By 1010 WINS’ Larry Mullins
Produced for 1010 WINS Radio by Sharon Barnes-Waters

Hey Alvin Ailey, Julliard — make room.

The Harlem School of the Arts is training hundreds of young performing arts students. The next generation of talent is making its way through the ranks, one song, one act at a time.

Former Ailey extension director Yvette Campbell is the new president and CEO of the school, which offers music, dance, theater and visual arts classes to students of all ages.

But it’s not your typical performing arts school.

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“As our founders did, we accept everyone,” she said. “We don’t audition, but once they’re here, we expect a lot.”

World-renowned soprano Dorothy Maynor founded the school in 1964 to bring world class arts training to undeserved communities in Harlem.

Today, 1000 students per year get access to internationally acclaimed performers who teach at the school.

“The best part of HSA is the kids that come through here, and the people they become,” Campbell said.