By Globe Staff

On Friday, August 12, Vernon Whitmore, Globe publisher and Eleanor Boswell-Raine, Globe General Manager presented the East Bay Center For the Performing Arts a $10,000 check as sponsors of their groundbreaking Advancement Diploma Program that began this summer with a two-year course of study.
   
    The program is targeted to highly dedicated 7th and 8th graders who have some background in at least one of the performing arts.
    The goal is for the twenty or so students to hone their craft in a particular field of music, dance, theater, or film and to have a broad understanding of the practice and application of the performing arts.
    At the end of the two years, the students will be prepared to continue their artistic endeavors at a higher level at the center, in the community, or both.
    This summer, the students participated in a five week performing arts intensive with core faculty and guest artists. From September – June of 2006 the students will receive repertoire training, private lessons, and small group classes, recitals, and mentorship training.
    Students will complete an average of six or more hours of instruction and rehearsals weekly.
    During the summer of 2006 the students will again complete five weeks of performing arts intensive training, and in the fall 2006 through spring 2007 will provide advanced repertoire training, master classes, mentorship opportunities, diploma recitals and graduation.