Meet the Music Keeps the Music Playing After School
Grand Vision’s Meet the Music (MTM) wrapped up the school year with three creative after-school music experiences. Supported by the state-funded Cultural Arts Passport (CAP) and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), students from LAUSD elementary schools participated in a music-making masterclass and attended two engaging live world music concerts.
Dr. Emilia Borja teaching a music shop masterclass
In Tujunga at Plainview Academic Charter Academy, students participated in a music shop masterclass taught by Grand Vision Teaching Artists Dr. Emilia Borja, ManMan Mui, Nicholas Miller, Hiezer Montes and Kathy Bailey. All in one day, students learned, rehearsed and performed original arrangements for family, classmates and faculty. In the words of third grader, Cristobal, “I am so excited for this!”
Here in San Pedro, the Puerto Rican percussion band, Plenazo Tribe played for students at Leland Elementary school. The band demonstrated the African, Spanish and Indigenous influences of their music and showcased plena, a traditional drum-based music style. Led by Emilia Borja, students played instruments along with the band and danced throughout the show.
Ballet Folclórico do Brasil at the Grand Annex Music Hall
Finally, Grand Vision had the incredible opportunity to partner with The Music Center to bring Ballet Folclórico do Brasil to the Grand Annex Music Hall. For the first time, students from 95th Street Elementary School in downtown LA came to the Grand Annex for a live music performance. The third, fourth and fifth graders learned about Brazilian music, history and dance through demonstrations of capoeira, a traditional martial arts dance style, and the berimbau, a Brazilian stringed instrument. The students even had the chance to play the berimbau and make music with the band.
We’re honored to provide these cultural experiences to LAUSD students across the city. Beyond our standard MTM curriculum, these after-school programs are exciting opportunities to share cultural traditions, engage students in music-making and inspire future arts lovers.
