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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
An Elizabethton High School student recently was notified that he was accepted into one of the most prestigious programs for the Arts in the state of Tennessee.

Franklin Acosta, who recently transferred from Hampton High School to Elizabethton by way of Texas, has been accepted into the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts.

Not only was Acosta accepted but he has done so along with a full scholarship for the program.

“Being accepted into the program means that I will be able to express my musical talent and I will be with people that feel the same way,” Acosta said about the honor.

“And it also will help me farther in life I believe.”

Costa will be attending college at East Tennessee State University.

In his short time at Elizabethton, Acosta said that he has really enjoyed being a part of the ‘Betsy Band even with having to deal with COVID-19.

The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts exists as a way to provide a high-quality arts education for those high school students who are gifted and talented in the state of Tennessee.

While attending the school, the pre-professional summer curriculum includes such opportunities as individual and group instruction that is designed to help each student explore and develop his or her talents in music, ballet, theatre, filmmaking, and visual art.

The students spend about four hours a day, six days a week working on their major area of concentration. It lasts for one month during the summer.

Those who are selected are required to perform in competitive auditions during the months of January or February.

Students in the instrumental music program participate in orchestra, wind ensemble, or piano ensemble. They take classes in theory, conducting, improvisation, and world music, participating in chamber music as well.

They also rehearse within their groups and present several concerts.

Eligible students include those who attend public, private and home schools in the state of Tennessee.