Music and Performing Arts

California is behind in arts education as compared to other states. In 2022, Proposition 28 provided additional resources, but its campaign highlighted the widening need. 

“Only 1 in 5 public schools in California has a dedicated teacher for traditional arts programs like music, dance, theater and art, or newer forms of creative expression like computer graphics, animation, coding, costume design and filmmaking. … This initiative is timely as our country seeks to create a more just and equitable future for all children. A boost in arts and music education will help ensure the future workforce in media and technology properly reflect the diversity of the children in our public schools.”  -Former Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District Austin Beutner and former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan 

Learn more about Prop 28 here.

Beginning in fall 2022, Artists in Residence, a program of the Children’s Creative Project, has offered performing arts instruction to all classrooms in GUSD. Every student will receive 11 weeks of music, theater, or dance throughout the year. 

The Children’s Creative Project (CCP) brings together young people and professional artists to develop artistic perception, creative expression, aesthetic valuing, an understanding of artists and the creative process, and historical and cultural arts heritage. The workshops are designed for the needs of an individual school or district to: 

• provide opportunities for creative expression, skill development and joyful discovery in school and after school. 
• emphasize concentration, critical thinking, group cooperation, self-confidence, and positive self-esteem.
• address the Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools and can integrate the arts with academic subject areas.
• offer Professional Development conducted by resident artists and touring artists for classroom teachers.

Student Testimonials

After receiving music instruction through the Resident Artists Partnership, sixth grade students at Brandon School said:

I think music is important because…

• Music is a big part of who I am and without music the world would be plain. There are so many types of music and everyone should be exposed to all music. Music creates diversity and allows you to release your inner feelings.

One thing I love about music class is…

• That we get to learn new instruments, but we also get to learn about the history of music and how it started. I love that in music we learn about different aspects of music and more than one subject in an area.

I think kids should have more music in school because…

• It can help you be more calm, or happy, or anything you need to be. Music can be created for any feeling or belief that someone has. I think that this would really benefit the kids at school.

Music helps me when/by…

• I am sad, excited, happy, or any emotion. I really love music and I personally love playing the piano, guitar and singing is my favorite.

Thank you to our 2022 partners!