A multitude of sounds eminated as a result of talents of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, a world renowned jazz musician who had roots in Columbus, Ohio.
Kirk also became best known for his amazing ability to play three saxophones at once. He was also a sculptor and occasionally wrote poetry in his short, but amazing and prolific life. Like many students at the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center campus, a Columbus City Schools’ facility that is inclusive of performing arts and the site for the new Arts Impact High School, Kirk’s talents in several art forms allowed him to be outstanding as a performer. The Columbus City Schools established an arts scholarship program for high school students in the name of Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Columbus City Schools’ Superintendent Gene T. Harris, Ph.D. and Columbus City Council Member Kevin Boyce recently unveiled the scholarship program to the Kirk Family and introduced its potential to the city.
Superintendent Harris addressed the Kirk family and spoke about the hope the scholarship will give to students who seek to express themselves artistically. “The scholarship encourages students to find their own voice in their own way,” Superintendent Harris said.
The spirit of Rahsaan Roland Kirk smiled down on the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center in Columbus, Ohio on November9duringtheannouncement of the scholarship that promotes artistic expression.
“ Each of us discovers our purpose in life differently. This scholarship will allow the students to forge their own way in the discipline they have chosen,” said Harris.
“ This scholarship will peak the interests of the best and brightest arts students in our community,” said Columbus City Councilmember Kevin Boyce.
Kirk, who, in 1977, experienced an untimely death at the age of 41, had expressed to his wife Dorthaan that he had a desire to spread the great legacy of jazz among young people. A great reed virtuoso, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, shared his love for music with Columbus audiences during his 41 years.
Kirk’s son, Rory, and Kirk’s surviving sisters, Yvonne, Connie and Candace as well as his two nieces, April and Lisa were present for the announcement.
Columbus City School seniors who are due to graduate in June of 2008will be the first class eligible to apply for the scholarship fund endowed by anonymous benefactors.
Amember of council and resident of the city who strives to employ the talents of young people, especially African-American males, Boyce thanked the Kirk family for allowing Rahsaan’s name to be associated with the scholarship.
Applicants do not have to be musicians, but must demonstrate talent and proficiency in some form of the creative arts -writing, visual arts or the performing arts.
Applicants must submit portfolios in their respective artistic discipline to a selection committee, which will narrow the field down to seven finalists. The finalists will compete and be on display at a performance/exhibition in May 2008. Representatives of the Columbus Jazz Arts Group and Columbus College for Art & Design as well as Rory Kirk,who is a corporate executive in Kansas City, Missouri, and other members of the Kirk family will be among the scholarship selection panel to choose the deserving recipient to keep the performance legacy moving. Rahsaan Kirk, a world renowned jazz musician, passed away three decades ago.
Rory Kirk, Rahsaan’s only son represented his father and family during the program on November 9.
Rory noted that he “always had a warm spot in his heart for Columbus” and the family was pleased that Rahsaan’s accomplishments would now become known to new generations of young people striving to make a career for themselves in the arts.
Dorthaan Kirk, widow of the renowned jazz musician and scholarship namesake, could not attend the Fort Hayes program but was informed of the scholarship. When contacted by telephone, she was supportive of the initiative and added to the enthusiasm.“
I’m holding a 30th anniversary celebration of Rahsaan’s transition in NewYorkCityatSt.Peter’s Church onDecember 10,” Dorthaan revealed. “Those in attendance are going to be asked by me personally to contribute to Rahsaan’s scholarship fund in Columbus. I am very pleased at how this all turned out.”
“ The Rahsaan Roland Kirk Scholarship for the Arts is a superb example of the type of innovative approaches our community must embrace to cultivate Columbus’ creative economy,” stressed Boyce. Students interested in applying for the scholarship should contact Victor Johnson, Columbus City Schools Department of Curriculum Leadership & Development at 614-365-5025. Johnson can be reached via e-mail at vijohnso@columbus.k12.oh.us.

Edited by Columbus Post staff.

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