PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM/SUNCOAST LAUNCHES EDUCATION OUTREACH

The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast (formerly of Sarasota), with the support and cooperation of The Juilliard School, Columbia University’s Teacher College, Toby & Itzhak Perlman and the faculty of The Perlman Music Program, has announced plans to launch education outreach programs for Sarasota and Manatee County schools to begin October 2009.

This Board-initiated effort was led by long time music educator and Board member Barbara Staton. Cindy Balistreri, the recently retired Fine Arts Program Specialist for the School Board of Sarasota County, is serving as PMP/Suncoast’s consultant for developing the curriculum-based programming which will serve a total of four middle schools as well as the feeder elementary schools in the initial year.

The Arts Council recently spoke with PMP/Suncoast Executive Director, Elizabeth Power.  "We are in the process of developing our curriculum right now, and Cindy Balistreri has been amazing to work with," says Power.  "This project is so important to us because it reaches into the local school system and supports our local students.  The PMP Winter Residency is only here for two weeks, and the education outreach programs will give [PMP/Suncoast] a yearlong presence."  

Find out more about the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast online.