Creation of the

Arts District
Historically, the city of Rome, New York has been a hub of
artistic achievements. From being the hometown to the
likes of opera singer Edyth Walker, who performed for
companies such as the Metropolitan Opera, to investing in
local theatres such as the Strand Theatre (built in 1911 as
the Carroll Theatre), there was no lack entertainment to go
around for decades.

Following the closing of prominent theatres in the 1950s

and 60s, along with a declining population and changes in
city administration, many arts organizations fell into
decline. However, initiatives in recent years by dedicated
Romans made headway toward revitalizing arts in Rome,
including music, studio arts, and theatre. With many
organizations and businesses located on the 200-block of
West Dominick Street, this area has become known as
Romes own downtown arts district.

Rome Capitol Theatre

Rising Stars

Constructed in 1928, the Capitol became Romes first run

movie house and even played sound movies. The first
program included a newsreel, two Vitaphone shorts, and the
First National feature, Lilac Time, accompanied by its
impressive seven-rank Mller organ.

The Rising Stars Program for grades 3-12 is offered at the

Capitol Theatre and teaches stage skills through games,
individual coaching, and performances. The program
focuses on developing creativity, building confidence,
improving reading comprehension speaking, and teamwork. Skills developed prepare students for roles in school
plays, the Capitols SummerStage, and other productions.

With high overhead costs, the Capitol closed as a first-run

movie house in 1974 and was occasionally used for 11 years
for live events. In the 1980s a movement formed to revitalize
the theatre and in 1985 the newly Capitol Civic Center
opened as a non-profit organization. The new opening
featured the Capitols first ever film Lilac Time.
Today there are over 100 performances per year at the
Capitolfrom the live performances to classic silent films,
including the August Capitolfest film festival. The theater
now attracts patrons from across the globe.

A performance by Rising Stars students

Melinda Bensons Voice Studio

Melinda Benson is a native of Rome and graduate of
Rome Free Academy. She has been teaching voice and
piano for 20 years and holds a doctorate in Voice
Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa.
Until recently, Melinda has been teaching out of her
home, but decided to open her own studio on West
Dominick Street in January of 2016. She is also employed
as the music coordinator for the First United Methodist
Church in New Hartford. Melinda teaches classical, pop,
jazz, and musical theater styles. Piano lessons start at age
5 and voice lessons start at age 10.

Artistree Studios & Gallery

Artistree is a committee of Rome Up & Running, Inc.
whose mission is to bring fine artists together in a unified
studio environment and extend fine art in Rome through
events, art openings, speakers, commissions, and other
events. There are currently six member artists specializing
in various mediums and styles. To encourage arts in the
local community, members of the studio instruct arts
classes for both adults and children.

Interior of the historic Rome Capitol Theatre

Cinema Capitol

Ms. Benson instructing a voice student

Cinema Capitol was founded in November 2014. Located

next to the Capitol, Cinema Capitol is a 52-seat theater
which screens recent independent films. Examples of genres
the cinema often show include dramas, comedies, foreign
features, and operas. The initiative is unique in that the
cinema is the only theatre in Rome dedicated to
independent films and also allows Central New Yorkers to
experience films that would not be available otherwise in the
region. A second screen with approximately 80 seats is
among the additions planned for Cinema Capitol in 2016.

Proud artists following a class at Artistree

John Hayes ONeill Studio of Dance

The Music Studio
Greg Uangst opened The Music Studio on W. Dominick
Street in 2013, where he currently teaches piano and
voice. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in Piano
Performance from the Crane School of Music with
additional study in vocal coaching and accompanying
from Florida State University. Besides a busy teaching
schedule, Greg performs regularly as a pianist in multiple
capacities.

John Hayes O'Neill began teaching dance in 1917 and founded a

studio in 1932. After decades of instructing, he passed away in
1986. Shortly after his death, however, the studio was reopened
by his protg, Stephen Jackson and his wife, Canan. Since then,
the Jacksons have instructed thousands and the studio actively
performs, including an annual production of The Nutcracker.

A production of The Nutcracker by the dance studio

THE ARTS
DISTRICT OF
DOWNTOWN
ROME,
NEW YORK

Garys Music

An A-Vi-Vo recital, with Greg Uangst of

The Music Studio accompanying on piano

What began as a small kiosk in 1983 has become a key source of

musical supplies for Romans. As a touring musician, founder
and owner Gary Colmey was as fascinated with the mechanics of
music, making the transition from full-time musician to music
retailer natural. Today, Garys Music stocks everything from
banjos to violins, and everything needed to play them.

A-Vi-Vo
A-VI-VO was founded by Juliane Price and Stephen Perry
Price in 2004 and moved to 227 W. Dominick St. in
2009. The name stands for A cting, Vi olin and Vo ice.
However, the name also holds the meaning of "to live
in Italian. A-VI-VOs students study in several languages,
styles, and genres. Students learn proper technique when
singing and/or in-depth acting and character work. They
offer lessons in Rome, Sylvan Beach, and Clinton.

Clever Canaries Music Together

While in Las Vegas, Juliane Price (of A-VI-VO) discovered Music Together, a program for children up to age 7
and their caregivers, offered in over 2,500 locations
worldwide. Following her relocation to Rome, Price
founded Clever Canaries Music Together, in which children learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and confidently
participate in the music of their culture. The program
serves communities in Rome, Clinton, and Hamilton.

The interior of Garys Music

Corey Colmey Drum Instruction

Corey Colmey Drum Instruction is a private teaching studio for
students of all ages to study drumming. Opened in 2001,
Coreys studio offers private lessons for drum set, concert
percussion, NYSSMA prep, African drumming, and ensemble
programs for children and adults. Corey is a highly sought after
instructor in all styles of percussion.

What I love about our little block is that on a nice

afternoon you can hear music and dance
happening from all directions. Piano at Greg's
studio, voices and/or violin coming from above my
store, Corey's drummers from within, dancers
tapping above the Capitol.... pretty cool.
-Gary Colmey of Garys Music

Compiled by the Capitol Civic Center, Inc.