Harmony Stockton
The joy of music is touching the lives of local underprivileged students thanks to Harmony Stockton. This daily arts academy at Marshall Elementary School promotes academic achievement through musical education. By studying and practicing music, children in grades 3 through 5 develop the analytical skills, confidence and discipline that are critical to educational success. The program is modeled on Venezuela's visionary and highly successful music program, El Sistema.
Offered as a free after-school program introduces young children from disadvantaged backgrounds to classical music, teaches them to play a musical instrument and taps into their creativity. Through the rigorous study of music, participation in youth orchestras and concert performances, students:
- Become role models and liaisons between diverse populations in Stockton
- Develop the confidence, discipline and tenacity needed for academic success
- Become more likely to graduate from high school and college, according to studies
- Become less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, according to studies
- Strengthen work ethic and leadership skills
A partnership among Stockton Symphony, the Stockton Unified School District and University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music and Benerd College, with funding from United Way of San Joaquin, the San Joaquin Community Foundation, Wells Fargo and other private donations has made this academy possible and successful. Pacific and our partners successfully launched the first Harmony Stockton Academy here in the summer of 2011.The United Way of San Joaquin has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar all monetary gifts to Harmony Stockton. United Way SJC provided seed money for this innovative academy. Pacific and its partners plan to roll out additional Harmony Stockton academies in the near future, much to the benefit of students, their families and the community. Please join us in broadening the horizons of and opportunities for Stockton's most vulnerable students by making a gift.
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