“Something I struggle with as a young artist is insecurity in my work and being comfortable being vulnerable. Black Violin inspired me because along their journey, they said “You can like it or not, this is who I am.” I’m going to use this as inspiration to unapologetically be myself.

– high school student

“I am just a 10 years old girl…that [sic] got to see the performance of Black Violin. This was so cool. I have to admit I thought that this was going to be boring classical music performance, but no, I really liked the songs that they played.  One of the guys had a cool electric violin…I am just really thankful that I got to see the Black Violin.”             

– elementary school student

 “Thank from the bottom of our WL Henry Wildcat hearts!  It was such an honor to have Mariachi Flor de Toloache come to our school last month.  It was an empowering experience for our girls and boys to see a diverse all-female mariachi group, presenting in English and Spanish.  The students and staff felt a strong cultural connection, and enjoyed the interactive performance.  Several teachers also used the study guide provided ahead of time in their classroom lessons.

“We greatly appreciate the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts’ Education and Community and Engagement program for making this a possibility.  A school like ours* often doesn’t have the resources or opportunities to bring performers of the caliber of Mariachi Flor de Toloache.

“*Our school building is nearly 50 years old, 100% of students receive free breakfast and lunch, 90% of students are Latino/a, 76% of students are English Language Learners, 13% of students are qualified as Migrant, and 13% of students are qualified for Special Education services.”

– Adrianne Galvez, Climate & Culture Instructional Coach, WL Henry Elementary School

“I liked the music because violins usually play classical music, but Black Violin and everyone likes new music and they put that into the violin.  They broke the violin stereotype. Finally it is important for kids to see Black Violin because kids usually only believe what they are told.  Black Violin wants kids to have their own opinion.”   

– elementary school student
 

The Portland’5 Centers for the Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that supports the education and community outreach programs of metro Portland’s finest performing arts venues – Keller Auditorium, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Newmark Theatre, Winningstad Theatre, and Brunish Theatre. 

Contact

Portland'5 Centers for the Arts Foundation
1111 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
[email protected]
503.274.6555