Music and Performing Arts
I really like music because it’s fun to use a lot of different instruments. I think we should have music at school because music is invested in a lot of different cultures and I think it’s important to learn about different cultures like that.
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.
Resident Artist Partnership with Children’s Creative Project
Artists in Residence, a program of the Children’s Creative Project, offers performing arts instruction to all schools in GUSD. TK-1st grade students receive dance, and 3rd and 6th-grade students receive music 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.
Goleta Orchestra & Band Program
Founded by Sandy Adams and Stephen Hughes, the Goleta Orchestra and Band Program (GOPB) provides high-quality instrumental instruction to students in fourth, fifth, or sixth grade in the Goleta Union School District in an equitable, fun, and accessible manner.
Currently offered at Foothill, Goleta Family School, Brandon, Ellwood, La Patera, and Kellogg schools, with potential expansion to all GUSD schools by 2027. Over 120 students at these schools have expressed an interest in joining the band or orchestra!
- Offers instruction on band and orchestral instruments
- Available to 4th through 6th graders
- Classes offered before or after school
- Students receive:
- Instruction twice a week (full group + sectionals)
- 30 total weeks of instruction
Band Instruments include: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion
String Instruments include: Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass
Band and orchestra instruments are available through GUSD for GUSD students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Student Testimonials
Band was fun and it was cool to learn an instrument. It helped me socialize with kids from other grades and make new friends. I’m really glad that our school had this program.
As a parent, I’m deeply grateful for the band and orchestra program. It opened up opportunities for my child that she might not have had otherwise. Not only did she discover the joy of learning to play an instrument, but she also found meaningful ways to share her music with others – bringing joy and connection through her playing.
I’m especially thankful for the scholarship support. While the program is thoughtfully designed to be affordable, life can sometimes bring unexpected challenges. The assistance we received made it possible for my child to continue growing in confidence, skill, and service through music. We’re so appreciative of the generosity that makes this kind of experience possible for families like ours.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor!
Funding support was provided by the Arts Making Impact Grant Program, a partnership between the Santa Barbara Bowl and the County Arts Commission, and the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts at the Santa Barbara Foundation.
