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"The Infinity Performing Arts Program creates and sustains an environment in which young people, based solely on their desire to participate, can grow, learn, and lead through active participation in the performing arts."




Infinity History

The Infinity Performing Arts Program was established in Jamestown, New York in 1998 as an opportunity for aspiring young musicians to enhance their musical talents and performance skills under the supervision and direction of local artists and musicians. The name "Infinity" was chosen to represent the potential for future growth and participation for youth throughout the community. The program was incubated by the Arts Council for Chautauqua County from 1998 to 2005. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation provided technical support during the 2005 transition year and Infinity became an incorporated 501(c)(3) organization in October of 2005. A 15-member volunteer board of directors governs the organization. Financial support for the Infinity program comes from a variety of sources. The New York State Council for the Arts, the Chautauqua County government, and local foundations provide 75% of the basis of support for the program. What began as a small music project centered around seven talented teens in the living room of one of the founding students has grown to a countrywide non-profit organization housed in a 5000 square foot facility.


The Program

- Private instrumental and vocal lessons taught by local professional musicians and music educators
- Student bands and performance ensembles
- Special projects and music workshops
- Digital recording studio (lessons and recording opportunities)
- Performance opportunities in various local and regional venues, local and regional festivals, and the Infinity Arts Café

A student's initial contact with the program is as a student seeking private instruction on an instrument of their choice. These choices include voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar, violin, saxophone, drums, steel drums, and flute. With the advent of the computer as a musical instrument, lessons can also include private instruction in digital recording. A certified music educator coordinates the establishment and development of teaching curriculums in each discipline and also monitors each student's progress through periodic written evaluation and recitals.

Performance Ensembles

The performance ensembles of Infinity are musically diverse and include jazz, blues, rock, Latin, bluegrass, steel drums, hip-hop, country, classical and jazz vocal ensembles, a classical guitar quartet, a saxophone quartet, and a countywide big band. Each ensemble is directed by an instructor who guides the group through a learning and musicianship process. Membership in performance groups is selective and in many cases requires an audition. Membership also requires a strong commitment to rehearsals and personal preparation. In situations where students are ready for an ensemble and there is no current opening, they can be assigned to a group as an understudy and eventually worked into the band's repertoire. Performance venues are as varied and diverse as the music. Infinity bands perform at Chautauqua Institution, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Blue Heron Festival, the Memphis Bound Blues Competition, and a variety of festivals, benefits, and special events throughout the county and WNY region.

Special Components

- Jazz Studies/Music Major Program
- Songwriting and Original Music Project
- Recording and Sound Technology Program
- Young Artist Independent Study Project

These four components are targeted for students who are dedicated and committed to the exploration of music and the music industry as a possible career path after graduation from high school. Participation in these special components is based on individual ability, commitment, and expressed interest. They are open to any student who meets the basic requirements with final selection and placement being the decision of the executive director and the music education coordinator.

Portfolios

Personal portfolios play a major role in the Infinity Performing Arts Program. Portfolios document the individual student's progress in the program. Portfolios are mandatory for all students through grade 12. College students are not required to keep a portfolio, but rather act as mentors to younger students and serve as volunteers in a number of program initiatives and projects. Portfolios include quarterly instructor evaluations, artifacts that document the level of learning that is taking place, report cards, special written assignments, CD recordings, and detailed career plans just to name a few. Portfolios are a major evaluation tool for the program and many of our stakeholders.

Chautauqua Region Word Local Music Showcase

Professional musicians and artists from the local music community have overwhelmingly embraced the Infinity Program. Each year more than 50 bands and hundreds of local professional artists donate their time and talent to a major local music festival in Jamestown, NY. The Chautauqua Region Word Local Music Showcase is a fundraiser for Infinity, with all of the revenues generated donated to the Infinity program. This 3-day event attracts thousands of patrons each year. The showcase has become one of the major arts-driven economic development initiatives for the local economy and a strong indicator of the impact of the arts and children on the local economy. The festival is held on the weekend after Labor Day.