WITNESS School Program

The WITNESS School Program is an exciting opportunity for Minnesota students and teachers to learn more about the contributions African Americans have made, and are making, to the fine arts.

Each partner school is able to take advantage of three program components that provide an enriching integrative experience for both students and teachers:

Artist Workshops

The Young People's Concerts

Teacher Resources

For more information about the school program, contact Elissa Weller at eweller@vocalessence.org, or 612-547-1452. To sign up as a WITNESS Partner School, read and submit the WITNESS School Agreement.

WITNESS 2012-2013 Theme

VocalEssence celebrates the legacy of Marian Anderson (1897–1993), celebrated African American contralto. In 1939, after being refused permission to perform at Constitutional Hall, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped Anderson arrange a concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. She sang for more than 75,000 people and to a radio audience of millions.

Students will learn how Anderson’s undeniable talent made her a force more powerful than the discriminatory norms of that time. The semi-staged performance features Marlissa Hudson as Anderson. Set on the eve of her performance at Dr. King’s March on Washington, Marian becomes a powerful role model to a young person by sharing her life story.