The Phoenix Boys Choir is proud to announce that they have partnered with The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation to create and fund a 3-year comprehensive community music education initiative that will strengthen elementary music education programs throughout Maricopa County and give children opportunities to explore and strengthen their love of singing.
Recent and increased cuts to school budgets have resulted in a dramatic drop to both the quantity and quality of music education programs and classes throughout elementary schools in Maricopa County. Some schools have even cut music education programs entirely, leaving their students with no opportunities to develop their interests and creativity in music appreciation. Those that have kept some level of music education programs have dealt with a lack of resources and professional development training for their instructors.
The new Community Education Initiative, created by the Phoenix Boys Choir and funded by The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, incorporates a variety of different music education workshops that are presented over the course of the school year. All workshops are taught at the local elementary schools by a professional music education expert from the Phoenix Boys Choir. The workshops (which include classroom materials, curriculum and assessment tools) are offered to all elementary and middle schools in Maricopa County free of charge.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide thousands of children (and their music teachers), quality music education, instruction and curriculum, free-of-charge to enhance overall student interest and participation in music and while creating better, well-rounded communities.” said Phoenix Boys Choir Executive Director, Oleg Shvets, whose goal is to broaden the scope of the Phoenix Boys Choir mission. “This program will provide a supplemental source of quality music education programming that any elementary or middle school music education instructor can use to help meet State Music Education Standards and provide their students with a beneficial music education experience.”
The Phoenix Boys Choir, through educating boys in the art of singing and performing the finest music in the boy choir tradition, develops character, discipline, leadership, global awareness, and a strong commitment to excellence, thereby contributing to the greater Phoenix musical life and enhancing Arizona’s cultural reputation nationally and internationally..
