Successful realtor by night transforms into tenor by day, singing Figaro to second graders in University City. Electronics wiz and father of four morphs into Ned Hector, a black revolutionary who fought in the Battle of Brandywine. With no sign of flowing capes or red tights, these superheroes work with Young Audiences (YA) of Eastern Pennsylvania to fight the ongoing battle to secure high quality arts education programs in Philadelphia schools. Neither crumbling ceilings, nor mediocre sound systems nor sleepy toddlers can stop them, along with 185 other performing, visual and literary artists, from their commitment to teaching young people in and through the arts.

Dollmaker, Patty Greenspoon, says, "I was teaching a special needs class in mixed media. One of the children was creating a mixed media picture using aluminum foil pressed over shapes and brushed with India ink. As she wiped away the ink, she said, 'Isn't it funny what art does to itself?' It was as if she saw art as its own live entity or spirit. It is that spirit of teaching children to which I'm dedicated."

Young Audiences has come along way since its inception fifty years ago when the idea of bringing live classical chamber music into public schools was novel. Today, students can learn about Middle Eastern dance, design a weaving project using recycled plastic bags, marbleize handmade paper utilizing 18th century techniques, or swing to the music of Cab Calloway during a program about the history of hip hop. Several icons from the local arts community have joined the YA roster over the years in order to promote their educational programs: Julia Lopez and Flamenco Olé, Rennie Harris Puremovement, Doc Gibbs (from Emeril Live), Kulu Mele, Mum Puppettheatre, American Historical Theatre, and Group Motion Dance Company. Established local artists such as textile artist Kathryn Pannepacker and choreographer Yuri Surgeyev have joined forces as well, working with YA Director, Toyin Ajayi Frankel (herself a textile artist) to develop custom-tailored residencies based on a school's curriculum.

Last year, Young Audiences worked with 180 schools in eight counties, which meant 110,000 Pre-K-through-12th grade students participated in programs and residencies. Community and family events are also part of the picture, with programs planned this year at Temple Children's Hospital, Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts and Head Start. Not only are teachers and principals active members of the YA constituency, but so are many PTO parents who are constantly raising money to ensure that their child's school is rich in arts education.

Why would an established artist want to work in an often noisy, inaccessible, low paying environment when they could perform at the Kimmel Center, Zanzibar Blue or tour the country? That's a good question, as the fees artists earn through Young Audiences wouldn't even pay for this winter's PGW bill. "I try to serve as a bridge between the past and present," says Rob Aptaker, a teaching artist with extensive knowledge of Native American cultures. "Students experience a physical connection between cultures: cooperation; extended family; and, interdependence on nature."

It's this sense of sharing knowledge that keeps YA artists engaged and enthused.

As to the organization itself, it's not just what we do, but who we are. There's no question here about why the arts are important. It's a given. With a small and dedicated staff and board, Young Audiences will march forward for another fifty years, continuing to develop innovative, multicultural and cross curricular arts programs. The letters and drawings that cover YA's office walls sum it up best: "Dear Young Audiences: Thanks for teaching me about the history of tap dance. I want to take lessons so I can dance like you. P.S. I thought the dancers' hair was awesome."

Linda Fiore is the Executive Director of Young Audiences of Eastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.yaep.org, or call (215) 772-0460

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