Hayward, March 11, 2010--Following this year’s “Creating Heroes Everyday,” the Hayward Arts Council will present the Hayward Band Festival, a celebratory performance showcasing elementary, middle and high school music programs by Hayward students.
 
The event will be held on Monday, April 19, 2010 from 7-9 P.m. at Chabot Community College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward. The event is free and open to the public and welcomes special guest: Alameda County Supervisor Gail Steele, District 2.
 
The Band Festival was scheduled to open the 10th anniversary of Art IS Education in Alameda County, a month-long showcase of arts learning, on Sunday February 28, 2009 but due to a power outage had to be postponed. 

ACOE's Alliance for Arts Learning Leadership supports and promotes an annual arts showcase during the month of March during National Arts Education month.  This year the Alliance is working in partnership with Alameda County Arts Commission to coordinate events within each of the five districts of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.
 
Organizers are proud of the collaboration between city and county officials with Alameda County Office of Education’s Alliance for Arts Learning Leadership – to bring schools and districts together with local government leaders in support of quality arts education.  They hope to inspire officials and community leaders through student demonstration of artistic skill and talent.  They call for more resources and policies in support of arts education.
 
Mr. Bryan Holbrook, serves as coordinator for the Hayward Band Festival and is the Music Director for Hayward High School. He sees the Hayward Unified School District Band Festival as an opportunity for the band programs in the district to show student's skills. "It is also a fantastic and fun way for parents and community to see what an amazing progression there is from the elementary level all the way up to the high school level, said Holbrook.  "It gives the kids the incentive to stay with the programs as the go through the grade levels and achieve their musical goals."

Students in Hayward are excited at the prospect of performing at such a high-profile event. "After being in the music program for 4 years, I have come to realize just how much being a part of the music program has shaped me as a person - not just musically, but also as a leader in the school community and as a member of the greater Hayward community, said Emily Shelley,  Senior from Hayward High School and Drum Major of the Marching Band. "I've learned how to work with other people for a common goal. Besides, it's fun."
 
The event marks an important milestone for the Alliance for Arts Learning Leadership, an entity of the Alameda County Office of Education that has worked to bring more arts learning opportunities to classrooms throughout the county.  “I am proud to witness the growth we have achieved over the past 10 years through our Alliance for Arts Learning Leadership,” said Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools “Hooray for Hayward! I am delighted to see their dedication and commitment to keeping the arts alive! When our children’s education includes the arts, they develop an open point of view and are better equipped to communicate, think, and solve problems. I invite the community to join our 10th anniversary celebrations and witness the joy in the hearts of all of our children!”
 
About
 
The Alliance for Arts Learning Leadership, founded by the Alameda County Office of Education, is a collaborative network of teachers, artists, administrators, arts organizations, higher education, parents and community members, working together to ensure the essential role of the arts to create outstanding and equitable classrooms for every child, in every school, every day. Art IS Education! For a more updated listing of Art IS Education events in your area, please visit http://artiseducation.wordpress.com

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