The Troy Arts Council has awarded grants to several schools and organizations as part of its community outreach efforts.

Dr. William Denison, TAC president, said the organization annually presents cash awards based on information included in applications for the grant funds.

“The applications detail the needs of the schools and organizations and state how the funds with be used and their potential benefits,” Denison said. “Some of the needs include equipment for their programs and others are for scholarship awards.”

The recent grants were awarded to the music and drama programs in the Troy City and Pike County school systems.

Grants were awarded to Charles Henderson High School drama, choral and band programs, the Troy Elementary School music program and the Goshen High School band program.

Three grants were awarded to music programs at Troy University.

“The TAC is very appreciative of the support from Troy University and we want to, in turn, support their arts programs,” Denison said.

“Grants were awarded to the Troy University Brass Symposium, Clarinet Day and the Symphony Orchestra.

“We also awarded a grant to the Troy Music Study Club for its scholarship program.”

The funds from the TAC grants come primarily from the organization’s annual patron’s drive.

“We have between 300 and 400 patrons each year and they make it possible for us to award grants to local arts organizations,” Denison said.

In addition to its grants programs, the TAC presents a calendar of outstanding cultural arts entertainment.

To close out the 2009 calendar of events, the TAC presented Tuck and Patti, the Austin Lounge Lizards, Shelia Jackson and Company and The Rose Ensemble.

The 2010 spring calendar will highlight the Dallas Brass on Feb. 26.

In addition to a public performance, the Dallas Brass will also work with local high school band students.

The Children’s Choir from Spivey Hall in Atlanta will perform in March and the Southeastern Alabama Community Band will perform in May.

“The Troy Arts Council is also a sponsor of the annual Troy Fest arts and crafts show in April along with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Troy,” Denison said.

“At that time, we present the Jean Lake Scholarship to a local high school senior who plans to attend college and major in art.”

Denison expressed appreciation to the TAC patrons and those who attend the organization’s arts programs throughout the year.

“We are able to do the things we do because of their interest and support,” he said.