New World School of the Arts will present its first-ever Online Ensemble Concert in a virtual setting. Entitled “Resilience: A Musical Response From Our Home to Yours,” this ensemble concert showcases over 200 musicians; 180 instrumental and voice students, 11 renowned guest artists, three alumni, and more than ten faculty members and ensemble directors. The concert is a testament to NWSA’s commitment to excellence in arts education and training even in the face of adversity and unexpected challenges.

“I am proud of the work the faculty, students, guest artists, and supporters did on this project. This was an unprecedented project during unprecedented times, which made it all the more challenging, but it inspired all of us with the light of hope to guide our way forward,” said Dr. Daniel Andai, Dean of Music at NWSA. “Like any true ensemble, everyone played their part to the best of their ability amidst a pandemic and the Musical Response From Our Home to Yours, was undoubtedly one of resilience and pride that I hope everyone can enjoy for years to come. This project is only one of many examples demonstrating the importance of New World School of the Arts in our community and in the world.”

“RESILIENCE: A MUSICAL RESPONSE FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS”:
• Thursday, January 28, 2021; 7 PM
• Livestream Premiere: NWSA YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChDOMrN5mkqlJ2eU-lfYcKQ
• Admission is free. A $15 donation is encouraged to supplement the NWSA music program. Details and donation link will be provided during the concert livestream.

With 21 Presidential Scholars in the Arts since 1989, and 89 YoungArts Finalists / 310 YoungArts Winners since 2002, New World School of the Arts students continue to leave their artistic mark in our community. Among the 171 YoungArts Finalists selected this year are seven NWSA students, joining the ranks as in their respective artistic fields. In addition, NWSA students received three YoungArts Honorable Mentions and seven Merit Awards for a grand total of 17 awards.

NWSA 2019 YoungArts Finalists: Ian Muñoz (MUSIC) Saxophone/Alto; Andre Perlman (MUSIC) Trombone; Daniela Lopez (VISUAL ARTS); Cherline Philogene (VISUAL ARTS).

The 2020 edition of The One Festival will be unlike any other in the history of New World School of the Arts as it makes its premiere Virtually via the school’s YouTube channel. The biggest festival in the NWSA Theatre division's history, the One Festival is a collection of fifteen-minute plays written, directed and acted by BFA seniors. In four programs over the course of three days, the themes of these plays are relevant, varied and personal and will take audiences on what is on the conscience of these artists offering an important display of vibrant artistic styles and intricate stories about the human condition.

SCHEDULE OF SHOWS:

PROGRAM A: December 16; 7 PM
PROGRAM B: December 17; 7 PM
PROGRAM C: December 18; 7 PM

One Festival will be livestreamed on the NWSA YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChDOMrN5mkqlJ2eU-lfYcKQ

OVERDONE & UNDERDONE - A Broadway Cabaret
PREMIERES: Friday, November 20; 7 PM
Directed by NWSA theater faculty Matthew Buffalo with music direction by Jeff Hess, the New World School of the Arts high school music theater students will offer a virtual compilation of 46 music theater songs that will run the gamut of this genre, during this year's first theater performance Overdone & Underdone - A Broadway Cabaret.

Oolite Arts announced The Ellies awards this year, selecting New World School of the Arts photography professor Maria Martinez-Cañas as the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Michael Richards Award. The award of $75,000 celebrates a Miami-Dade artist who has created a recognized body of high-quality works, and who is achieving the highest levels of professional distinction in the visual arts through their practice. The award will support this practice over a two-year period, including a commission to create a work of art to be exhibited at The Bass. For this award, Maria Martinez-Cañas was chosen by a jury of national and local artists and curators.

New World School of the Arts proudly announces Miami-Dade County Public Schools' appointment of Contessa Bryant Ed.D., as Principal of NWSA High School. A 1992 graduate of the NWSA Music Division, Dr. Bryant returns as a seasoned educator and administrator where she will be responsible for planning, organizing, administering and directing academic and operational activities at the high school level, which are essential to the operation of NWSA. The 2020-2021 academic year also welcomes Maggie Rodriguez, Ed.D., who along with Dr. Bryant, will lead the high school in the role of Assistant Principal.

"I can't believe that I get the opportunity to return to my alma mater, a place that gave me so much, to serve as Principal," said Dr. Bryant. "I marched down these hallways as a youngster - yes learning my discipline; but more importantly, I learned lessons of love, humanity, leadership and advocacy. It is an honor to join the ranks of those who ensure pure enjoyment of this magical place for our students - the NWSA Faculty & Staff.

"For me, this work is simple in SCALE - Students, Communication, Advocacy, Love and Excellence. These are the core beliefs I will use to do this work alongside you. New World has always been a place of excellence, and the stage is set to magnify/scale up that excellence."

"Dr. Bryant’s return to NWSA as our Principal illustrates fully how training in the arts prepares one to be a creative, passionate and effective leader. There can’t be someone more prepared to be an impactful advocate for the NWSA students, faculty and staff and we are truly blessed to welcome her back home to New World School of the Arts," expressed Dr. Jeffrey Hodgson, Provost and CEO of NWSA.