For the past 28 years, this event has been vital in raising funds for the Flint School of Performing Arts Seeing Stars! tuition assistance program, ensuring that students can study music, dance and theater regardless of their ability to pay for classes.
The FSPA supporters enjoyed a silent auction, wine and a strolling dinner of tastings generously provided by many of Greater Flint’s best restaurants, then gathered in MacArthur Recital Hall for the evening’s highlight: the Seeing Stars! Student Showcase.
After a welcome from event co-chairs Patti Higgins and Greg Hilliker, the program opened with Flint Youth Ballet dancers Annika Warby, Emma Benton and Brooklynn Wilson performing Variations from Coppelia staged by Tara Gragg and Elizabeth Philippi. Next onstage were Flint Youth Theatre artists Alexa Croff, Victor “Cruz” Hinojosa, Annabelle Richardson, Sophie Richardson, Kennedy Smart, Ash Stiles, Wendy Thibodeau and Amaija Witherspoon performing a selection from “The War of the Worlds: The 1938 Radio Script.” The actors were followed by musical selections from FSPA Young Musicians Charleigh Hose, violin; Robert Granville, piano; Brooklyn Mendiola, voice; Chava Jones, viola & Hadassah Jones, piano; Kennedy Smart, voice w/Danyelle Hillman, piano; Bradlee Coggins, marimba; Madyson Earnhart, harp.
Following remarks by FSPA, FYSO and Dort Honors String Quartet Alumnus Cole Benton, a Mendelssohn excerpt was performed by The Dort Honors String Quartet: Elizabeth Beland and Annika Warby, violin; Emma Benton, viola and Ashleigh Armstrong, cello. The program concluded with Samuel Belill, Bradlee Coggins, Kenneth Edson, Liam Rogers, Jesse Urodgy and DJ Whealon performing Xylophonia.
The evening ended with delicious desserts and a champagne toast to celebrate the student performers who reminded attendees what their support means to the FSPA. Last year alone, the Seeing Stars! tuition assistance program awarded $230,000 to local FSPA students and their families.
