Category: youth

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BLAC Inc. Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. music Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances Uganda Ugandan Orphans Choir youth

Ugandan orphans spread hope for children in poverty

The Ugandan Orphans Choir, a group of 10 talented children ranging from ages 11 to 14, has announced that they will be performing in Oklahoma during the month of May. All 10 children have been given hope through Childcare Worldwide’s sponsorship program, and now they devote their energy to helping other children have access to sponsorship and education.


These exuberant children delight audiences as they dance in colorful, traditional
costumers accompanied by authentic African drums and other instruments. They sing
African songs in their native language, which in Luganda, and have learned some songs
in English as well. Former audience member Kurt Swanson said in a new release, “Audiences just can’t seem to get enough of what these children have to share; from their natural musical
talents to their raw expression of African culture. People are also amazed by the deep joy
these children have despite the circumstances they came from.”


Each of the 10  children has a story to tell about how their lives have been changed through the power of education provided through Childcare Worldwide’s sponsorship program. The choir has performed in churches and schools nationwide, as well as reputable venues such as Disneyland, KING 5 Television’s “New Day Northwest” as well as Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.


The Ugandan Orphans Choir will be performing at the following locations in Oklahoma City:
1 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2012 – Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School.


1 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012 – Douglass High School.


1 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2012 – Wilson Arts Integration Elementary School.


The Ugandan Orphans Choir is a ministry of Childcare Worldwide and has been devoted to transforming lives of children for over 30 years in nine developing countries. Childcare Worldwide seeks to make learning and the hope of future employment possible for every child they serve. The ultimate goal of sponsorship and education is to break the cycle of poverty in children’s lives.


According to Anita G. Arnold, executive director of BLAC Inc., the concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800.

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BLAC Inc. Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. education music Oklahoma Oklahoma City United States youth

BLAC Inc. launches Douglass High School musical instrument campaign in Oklahoma City

At a recent concert, Anita Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. in Oklahoma City, appealed to the audience to donate instruments that were not being used to the marching band at Frederick A. Douglass High School.  


In a recent news release, Arnold said BLAC Inc. had purchased nine used instruments and another 10 or more had been donated by the public. She said the goal is to provide instruments to build the marching band to 100 members and provide instruments to five elementary feeder schools for a music program at the elementary school level.

“Zelia N. Page Breaux, an iconic music teacher and daughter of Inman Page, Langston University’s first President, had a similar strategy as she put in place a system that produced great musicians such as Charlie Christian, Jimmy Rushing, C. E. Pittman and so many more masters of music,” Arnold said.  “I am honored to assist Charles Moore, band director in reaching his goals.  We are both determined to bring Douglass back to its former greatness that produced merit scholars and legends.”

Indicating the seriousness of the project, Arnold said that every day of the school week, Moore loads up Douglass’ music instruments and goes to a different elementary school to teach music.

“He works hard at this daily routine and returns to Douglass to teach his students there.  Mr. Moore is to be commended,” Arnold said.  “In fact, Douglass’ band was the only Oklahoma band selected to participate in the Battle of the Bands competition in Houston last month.  Douglass placed third in the small band competition.  It shows that there is great potential for becoming nationally known again.  Remember the music improves critical thinking skills and that is good for employers looking for employees.  These contributions (money or instruments) are tax-deductible.”

Anyone interested in participating in the project may call Arnold at (405) 524-3800 or Moore at (405) 587-4200.  Financial donations may be mailed to BLAC Inc., P.O. Box 11014, Oklahoma City, OK 73136.

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Beans-n-Frank creators elevate academic enrichment through catchy hip-hop beats

