County Supervisors support free music and art classes for underserved K-6 students
SAN JOSE – To expand access to art and music education for economically disadvantaged students in District Five, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by County Supervisor Joe Simitian to support the nonprofit Community School of Music and Arts’ (CSMA) Art4Schools and Music4Schools programs.
“These two programs benefit our students by filling a critical need for arts education,” said Simitian. “Declining support for art education is especially a concern for high-need schools and historically underserved students, many of whom rely on our public schools to provide enriching arts experiences.”
County funding allows the CSMA to provide its Art4Schools and Music4Schools programs at 27 schools in District Five, providing access to art and music education for nearly 3,700 students in grades K-6. Students will receive 12 to 33 weeks of sequential, standards-based music and art classes during the regular school day.
The Art4Schools program provides a comprehensive course of study in art taught by a professional faculty and builds students’ understanding of eight key concepts that include line, shape, color, value, contour, self-portrait, 3D studies, and artist studies. The Music4Schools program offers music education through weekly lessons and practices through which students develop a sense of rhythm, strengthen their vocal and listening skills, demonstrate improved coordination, and develop the joy of making music with others and experience the thrill of live performances.
Founded in 1968 by two music therapists with $150 of startup capital, CSMA is the largest arts education nonprofit in the Bay Area and among the largest in the country. In 2019, the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce named CSMA its 2019 Nonprofit Organization of the Year.
CSMA aims to make the arts accessible to people of all ages, experience levels, backgrounds, and financial means. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit offers financial aid, free access to concerts and gallery exhibitions, and program subsidies for underfunded schools, preschools, and programs serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization’s Art4Schools and Music4Schools programs provide art and music classes to nearly 22,000 students annually at more than 50 schools in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our in-school music and arts programs by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors,” said Adriana Marcial, Executive Director at CSMA. “We know that arts education not only positively impacts students’ well-being, but also plays a role in their success in the classroom. We look forward to continuing to work with the youth community of Santa Clara County and being a part of creating a healthy and vibrant community.”
To learn more about CSMA or learn how to participate, visit https://arts4all.org/.