Arts council hold annual meeting, awards grant
DAC AWARDS LHS TIGER BAND BOOSTER CLUB CASH GRANT
On August 16th, DeSoto Arts Council (DAC) board members held its Annual Meeting with members and guests at the Cook-Hill House in Grand Cane. The DAC invited special guests from the Logansport High School Band and booster club to share their passions for musical art and take questions from board members about the band’s need for funding and support.
Long-time LHS Band Booster mom Maranda Edgar submitted their application for the DAC Community Arts Grant (CAG) a few weeks ago and board members were glad to review and award her request for a $1,000 grant.
LHS’s new band director and DeSoto Parish native LaDerrius Hudson said his plan is to grow the LHS Tigers band to a big band with many opportunities for students to discover their musical passions and develop as a competitive marching band. Senior band members in attendance shared their personal stories of how music has enriched their high school experiences. Edgar and Hudson both confirmed that kids that are engaged in the band enjoy and benefit from musical art education.
The DAC is a non-profit organization of volunteers and members that support individual creativity, cultural preservation, economic development, and lifelong learning through the ARTS in DeSoto Parish. DAC’s grant programs are funded through the generous donations of individuals, community programs, and local businesses. Please visit us online at desoto-arts-council-of-la.org for more information about how you can donate, download grant applications, and discover the arts in DeSoto Parish.
(Pictured left to right) DAC Treasurer Carol Paga, (Senior LHS band members Sadie Gresham, Cooper Edgar, and Hayden Dowden), and Band Director LaDerrius Hudson, DAC board member Gloria Peters, Band Booster Maranda Edgar, DAC President Mark Poole, and DAC VP Cindy Williams
2023 scholastic arts grant (sag)
LHS Drum Captain awarded Scholastic Arts Grant
The DeSoto Arts Council is pleased to announce that Michael Knight, a Logansport High School Senior and Tiger Band Drum Captain, has been awarded the first DAC Scholastic Arts Grants.
“A percussionist with the ability to hop on the many instruments in this classification and learn them with ease.” That’s how Michael’s band teacher describes the six-year senior member of the Logansport High School Band.
“Michael showcases a high level of musical ability as well as a desire to always learn more about musical knowledge. He always takes the time to perfect his craft because he is a firm believer that even though something is acceptable, there are always new boundaries to push and new areas to explore.” - Logansport High School Band teacher Richard Brumbelow.
Brumbelow said Michael’s belief and tenacity has taken him far and this year alone has earned him the role of Drum Captain and a spot in the District VIII Symphonic Band, as well as the TOPS scholarship to attend Grambling State University.
“I know that no matter how much I practice, there will always be something to improve. This has kept me inspired to improve. Even later in life, when I have been drumming for fifty years, I know that I will find a new path to improve every day.” – LHS Senior Michael Knight.
The DAC Scholastic Arts Grants (SAG) is a one-time monetary gift of $1,000. It is awarded directly to the student to use at their discretion (tuition, books, or supplies). SAG was established in January 2023 to foster the study of the arts and advance the development of young artists in DeSoto Parish.
“Michael discovered his love for drums early and has pursued it with zeal. We at DAC hope this grant may in a small way help him as he strives to fulfill his passion.” - DAC President
SAG is offered to DeSoto Parish students that apply annually and are pursuing the arts through formal higher education. DAC selects annual applicants who are rising artists with superior creativity, desire, and pursuing a deeper understanding of their area of the arts.
As Michael begins his journey, he has the end goal in plain sight. “I plan to be the Band Director of a successful band program that attends events such as competitions regularly,” he said. This isn’t a task Michael declares flippantly. Developing and leading an exceptional band program has been his vision for years, a plan he said, he and friends have brainstormed ideas and procedures for growing and maintaining their own band program someday.
“We will strive to grow our program as the most appreciated program in the area, and to push our students to grow individually and as a group.” - Michael Knight.
Brumbelow said Michael’s goals and vision to be a band director doesn’t surprise him at all. “I believe that Michael has a tremendous amount of potential in the field of music and will continue to strive for excellence in his music endeavors,” he said.
The DeSoto Arts Council is a non-profit organization of volunteers and members that support individual creativity, cultural preservation, economic development, and lifelong learning through the ARTS in DeSoto Parish. DAC’s grant programs are funded through the generous donations of individuals, community programs, and local businesses. Please visit us online at desoto-arts-council-of-la.org for more information about how you can donate, download grant applications, and discover the arts in DeSoto Parish.
Congratulations to LHS Senior Michael Knight awarded DAC‘s SAG $1,000 cash grant to be used towards his college expenses during his freshman year at Grambling State University this Fall. (DAC Vice President, Cindy Williams; LHS Band Director, Richard Brumbelow; LHS Drum Captain, Michael Knight; DAC President, Mark Poole; and, DAC Secretary, Charlotte Miller.
Scholastic Arts grants
Apply by March 31st!
DAC established the Scholastic Grant to foster the study of the arts and advance the development of artists in keeping with the mission of the DAC. Grants will be awarded to pursue a higher education and study in the performing or visual arts at a college, university, or art training institute. This is a one-time grant of $1,000, which will be given directly to the student to use at their discretion towards tuition, books, or supplies.
Learn More
Attention DeSoto Parish graduating seniors who plan to pursue a higher education and study in the performing or visual arts at a college, university, or art training institute!
RED ENVELOPE CAMPAIGN 2023
Dear Friends:
We are pleased to announce the annual kick off of our Red Envelope fund raising campaign. Our focus for the coming year is again to provide direct support to local artists, programs and groups through grants and other opportunities.
The challenges of recent years with the Covid Pandemic have made support from the community more important than ever. As programs, festivals, and performances were cancelled, and venues shuttered, artists throughout the parish were deprived of the opportunities they require to remain viable.
We must rise to the occasion and ensure the continued advocacy the arts in DeSoto Parish deserve. Your donation will enable the DAC to empower our local talented artists and performers through monetary and logistical support of programs, community festivals, theatre, workshops and classes.
Profound thanks to our past, present, and future donors. Your gift demonstrates your appreciation for the important role the arts play in our lives and our community, and we could not provide these vital services without your generous help!
We are pleased to announce the ability to accept your contributions via Paypal with a link available on our website. Checks may be made payable to the DeSoto Arts Council and mailed to P.O. Box 352, Grand Cane, LA 71032.
Sincerely yours,
Mark A. Poole
DAC President
Membership
The DeSoto Arts Council (DAC) is a great way to promote a shared commitment to the arts. Council members work together to stimulate interest and participation within the arts community. Everyone benefits from the energy of individual and group creativity provided by vibrant arts and educational programs. Annual dues help support administrative activities that encourage and promote our local arts community.
DAC is a 501(c) 3 organization. Membership Dues are only $15/individual and $25/corporate. Dues can easily be paid by clicking on our PayPal button below. Or fill out the form below and mail us a check to:
DAC P.O. Box 352Grand Cane, LA 71032
Dac Location
Additional Information
Our physical location is in the Historic Village of Grand Cane, the smallest Cultural District in Louisiana, and we want to be "the art place in your neighborhood." The DeSoto Arts Council, is located in the Hicks-Richardson Building where we share space with the Back Alley Community Theatre and other wonderful Grand Cane Merchants!
Support the Arts Today!
Your support demonstrates appreciation for the important role the arts play in our lives and our community, and we could not provide these vital services without your generous help! Together, we can make a difference in DeSoto Parish!
Looking for Desoto Parish Artist!
We want to know about you!
Tell us about your art! What are your passions. How or where can we see or hear your work?
DeSoto Arts Council