Teaching with hip-hop isn’t a new idea, but it has never been done as cool as Beans-N-Frank. They are the cartoon kids who rap lessons over hard-hitting hip-hop beats. The lyrics are as catchy and memorable as Sesame Street songs, but the music sounds like tracks from your favorite radio jam. We make music that the entire family can enjoy.
Our creators, Mark Davis and David Washington are veteran teachers with over 22 years of classroom experience between them, and even more experience as hip-hop artists. Davis and Washington are the hosts who join the mascot characters on stage for live performances that involve a lot of rapping, dancing, fact reviews, and “edutainment” at its finest. The combination makes for products and performances that are much more relevant and exciting than what can usually be found amongst children’s entertainers, yet the content reinforces skills that are critical for academic enrichment.
We offer the following services: 
– Live Performances 
– Curriculum Supplements 
– Remediation (for Groups of All Sizes) 
– Song Personalization 
– Gang/Bully Prevention Training 
– Birthday Parties/Special Events 
– Fundraisers
Our recorded music and live presentations reinforce the skills that align with the following Common Core State Standards recognized and adopted by most educational systems in the U.S.:
(Elementary Grades)
•Print concepts 
•Phonological awareness 
•Know number names and the count sequence 
•Count to tell number of objects 
•Compare numbers 
•Understand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from. 
•Identify and describe shapes 
•Phonics and word recognition 
•Add and subtract within 20 
•Tell and write time 
•Work with time and money 
•Comprehension and collaboration

For more information on Beans-n-Frank, go to  http://www.reverbnation.com/beansnfrank.

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Bridge to Terabithia Oklahoma Spotlight Children's Theater theater tulsa United States youth

Spotlight Children’s Theatre presents “Bridge to Terabithia” in Tulsa

Spotlight Children’s Theatre presents “Bridge to Terabithia” June 18-20, 24-27, 2010 with 7:30 p.m. Friday performances and 2 p.m. for Saturday and Sunday performances. The production will take place at Spotlight Theatre, 1381 Riverside Drive, in Tulsa, OK.
This powerful adaptation with music focuses the humor, warmth and emotional intensity of the award-winning novel by Katherine Paterson. The production is directed by Catherine Christie, and Joyce Shank serves as musical director and pianist. 
“Bridge to Terabithia” is about a new girl from the city named Leslie, who befriends Jesse, an adolescent struggling to reconcile his artistic leanings with the pargmatism of his family and rural Virigina culture. Together they create Terabithiam, a fantasy kingdome where they are safe from those who don’t understand them. When tragedy strikes, the strength gained in Terabithia takes Jesse forward on his own and lets him share the magic of his dreams.
Tickets prices are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $8 for children. Theatre opens 30 minutes prior to show time. For more information or reservations, call (918) 587-5030.

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arts BLAC Inc. Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. Geoffrey Canada Oklahoma Oklahoma City United States youth

Child advocate Geoffrey Canada to speak on April 28 in Oklahoma City

Anita G. Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC), Inc., has announced that Geoffrey Canada, nationally known child advocate who founded Harlem Children’s Zone will speak from 1 to 3 p.m. April 28 at the Petroleum Club, 4040 N. Lincoln Blvd. 2nd floor, in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $40.  No tickets will be sold at the door, and seating is limited.  
Canada is known for helping impoverished, at-risk youth beat the odds.  Canada’s programs are on the cutting edge of preventing youth violence and fostering community development.  He transformed a 24-block area in Harlem, NY, and developed a network of services that has helped  more than 10,000 children.  
 The 2010 Brock Prize Laureate was presented a $40,000 award for excellence in education by Oklahoma University President David Boren and Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis at Tulsa University.  Canada is also a recipient of the Heinz Award which carries a $250,000 prize.  Canada has appeared on numerous television shows including “60 Minutes” and “The Colbert Report.”  He is also seen in an American Express television commercial that speaks of his ground-breaking work. 
Arnold said in a news release, “Oklahoma City is fortunate to have Mr. Canada come to share his experiences.  Anyone who is serious about changing the lives of children and profoundly changing communities should be there.  There is no one in America more qualified to address the issues of America’s children.  Mr. Canada knows what he is talking about.  He has lived it, written about it, inspired children and showed them how to succeed using his resources for their good.  We need to listen.”
BLAC, Inc., Enid Public Schools, Mid-Del Schools and Oklahoma City Public Schools will host the event.  For more information, call BLAC, Inc. at (405) 524-3800.   

