Musicfest Strummers, an innovative program launched by Arizona Musicfest in October 2010, is undergoing a three-year trial at Desert Sun Academy in the Cave Creek Unified School District. Grades 3, 4 and 5 are being introduced to making music by learning how to play the baritone ukulele. In the 2011-2012 school year, Grade 6 will transition to guitar.
Desert Sun Academy music teacher Cindy Puschak is developing and teaching the program. Recently, Ms. Puschak was honored with Yale’s Distinguished Music Educator Award for her outstanding accomplishments and vision as a public school music teacher.
“Across the country, children are being introduced to the thrill of music-making via a wonderful instrument – the baritone ukulele,” explained conductor Robert Moody, Arizona Musicfest Artistic Director. “This great stringed instrument has become a YouTube sensation; kids love the instrument because it is cool!”
Ann Wallenmeyer, Jim Morrissey, Cindy Puschak and Irene O’Hare with the newly delivered ukuleles.
Ninety ukuleles, forty sets of extra strings, twenty music stands and thirty tuners, made possible by the John and Joan D’Addario Foundation, were delivered to the school by Arizona Musicfest volunteers.
This is a ‘win-win’ scenario for students, educators, our community and Arizona Musicfest.
Once again, Arizona Musicfest, through the generous donation from the John and Joan D’Addario Foundation, has provided a highly motivating music opportunity for the lucky students at Desert Sun Academy. We look forward to following these students as they experience the joy and art of music with their baritone ukuleles! ~ Dr. Debbi Burdick, Superintendent, CCUSD
