About

ABOUT KGMAA

Kate Grana Music and Arts Association (KGMAA) is a 501(c)(3) formed in 2018. Its purpose is to review current technical and structural needs of the PHS Auditorium and Music Suite and to assist in fundraising for improvements in order to establish a center for Music and the Performing Arts. New seating, stage lighting, sound equipment and much more are all part of the dream to bring these long ignored areas of the Portsmouth High School into the 21st Century. Our vision is to build a creative and inspirational hub that will not only benefit the students of PHS, but the whole community. In recognition of Kate Grana and her decades of influence and dedication to Portsmouth, the new auditorium will be named in her honor.

KATE GRANA

Kate Grana was a beloved educator in the Portsmouth School system for over 31 years, who passed away in 2016. In the course of her career at the middle and high schools, she inspired thousands of students as a singer, vocal coach, choral conductor, director, music teacher and mentor, offering caring advice and encouragement to her students, always with her trademark sense of humor.

As a direct result of her enthusiasm and example, many of her students went on to pursue musical careers. Her renowned performances, ranging from operatic concerts to open mics in coffee shops, made her an institution in the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island and beyond.