Carroll Gotcher, Band Director of Jackson County Schools, was selected to attend the 2024 Tennessee Arts Academy Summer Institute, the nation's premier teacher training and professional development institute for K–12 arts education. He was among more than 325 K-12 public and private-school teachers chosen for the week-long session.
A program of the Tennessee Department of Education, the Academy has been held annually since 1986 on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville. This year, the Academy's nationally and internationally renowned instructors come from across the United States. They taught a diverse range of classes in music, visual art, theater and dance, as well as special classes in arts leadership and administration.
The Academy's advanced curriculum, cutting-edge methodology and unique philosophical perspective maximize participants' learning experiences. There were many special moments throughout the week, starting with TAA’s opening performance on July 14, featuring Young Concert Artists on Tour, including cellist, James Baik; violinist, Risa Hokamura; and pianist Chaeyoung Park.
On Wednesday evening, July 17, during Bravo!, the TAA Awards Banquet and Performance, award presentations will be presented to Jerry Zaks (TAA Distinguished Service Award) and to the 2024 TAA Arts Rich Schools of the Year (The Bright School, Isaiah Creswell Middle Magnet School for the Performing Arts, and Stewarts Creek High School).
Following the awards, Tony and Grammy-nominated Broadway performer, Mandy Gonzalez, performed, under the musical direction of Dan Lipton.
