This academic year, the Moraine Valley Community College Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC) launched a new initiative, Outreach in the Arts, to bring a range of performers to K-12 students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to interact with such artists.
Through the Moraine Valley Foundation’s fundraising efforts, the outreach program started in September 2024. Select artists or ensembles already scheduled to perform in the FPAC during the season were chosen to engage with the community. Many of these artists had previous experience with similar educational outreach.
“I have 20 years of experience in outreach in the arts, and when I arrived at Moraine Valley in 2022, I wanted to build the program here as well,” said Tianna Conway, FPAC managing director. “Many of our local students aren’t able to access the arts. Although Moraine Valley presents world-class, award-winning artists at affordable costs, these students don’t have the resources or means to come see these shows at the college. Therefore, let’s bring the arts to them!”
The first outreach effort was at St. Walter-St. Benedict School in Blue Island with Doktor Kaboom, an educational and fun performer who demonstrates the modern scientific method using humor and comedy while demonstrating physical sciences. In March, Six Appeal, an a capella vocal ensemble, visited Posen Intermediate School, performing for roughly 300 fourth and fifth graders.
“This is the first event like this we’ve had. We have a lot of kids who wouldn’t have this opportunity. I think this experience shines a lot of light on opportunities for my students. A good chunk don’t do a lot outside of their normal domain, so as much as I can get them to see what is outside, I encourage,” said Adrian Durry, Posen Intermediate principal. “I’m grateful and thankful. It was wonderful to see Six Appeal perform. I think the students actually learned some things about a capella and a group like that.”
The six members of Six Appeal opened with a song for the students and their instructors, then introduced themselves along with their vocal parts before taking questions and performing a few more tunes. Founded 18 years ago, the group often participates in community outreach and was happy to participate.
“A capella is nice, so when the students see and hear it, they have a lot of questions. It opens broader conversations and can be inspirational,” said Virginia Cavaliere, Six Appeal member. “They seem to get it when we explain everything about a capella. You can feel the room change.”
“There are a lot of schools without access to arts or funding for the arts. This year, they’re doing more without support. It’s a balance with outreach in the community for those who have and those who don’t have arts programs,” said Michael Brookens, member and co-founder of Six Appeal. “The kids get so jazzed, and we’ve seen other music groups eventually start as a result of this outreach.”
Conway plans to continue this program for the 2025-26 FPAC season.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
