Empowering Students Through Arts: The Paris-Henry County Arts Council's Transformative Bus Trips
The Paris-Henry County Arts Council has been proudly sponsoring bus trips for Henry County students and adults to attend live productions at various performing arts centers across West Tennessee. This year, the council organized four remarkable excursions, providing enriching cultural experiences for students from different schools in the area.
In March, over 190 students from Paris Elementary School embarked on a journey to The Carson Center in Paducah to witness "The Planets" performed by the Paducah Symphony Orchestra. Following this, 98 fifth-graders from Lakewood Elementary School attended "Broadway Basics: Wicked" at The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. In April, both Henry Elementary School and Dorothy & Noble Harrelson Elementary School had their turn, with 32 and 47 students respectively attending "Broadway Basics: Wicked" at The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis.
These bus trips are more than just outings; they provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of live theater, often for the first time. Through these experiences, students gain exposure to the arts, expand their horizons, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for creativity and culture.
“‘Planets’ at the Paducah Symphony was such a remarkable experience for our students, offering them a glimpse into the world of symphonic music that they may not have otherwise had the chance to explore. Witnessing the magic of live orchestral performance left a lasting impression on our young minds, igniting a passion for music and the arts that will continue to inspire them for years to come.”
Here’s a list of our bus trips scheduled for 2024:
March 11, 2024 , 190 kids from Paris Elementary School attended The Carson Center, Paducah to see “The Planets” featuring the Paducah Symphony Orchestra
March 14/15, 2024, 98 kids from Lakewood Elementary School’s 5th grade attended The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis to see “Broadway Basics: Wicked”
April 19, 2024, 32 kids from Henry Elementary School will attend The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis to see “Broadway Basics: Wicked
April 23, 2024, 47 kids from Dorothy & Noble Harrelson Elementary School will attend The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis to see “Broadway Basics: Wicked
The Paris-Henry County Arts Council is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community and believes in the transformative power of the arts in education. By sponsoring these bus trips, the council continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students in Henry County, enriching their learning experiences and broadening their perspectives.
Pictured above, a 5th grade class from Lakewood Elementary School