Introducing children to music at a young age…..

  • Encourages receptiveness to learning
  • Increases cultural awareness and personal growth
  • Improves self-expression and self-worth
  • Develops social and communication skills
  • Leads students to a life-long appreciation of music and the arts

The youth of our community are central to the goals of Arrowhead Arts Association.   The Youth Enrichment Programs seek to foster the musical education of local students from grades K through 12. Since the programs were launched in 2001, thousands of students have benefited from high quality instruction. All programs are free (material fees may apply) and fully sponsored through grants and community donations.

For more information, please contact Chyrl Russell at chrylrussell@hotmail.com or 909-337-2215.

Early Childhood Music Program

This program introduces the children to the musical concepts of melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics and rhythm. Through singing, playing instruments, movement, and a variety of teaching props and puppets manipulated by the children, they participate in creating music.

Introduction to the Orchestra Program

With the use of real symphonic instruments, children are introduced to the functional mechanics and sounds from each section of the orchestra. Children are given time to see, hear, touch, and each play string, wind, and percussion instruments. This experience encourages young people to choose and play an instrument later in grades four through twelve.

String Program and Youth Orchestras

String programs include the Beginning, Elementary Advanced, Prelude Strings, Intermezzo Orchestra, Intermediate Chamber and Young Artists’ Ensemble (the most advanced and by audition only).  The Beginning and Elementary Advanced Strings is grades 3-6 at each of the three Rim of the World School District elementary schools as an after-school program at those sites.  Prelude Strings is for 6th graders and especially competent 5th graders by invitation and takes place after school at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School.  Intermezzo is for 7th thru 12th grades and also takes place at MPH.  Some younger students may be invited based on their commitment and abilities.  Intermediate Chamber and Young Artists’ also meets after school at other locations.  Both of those groups contain primarily middle school and high school students with an occasional invitation to younger students who show considerable ability and promise.

Musical Performances in the Schools

The Youth Enrichment Program presents annual musical performances by renowned musicians to three elementary schools reaching over 2,000 children grades K through 6 without cost to the school district.

Youth Symphony Concerts

For students to experience and observe the joy of music-making in a symphony orchestra, the Association presents free concerts by some of the finest regional youth symphonies.  These have included the acclaimed Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra and Symphonie Jeunesse Orchestra, performing outstanding music by young people, for young people, and adults as well!

A very special thanks to the Rim of the World School District for their partnership and the coordinators and teachers who make the Youth Enrichment Programs possible.

Chyrl Russell, M.A., Coordinator

Diane Grady, B.A., Teacher

        Linda K. Wilson, B.A., Strings Coordinator

Mui-Yee Chu, M.A., String Instructor

Sharon Rizzo, M.A.,  String Instructor

The success of these programs depends on our volunteers in a variety of capacities, from making puppets to repairing instructional materials to assistance in the classroom. Please call (909) 337-2215 for further information.

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