Anaheim Elementary School District (AESD), the largest elementary school district in California, celebrated the talents of its 15,000 schoolchildren with the Anaheim Elementary School District Music, Art, and Creativity Festival. In partnership with the nonprofit, The Drake Gives, whose mission is to provide underserved youth with music education, the event took place at Pearson Park Amphitheatre in Anaheim on Thursday. It showcased the district’s award-winning music and arts program at its 24 campuses.
“We are so proud of our teachers and students,” said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Mary Grace. “They’ve been working so hard to make this day possible. We are pleased to offer a robust music and arts programs. Studies show that music and the arts foster creativity and play an important role in the social development and the academic success of students.”
A variety of performances in the form of song, dance and musical instruments were on hand while also highlighting culturally relevant presentations: Mariachi, Conga Kids, Ballet Folklórico, Korean Traditional Dance and Drum Line. More than 80 percent of the student population at AESD are Latino and the District also offers Dual-Language Immersion programs in Spanish, Korean and Mandarin.
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“Music and the arts take many forms,” said AESD Coordinator of Music and Arts Programs Mark Anderson. “It’s important to expose children to a variety of instruments and to introduce them to music from various cultures so that they can grow an even greater appreciation for our diverse community and traditions.”
About Anaheim Elementary School District
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The Anaheim Elementary School District serves nearly 15,000 students at 24 campuses in the City of Anaheim, making it the largest elementary only school district in the State of California. AESD is committed to providing engaging and equitable learning opportunities for all students through STEAM, Dual Language, and music education programs in TK through 6th grade. Award-winning schools, innovative programs, and one-of-a-kind community partnerships make AESD an educational leader in the region that prepares students for success in the 21st Century.
Learn more at www.anaheimelementary.org and follow us on social media:
Twitter: @AnaheimElem
Facebook: @AnaheimElementary
Instagram: @AnaheimElementary
YouTube: Anaheim Elementary School District
About The Drake Gives
The Drake Gives is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to connect, inspire and provide underserved youth with the music education, materials and instruments they need and deserve to fuel their passions and experience the power of music. The Founder of The Drake and The Drake Gives, Alec Glasser, discovered the saxophone in public school at the age of 12. That experience profoundly shaped his life in ways he never dreamed possible - his wish is for all kids to be able to have the same opportunity in their public school education. Launching in 2021, to date, The Drake Gives has raised over half a million dollars to support Save The Music Foundation, which has funded public music education in underprivileged school districts within Orange County, California. Learn more HERE.
