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Arts for All Awards $19,800 Advancement Grant to Duarte Unified School District
Arcadia Weekly Jul 16, 2015
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The Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) is pleased to announce that Los Angeles County “Arts for All” has awarded the district an Advancement Grant in the amount of $19,800 to support the expansion of elementary music programs.
“The creative arts enrich our lives both as a culture and as individuals,” stated Duarte Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Allan Mucerino. “Why creativity and personal expression became unnecessary to our growth as a society, I do not know. What I do know is that the children of Duarte and our neighboring communities who attend Duarte schools will receive a world class arts education as a result of our partnership with the Arts for All consortium.”
DUSD proudly became an Arts for All designated school district in 2013 as the provision of visual and performing arts education is a district priority. With support from individual donors and community partners, last year the district was able to implement K-12 choral and instrumental instruction that included 6th grade band programs at every elementary school. In addition, for the first time, DUSD hosted both an all-district band showcase and an all-district choral showcase in the spring of 2015 featuring the new elementary band and choir programs along with our established middle and high school band and choir students. These inaugural events were huge successes and much appreciated by the entire DUSD learning community.
By awarding DUSD the Advancement Grant for a second consecutive year, Arts for All recognizes DUSD’s continued commitment to student learning in the arts. The grant application was reviewed by knowledgeable representatives of the arts education community. In the letter notifying DUSD of the award, Arturo Delgado, Superintendent of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and Laura Zucker, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission stated, “We applaud the work happening in your district and the continued commitment you have made in arts education.”
DUSD will use the Advancement Grant funds received for this year to expand the district’s music offerings to include the launch of band programs for 5th grade students. Starting fall of 2015, all students in both the 5th and 6th grade band programs will receive weekly music instruction that includes learning to play an instrument, reading sheet music, the proper care and upkeep of their instrument, and the fundamentals of playing in an ensemble taught by a highly qualified certificated music teacher hired by the district. This grant offers financial support that will help our district continue to provide quality arts education to all our students.
