Impact of the Arts
Perhaps you were fortunate enough to see the annual Kennedy Center Honors earlier this week. The recipients, selected by the Center’s Board of Trustees, singer-songwriter Carole King, filmmaker George Lucas, actress and singer Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress and Broadway star Cicely Tyson were recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. The primary criterion in the selection process is excellence.
“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes the extraordinary and unparalleled talents of individuals whose impact and genius have left an indelible mark on civilization,” stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein.
Each of the five recipients were saluted by great performers. Aretha Franklin honored her colleague Carole King by playing the piano and singing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” in an incredible performance that brought tears to President Obama and absolutely thrilled Carole King.
If you didn’t have a chance to see the show you can take a look at the video below. Listening to Aretha Franklin and watching Carole King’s excitement reminded me of the power of the Arts to touch our hearts. What a wonderful video to help ring in the new year and remind us why we are in the field of Arts education. My best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2016!
me arts ed 