“The Harlem School for the Arts has completed a thorough transformation inspired by an architect, Celia Imrey, and a major patron: Herb Alpert, the trumpeter and record company executive, whose foundation has contributed a total of $17 million to the school, including $9.7 million for the recent upgrade,” writes James Russell in Sunday’s (11/8) New York Times. “A glass facade floods the space with morning sunlight, ready to unveil the students’ beehive of activity at the school, on St. Nicholas Avenue near 141st Street…. The space has been equipped with sophisticated acoustics, and advanced theater lighting and sound. [Vocalist Dorothy Mayor, the school’s founder] was an acclaimed lyric soprano of Black and Native American ancestry…. The Harlem School of the Arts, which offers classes in music, dance, theater and visual arts, was Ms. Maynor’s second act. She sought to serve children who had no exposure to arts in public schools and no access to private instruction…. Mr. Alpert’s … foundation mainly supports arts and music education…. Mr. Alpert said the trumpet he picked up in grammar school ‘had taken me so many places in my life. I think every kid should have that opportunity at an early age.’ ”
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