BPAC and Delta Music Institute receive grants to expand arts education opportunities
Cleveland, MS (08/24/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4678
Email: nduff@deltastate.edu
BPAC and Delta Music Institute receive grants to expand arts education opportunities
CLEVELAND, Miss. - The King's Daughters and Sons Circle Number Two of Greenville has awarded grants benefiting two Delta State University programs that provide educational experiences in the performing arts and entertainment industries.
The Bologna Performing Arts Center's Office of Arts Education received funding to provide reduced-price tickets for public school students attending the BPAC's School-Time Matinee Series during the 2026-27 school year. The Delta Music Institute received funding to support its annual summer camp for high school students interested in music and entertainment industry careers.
The School-Time Matinee Series brings professional daytime performances to thousands of students in kindergarten through sixth grade from across the Mississippi Delta and surrounding areas.
"The School-Time Matinees are amazing educational field trips," said Cade Holder, Director of Marketing and Education at the BPAC. "Professional touring companies bring in sets, costumes, and original stories that kids in the Delta don't have to drive to Memphis or Jackson to see. So many kids think they're coming to see a movie, only to be wowed by the live aspects of the performance."
School-Time Matinee tickets are normally $7 each. With support from the King's Daughters and Sons grant, the BPAC can offer scholarship tickets to public school students for $1 each.
"As a non-profit theatre, we are eternally grateful for the funding from our corporate sponsors, annual members, and of course the amazing granting organizations like KDS," said Matty Bengloff, Executive Director of the BPAC. "With the increasing prices of touring productions, it is more valuable than ever to have the support of our grant partners."
Tickets are now available for the School-Time Matinee performance of "Pete the Cat," scheduled for Nov. 6. The performance is recommended for students in prekindergarten through third grade. Educators may contact the BPAC Arts Education Office at 662-846-4621 to inquire about block bookings for classes.
The grant supporting the Delta Music Institute will help fund a one-week summer camp that introduces high school students to the technical, creative and operational aspects of the music industry. Participants receive hands-on instruction while working with the professional facilities, technology and expertise available through DMI.
"We are extremely grateful to The King's Daughters and Sons Circle Number Two for investing in the next generation of music and entertainment industry professionals," said Dr. Richard Tremmel, Director of the Delta Music Institute. "This support will allow us to provide high school students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that can help them better understand the wide range of career opportunities available in today's music industry."
The DMI grant covers the period from Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2027. Camp participants explore audio recording and production, live sound, music business, performance and the technology used in modern entertainment production. The program also helps students understand how creative, business and production professionals work together to bring music and live entertainment to audiences.
"The camp is also an important part of our outreach mission," Tremmel said. "Students can experience a university environment, work alongside DMI faculty and staff, meet other young people who share their interests, and begin envisioning themselves pursuing an education and career in the entertainment industry."
The grants were awarded to the Delta State University Foundation on behalf of the BPAC and DMI through the organization's 2026 grant program. The King's Daughters and Sons Circle Number Two supports organizations and projects that serve communities throughout the region.
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About the Bologna Performing Arts Center
The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University presents a season of national touring productions and provides educational programs for students throughout the Mississippi Delta. Through its School-Time Matinee Series and other arts education initiatives, the BPAC works to make professional performing arts experiences accessible to young people across the region.
About the Delta Music Institute
The Delta Music Institute at Delta State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Industry Studies that provides hands-on education and professional preparation for careers throughout the music and entertainment industries. Through coursework, production experiences, internships and access to professional studios and technology, students develop the creative, technical, business and professional skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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