Thank you, thank you, thank you!

PCM Student Performances at Rhythms of the Heart on You Tube.

Here We Are Mas Alla Somos Our Sun Will Rise

A Special Thank You to our videographer, Thomas J. Eldridge, and our Photographer, Paul Reklaitis of ProPhoto Portraits.

This last year, The Phoenix Conservatory of Music with the collaborative help of Flor Y Piedra (a very special, heart felt thank you to Peter Torsiello and Liliana de Leon for opening up their world and their hearts to these students!), Hector Martinez, and Ruth Vichules along with Papago School facilitated the project, Rhythms of the Heart. We have many times before, shared with you the project and invited you to share in the student celebration.

Now we would like to share with you your impact that your generosity made possible.

During the 2008-2009 school year, The Phoenix Conservatory of Music (PCM) and Papago Elementary School joined together to facilitate and produce the project Rhythms of the Heart: A Celebration of Latin Music! The project was a year long after school residency that was developed with the idea of providing this very undeserved, impoverished community with the opportunity to be mentored by internationally acclaimed artists from Flor Y Piedra (Peter Torsiello and Liliana de Leon Torsiello) Hector Martinez, and Ruth Vichules 3 hours per week for 31 weeks of exciting, music fun!

This partnership is ending its second year, and already the students, schools, teachers, and parents are more knowledgeable and respectful of musical genres being presented to them. They are all very proud of the work that they have accomplished and are very thoughtful in their approach to their art forms. Reports to The Arizona Department of Education after year one of the after school programs show that:

82% of participating after school students increased their grades in reading and math by half a grade or more.
84% showed an increase in turning homework in on time
82% showed an increase in being attentive and participating in class, and over 50% showed an overall increase in behavior.
Student testimonials from this year found that 96% of the participating students want to continue next year, had fun this year, liked their teaching artists, and learned new skills.
80+% were able to talk about their art form with appropriate vocabulary and discuss step by step processing.

Individual statements include:

"I learned that even if it's hard, you keep trying and it get's better and better."
"I was so proud to perform and be a part of the program. When my Uncle came and he was right where I could see him, and he shouted my name, I knew that I wanted to do everything right, and I did!"

"Next year, I want to do this again, because it will make it better. We already know what we are doing."

"Just wanted to thank you again for helping to make this possible. Last nights performance was spectacular and I am very proud of our kids and school. Carl Zaragoza, Governing board member, was there with his wife and had a wonderful time. Tuesday night was attended by Dr, Charlotte Boyle, our Superintendent, and two other board members who reported excellent behavior from the kids and a top notch performance. Thanks again!" Jeff Geyer - Principal, Papago School.

The partnership is part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, and the program, including it's partnership with The Phoenix Conservatory of Music, was recognized as the district's most outstanding program for school year 2007-2008. The project, during the 2008-2009 school year received high praise form the school principal, district board members, and Superintendent. Beginning talks of an addition of a new performing arts center are underway.

We could not do it without your support. Thank you all of you!

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A Very Special Thank you goes out to all of our sponsors. Without their assistance, programs like this would not be possible!

Papago School and The Arizona Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

Met Life's Partnership for Arts Education Award faciliatated by The National Guild of Community Schools for the Arts

The Arizona Commission on the Arts with Funding from The National Endowment for the Arts.

The Scottsdale League of the Arts.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

The Capital Group Companies

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