Peoria Times
20 YOUTH
March 24, 2022
For more youth visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com
/PeoriaTimes
Nonprofit helps students explore science, music BY DOYOON KIM
Peoria Times Staff Writer
The Music and Science Festival hosted by JC Scholarly will return Saturday, March 26, after a two-year hiatus. Because of the current COVID-19 situation, the festival will be held outdoors at Lake Pleasant at the Desert Outdoor Center. Founded in 2018, the Music and Science Festival has been a venue for Peoria-area kids to receive/participate in music and science education. Sponsored by the city of Peoria Arts Commission, State Parks and Recreation Rangers and professional volunteers will guide kids through science workshop events and music shows. Activities at the Music and Science Festival showcase Native American jewelry maker Brandy Nelson creating authentic jewelry using handmade tools;
gold panning expert Woody Wampler, who was featured on the History Channel, with a gold panning station for kids; general science and electromagnetism; and music performances provided by local groups. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. “Our goal is to help kids nurture a love for music and science. Well-seasoned professionals can guide them toward this goal at these venues,” said Linda Jaussi Christopher, one of the co-founders of JC Scholarly.
After seeing the rise in youth violence across the United States and taking inspiration from her own background as a musician and singer, Christopher started JC Scholarly in 2018 with the help of Dr. Christine Grubb, a psychologist in Arizona, to help youth find peaceful solutions to conflict through music performance and science. “It became apparent that youth at risk were not able to participate in music. We wanted to have a venue, free for all, where kids could come and volunteer profes-
sionals could help them learn skills,” Christopher said. In addition to the festival, JC Scholarly hosts performance opportunities, classes, music competitions for their students, as well as scientific training to inspire kids to pursue both fields. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, JC Scholarly was forced to stop all live performances, competitions and events. However, the organization was able to continue through online music competitions. As things start to open back up, they are expecting to have more frequent live events. JC Scholarly is expecting 300 people to attend this year’s Music and Science Festival. To learn more about the work being done at JC Scholarly and to support their cause, visit jcscholarly.org. Tickets for the festival are available at eventbrite.com. PT
ABT Academy for Young Performers back this summer BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF The Arizona Broadway Theatre unveiled its lineup for its 2022 Summer Camps for ABT Academy for Young Performers. Kids ages 7 to 10 will journey into the world of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” while teens, ages 14 to 19, embrace their inner geek and perform a high-stepping tribute to high school marching bands and misfits everywhere in “Band Geeks.” “We haven’t forgotten about preteens,” said Stephen Hohendorf, ABT education coordinator. “That particular camp will be an-
nounced at a later date, and we guarantee it will be worth the wait.” Campers will attend camp from Monday to Friday for two weeks at Arizona Broadway Theatre, located off the 101 and Bell Road, on Paradise Lane. During the two weeks, campers will learn theater warmups and games, audition for roles and, with professional artists as their instructors, learn about staging, choreography and music. Every camper will receive a role in the production and perform the last day of camp. Also, campers get a behind-thescenes experience, as they will get to
create costumes, props and sets. “I am excited to be a part of this program, as we haven’t had it since 2019,” Hohendorf said. “These camps were very popular in enrollment in past years. With parents ready to get back to normalcy, we expect to have a great turnout this year.”
CAMP SCHEDULE
Kids Camp: Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” Open to ages 7 to 10 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 6 to June 17 Performance: 10 a.m. June 17 Tuition: $300 per child
Preteen camp to be announced Ages 11 to 13 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 5 to July 15 Performance: 10 a.m. July 16 Tuition: $350 per child Teen camp: “Band Geeks” Ages 14 to 19 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18 to July 29 Performance: 10 a.m. July 30 Tuition: $350 per teen For information about registration or scholarships, call 623-776-8400, ext. 0, or visit azbroadway.org. PT
