On_46th_Street_Promo_copryright_2007.mpeg

“ON 46th STREET” © 2007 The History of the High School of Performing Arts Dr. Franklin J. Keller was an educator in the prime of his career in the late nineteen thirties and forties. This videotape documents his vision. With the use of on-camera reminiscences from his chosen teachers and their students, they give testimony to performing arts education in America. It was an innovation. The New York Board of Education was skeptical. It was called “Keller’s Folly”. They allowed him to house his dream in an abandoned elementary school building, which was scheduled for demolition. It was a firetrap. His school program not only convinced the skeptics, it became a template for such secondary schools, nationwide. Other schools, from other nations, sent visitors to learn from the example. The broadcast quality videotape exhibits photographs of the time, blueprints, yearbooks and other memorabilia. The actual teachers tell their stories, their innovations and their joys. Many students became successful and achieved illustrious careers. They tell of the excitement of their education. Not only have they lived utilitarian productive lives but they have also influenced the nation’s culture. Original music was composed, especially for this documentary, by the graduated Music alumni. Some of the on-camera testimony is very revealing, funny, emotional, and unique. Every participant in the documentary is an alumnus. The entire production is a product of their skills. At the end of the documentary, a leading educator, in Washington, DC, reveals the widespread influence of this school in American education. The School left the building in 1984. The building on 46th Street is a Historic Landmark.

» View the original video «

Google Video | October 9, 2007

Tags:. .such. .history. .america. .actual. .left