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Muskogee Little Theatre presents Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” in April

“Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” is presented by Muskogee Little Theatre at 8 p.m. April 8-9, 1 and 8 p.m. April 10, 2 p.m. April 11 and April 18.
This stage version includes all of the songs written by Alan Menkin and the late Howard Ashman along with new songs by Menkin and Tim Rice. The audience is transported to the heart of provincial life in a lovely French town.
When Maurice becomes lost in the woods on the way to the fair, he seeks shelter in an old castle, but the master of the castle is a horrible beast that takes him captive. Maurice’s daughter, Belle, must then give up her freedom to save his life. Belle’s taming of the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate transformation back into a handsome prince has enthralled Braodway audiences for over 13 years. 
“Disney’s Beauty and The Beast” is sponsored by Bank of Oklahoma and with the assistance of the Oklahoma Arts Council. Advance tickets are on sale at Soundworld, 123 E. Okmulgee, Muskogee. Soundworld’s phone number is (918) 683-4901. Tickets may be available at the theatre box-office 1 hour prior to curtain ONLY if the shows are not sold-out. Adult tickets are $14 and student tickets are $10.
For more information, go to www.muskogeelittletheatre.com.

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arts auditions Clark Theatre Oklahoma tulsa youth

Clark Youth Theatre to hold auditions for “The Land of the Dragon” on Feb. 6

Clark Youth Theatre will hold auditions for “The Land of the Dragon” by Madge Miller at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010  at Henthorne Park, 4825 S. Quaker, in Tulsa, OK.
Set in a mythical version of ancient China, this is a fantasy of pure princesses, helpful minstrels, evil step-aunts, and of course, dragons. “Land of the Dragon” offers our younger actors their chance to shine onstage. Anyone 14 and younger is welcome to audition. The show is directed by Genie Reiman.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. April 8-10 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11. For more information or reservations, call 746-5065 or go to www.clarktheatre.com.
Clark Theatre is a youth theater program and is part of the City of Tulsa Park and Recreation Department. Clark Theatre won the Tulsa Area Theatre Excellence award for Outstanding Youth Production for 2009. 

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arts Clark Theatre theater tulsa youth

A “Hello/Goodbye” Party for Tulsa’s Clark Theatre

Clark Theatre, 11440 E. Admiral in Tulsa, is moving to a new location at the end of the year. However, all the classes, shows, and camps that audiences have been used to at Clark will be moved to a new theatre facility at Henthorne Park, 4825 S. Quaker, Tulsa.

Clark Theatre had been housed at the 11440 E Admiral location for 32 years, and there will be a party from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 to say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new. The party will be held at the ‘old’ Clark Theatre building (11440 E Admiral). Anyone and everybody who’s had anything to do with Clark Theatre is invited.

Activities include: 3 to 4:30 p.m. – socializing, dancing, and signing the stage; 5 to 6 p.m. – pizza party & open mic (sign up with Bailey Grufik); 6 to 7 p.m. – sharing stories and a ‘memories’ slideshow.

Admission is free. Donations are accepted but not necessary. All proceeds go to the Clark Council. For more information, go to http://www.clarktheatre.com/ or call (918) 746-5065.

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arts Oklahoma theater tulsa Tulsa Spotlight Theatre youth

Revisit Narnia via Tulsa Spotlight Theatre production “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Tulsa Spotlight Theatre, 1381 Riverside Drive, presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 11-13, and 18-19. The production is directed by  Joshua Barker, John Barker, and Mindy Barker. Tickets are $8-$10. Early reservations are recommended. For tickets, call the Spotlight Theatre box office at (918)587-5030.

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arts Clark Theatre Oklahoma theatre tulsa youth

Clark Youth Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It ”

Clark Youth Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 25; and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23-24 at Clark Theatre, 11440 E. Admiral Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show is directed by Julie Tattershall.

Clark Theatre’s annual classic play for 2009 transports the audience to the mythical Forest of Arden, where they will follow the adventures of Rosalind, considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest female character. Forced to flee her evil uncle, she disguises herself as a boy and searches for her exiled father. Comedy and romance inevitably ensue. Containing Shakespeare’s classic “All the world’s a stage” monolog, “As You Like It” is one of his best-loved comedies.

Clark Theatre is a youth theater program and is part of the City of Tulsa Park and Recreation Department. Clark Theatre won the Tulsa Area Theatre Excellence award for Outstanding Youth Production for 2009. Tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults. For more information, call (918) 669-6455 or (918) 746-5065, or go to clarktheatre.com. Watch the trailer: