Olivet Boys & Girls Club has partnered with the WCR Center for the Arts to provide engaging and educational piano lessons for local youth. Every Tuesday after school, approximately 20 to 24 students, ranging in age from 8 to teenagers, gather at the WCR Center for the Arts to explore the fundamentals of piano playing in an inspiring setting.
The piano lessons are made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Reading Musical Foundation. The program provides students with hands-on instruction using six to seven keyboards and headsets, allowing for an interactive and immersive learning experience.
Under the guidance of local teaching artist Suzanne Truitt, students develop essential musical skills, including finger positioning, note reading, rhythm, and simple song performance. Lessons incorporate colorful visuals, playful exercises, and interactive activities to create an engaging learning environment.
“The piano lessons are the best-attended class in terms of frequency and recurring participation,” said Richard Bradbury, Director of Grants at Olivet Boys & Girls Club. “We are thrilled to see so many students consistently engaged and excited about learning music.”
Jayme Rhoads, President of the WCR Center for the Arts Board of Directors, emphasized the value of the collaboration, stating, “We were eager to help our friends at Olivet find a new home for the piano program. This partnership provides a unique educational experience, offering children the opportunity to learn in our historic performance space.”
WCR Center for the Arts is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to promoting the arts, serving the community, and contributing to the revitalization of Reading, Pennsylvania. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, WCR’s mission is to preserve and utilize its historic facility to foster cultural and artistic enrichment in the region.
Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County is a non-profit organization, and a chartered member of Boys & Girls Club of America. The mission of Olivet Boys & Girls Club is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as healthy, productive, caring, responsible citizens”. Olivet’s goal is to provide exceptional youth programming focusing on academic success, artistic opportunities, good character and leadership and supporting a positive, healthy lifestyle. Olivet serves over 3,000 members a year at 6 locations within the City of Reading and at the Blue Mountain Camp location in Hamburg, PA. Olivet Boys & Girls Club was founded in 1898.
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