A student ensemble from Guitars in the Classroom promises to pluck on heart strings as well as musical instruments. The ensemble reflects both the spirit of public education as well as the importance of Visual and Performing Arts for all students, including those with Special Needs. The ensemble is one of several featured performance groups at the second Hearts for Arts event on from 1- 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 hosted by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake. Our service club awarded a $2,500 grant to the Chula Vista Elementary School District to support arts education. Come join the celebration!
Rotary Event to Hit Heart Strings, High Notes
A student ensemble from Guitars in the Classroom promises to pluck on heart strings as well as musical instruments. The ensemble reflects both the spirit of public education as well as the importance of Visual and Performing Arts for all students, including those with Special Needs. The ensemble is one of several featured performance groups at the second annual Hearts for Arts event from 1- 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 hosted by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake. The service club awarded a $2,500 grant to the Chula Vista Elementary School District to support arts education. A ceremonial check will be presented at the event.
“The event is a wonderful opportunity for our club and the community at large to support local schools, and ensure students have access to a quality arts education,” said Sabrina Monaco, president of Chula Vista Eastlake Rotary. “We are really excited to see the students perform, and celebrate the amazing contributions of students and arts enthusiasts.”
Guitars in the Classroom is dedicated to providing musical access for all children and expanding the role of music in public education. GITC trains, inspires and equips elementary music educators, general elementary classroom teachers and special educators as well as school staff to integrate music for literacy and learning throughout the school day. Hearts for Arts will also feature elementary school student performance groups and a special performance highlighted by Bruno Bello, a high school student who excels at the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. Bruno began his musical career as a third grader in the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
Lauren Shelton, the District’s coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts, said it has been humbling watching Bruno’s musical growth over the years—and the District’s.
“In schools today, we rediscovered the arts,” Shelton said. “We know that when students perform—mother, father, sister, brother and the abuelitos are in the audience. Families are on our campus. That is great outcome for everyone.”
With Hearts for Arts, Rotary members in turn have the opportunity to stage a community event with broad appeal and generate even more funds for the District’s VAPA program.
Hearts for Arts will take place at Gran Rey Church, which is located at 871 Harold Place, Ste. 301, Chula Vista. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
The local club’s grant was supported with a matching contribution by Rotary District 5340. Monaco noted the arts grant is one of six awarded by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake. Together, the grants total $6,700 in support of local and global projects.