Mupu students go to Pepperdine University to see free performance
Santa Paula News
Published: March 19, 2008
Students and teachers from Mupu School recently were treated to a free performance at Pepperdine University.
Students and teachers from Mupu School recently were treated to a free performance at Pepperdine University.
It was under the auspices of the Smothers Theater “Arts Reach Program.” Pepperdine buses over 15,000 elementary school children from Ventura and Los Angeles Counties each year. This year Mupu sent a total of 152 students and teachers. The bus expenses are picked up by “The Guild,” a group of women who raise money and volunteer as ushers for the program.
One of the performances the children was called “Spirit of Uganda.” It features performers from age 8 to 18 who bring to life the sounds and movements of East Africa. The program lasts about one hour and students can ask questions of the performers afterwards. One of the first performers eight years ago at Pepperdine received a scholarship and graduated two years ago. She now works at the United Nations.
Mupu 4th grade teacher and Resource Specialist Marilyn Beckerman says they are really grateful to Pepperdine for making it possible for the students to go. This was the fourth trip this year for Mupu students. “The program is wonderful and the kids love it,” Beckerman said. “It gives the kids the opportunity to experience performing arts.” She added that the children really respond and she said that it’s inspiring for them.
She gives credit to Phyllis Holmes, who once attended Mupu School for bringing Pepperdine and Mupu School together. Holmes now lives in Malibu.
Carol Kmiec, the person in charge of the “Arts Reach Program” says the program is available free to any elementary school and in many cases transportation can also be arranged at no charge.
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