Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2024

less a piano. And, music helps in so many areas – frommath to team building to collaboration. Music is fundamental, and PSIPC is committed to furthering this education throughout our Valley,” said Giarrusso. In Fall 2023, PSIPC conducted an intensive four-week program at Roosevelt Elementary. Meeting daily, 20 students were able to accelerate their learning. Students from kindergarten through 5th grade enrolled in the session. Thanks to a generous grant from Anderson Children’s Foundation, PSIPC has purchased additional keyboards. Classes can now hold up to 40 students. PSIPC is nalizing its plans to o er this program at Indio, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs schools. In addition to hands-on courses, PSIPC has returned to arranging performances in schools. On November 30, 2023, world renowned cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio and Robert Koenig performed at Cielo Vista Charter School and Cathedral City High School. This cello/piano duo performed the music of celebrated Latin composers. The ery style is engaging and seldom heard outside major concert halls. Following the performance, students learned about careers in music and were able to ask questions. On December 1, 2023, students from Desert Hot Springs High School attended PSIPC’s Latin Fire concert at the Annenberg Theatre. Transportation and ticket costs were supported by donors Joe Giarrusso & Charlie Paglia and through grant funding fromThe City of Palm Springs. In addition to the concert, students were escorted to the stage for a conversation with the performers. Students also attended the post-concert reception celebrating Latin music, culture and food. PSIPC will be expanding its education and outreach program throughout 2024. In Spring 2025, the Junior Competition of its International Piano Competition will be held at Temple Isaiah and The McCallumTheatre. For more information or to see the performance or education/outreach schedule, visit psipc.org . Palm Springs International Piano Competition is a 501(c)(3) nonpro t organization located in Palm Springs, California. PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION Reinvigorates Educ t on & Outre ch he pandemic completely halted PSIPC’s education and outreach plans. Gone were the opportunities to visit schools, engage the students and hold events. The emergence of the new Artistic Director, Robert Koenig has brought education back to the forefront. Since Fall of 2022, PSIPC has been actively engaged in hands-on keyboard classes in elementary schools. This year saw the return of in school assemblies with musical performances and Q&A sessions. “With school budget cuts, districts need to focus on the core curriculum – reading, math, sciences. The arts are where the districts rely on outside agencies. We are actively engaging with schools to provide this,” said Robert Koenig. The hands-on keyboard classes at Amelia Earhart Elementary School in Indio kicked o PSIPC’s reinvigorated outreach and education initiative. More than 20 students enrolled in this after school program. During the eight-week course, students learned technique, music reading, rhythm and collaboration. Each session conducted by PSIPC culminates in a recital for family, friends and faculty. Showing o their new skills, students play songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. The course was conducted free of charge to parents and families. PSIPC President Joe Giarrusso talked about the importance of these no-cost sessions. “We work with schools in lower income areas. Families can’t a ord piano lessons, much