THE MISSION

The mission of PARK is to introduce children ages 7-12 living in the inner city of Richmond, Virginia to the positive power of the fine arts through quality musical instruction and performance opportunities with the ultimate goal of developing their God-given abilities.

THE METHOD

Weekly instruction with an emphasis on basic music theory
Rehearsing and singing as a group
Developing individual on-stage skills
Performing in public venues

THE MANDATE

From the director’s heart…

After spending more than 35 years enveloped in the world of music, the desire to share the passion and power of music with another generation was placed in my spirit by the Holy Spirit. I have been blessed with the opportunities to use my God-given talents from my local church to the stage of Lincoln Center in New York. These life changing experiences presented a mandate that I pay it forward by reaching into the community - give to children what was given to me, a love for music. Through PARK it is my sincerest desire that children will find their gift, explore new possibilities and be empowered to stand up and let their voices be heard. At the end of the day, the lessons learned on stage will translate into principles by which each child can live a positive, powerful and productive life.

Sonjia L. Upshaw

Organization Administrator

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@Hillside 2017

PARK was introduced to the Richmond community in the Spring of 2017 via a weekly after school music class hosted in the Hillside Court Activity Center for middle school students. The objective was to introduce students to the performing arts. It was a great success and some of those program's participants now serve as program volunteers.

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@ NRC 2017

In the summer of 2017, PARK partnered with the Neighborhood Resource Center on Williamsburg Road. Elementary age students were able to participate in after school music classes and activities including introduction to the keyboard and stage performance. PARK looks forward to acquiring the funding needed to establish a regular program at NRC.

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@Hillside Summer

In the summer of 2017, PARK partnered with the Hillside Court Tenant Council to bring the first week long summer camp to a group of amazing kids. Five days of singing, dancing and general musical instruction culminated in their first public performance. It was a huge success!

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Mother Goose Musicals

Summer 2018 was the introduction of the Mother Goose Musical series. Thanks to a generous donor, the week long summer camp was PARK's first full implementation of a stage performance. Signing, acting and choreography was all part of the week's activities. The program closed out with a lunchtime performance for family, friends and the entire Hillside community!