The Wilton Education Foundation (WEF) announced it will be designating $5,000 of the $102,000 raised by the group for Wilton Public Schools to support the “WEF Artist In Residence” program.

According to a press release from the organization, the WEF Artist In Residence program will allow Wilton High School students in arts and music programs to work directly with professionals throughout the year, both during and after school hours primarily with small specific groups. These professionals will supplement the high school’s exceptionally talented staff and provide additional support to the students.    

The goal of this program is to ensure that all areas in the school’s arts programs are equally supported. For example, currently the expertise in the music department is skewed to brass instruments, so professionals will be brought in to work with reed and percussion players. “We are confident that this effort would inspire more students to switch to needed instruments in terms of ensemble balance as well as greatly enhance our instruction and thus our performances” said Chip Gawle, Band Director at Wilton High School.  

The same approach will be taken in the fine arts program. The WEF Artist In Residence Program will be implemented for the fine arts with an “Arts Friday” once a month.  

“Giving our students a chance to work with a diverse set of professional artists is an exceptional opportunity and we are so pleased to support it” said WEF Co-Chairs, Scott Weber and Matthew Greene. The WEF board determined that the allocation easily met the criteria of the foundation’s mission, specifically “support for music and the arts and ‘beyond classroom experiences’.”  This new signature program was developed in consultation with the district leadership and will have an ongoing impact on fine and performing arts in the future.

About the Wilton Education Foundation:  The Wilton Education Foundation is dedicated to enriching the learning experience for Wilton students by providing ongoing professional development for teachers, the latest in innovative and interactive teaching tools, support for music and the arts, and “beyond the classroom” experiences to provide our children with the confidence and skills to succeed in college and beyond. For more information on the foundation, its mission, volunteer opportunities, and the many events and programs, please visit www.WiltonEducationFoundation.org.

Note:  The editor of GOOD Morning Wilton, Heather Borden Herve, is on the executive board of WEF.