSTAGE Weekend, June 22 and 23. The weekend consists of concerts, performances, film screenings and exhibitions where every OSAI student has a chance to display their work. All events are free and open to the public, and a performance schedule is available at www.oaiquartz.org or (405) 321-9000.
Altus is represented on the OSAI board of directors by C. Kendric Fergeson, Donna Hinton, Helon LaGRee, Jacquelyn Parrish, Holley Urbanski and Jeff Wilmes.
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