Two area high schools are reaping the benefits of the Muse Machine thanks to two very different funding sources. Yellow Springs High School is the thrilled recipient of an anonymous individual donation that has made the Muse Machine’s In-School Program available to its students during 2009-2010. The Dayton Technology Design High School received the 21st Century Learning Community Grant through the Ohio Department of Education that will support its students’ participation in the Muse Machine’s Out-of-School Program.   

Heather Gudorf, School Funding Specialist for the Dayton Technology Design High School, says, “This particular grant is for enrichment programs that occur during after school hours. The Muse Machine’s Out-of-School Program is a perfect fit. Students will have the opportunity to attend various performances, and follow-up activities and discussions are sure to make the curriculum come alive.”

Both the In-School and the Out-of-School Programs at each of these high schools will include performances by spoken word poets, Dayton Opera, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Ballet and Human Race Theatre Company. Both Heather Gudorf and Yellow Springs High School Principal John Gudgel believe that the Muse Machine gives students opportunities that they might not have otherwise. “Because of Muse Machine, our students see first hand how music and art give us completely different perspectives,” says Gudorf. “I see Muse as an extension of the classroom,” Gudgel adds.  “Muse provides teachers the flexibility to differentiate their instruction with new modes of learning.”

Luke Dennis, the Muse Machine’s Executive Director, says, “Both of these schools are committed to deepening their students’ exposure to the arts. It’s interesting to me that each is able to accomplish this goal by very different means.”

If you are interested in helping us bring the Muse Machine Secondary Program to even more students throughout our region, please contact Luke Dennis at 937.222.6873 ext. 408 or luke@musemachine.com.