Musical Scores begins with master of ceremonies Jean Donatto presenting the exceptional student recognition and awards. Martin Brennan with Up With People is the guest speaker for the event, giving the children a motivational speech. Immediately following Brennan, the students enjoy non-stop entertainment by the Rockets Launch Crew, Bad News Brown and Soul Street Dance Company. Bad News Brown is a street-based musical artist and harmonica player. Soul Street Dance Company is a high-energy, breakin', poppin' and lockin' hip-hop dancing group.
Since its inception in 1995, Musical Scores, one of The Pavilion's most successful educational outreach programs, has grown from serving 200 students its first year to nearly 4,200 students this year. The program primarily serves "at-risk," low income, middle school students who earn the privilege to attend a special event at The Pavilion by displaying model behavior and achieving specific scholastic goals.
Personnel from each participating school negotiate an agreement with each student whereby he or she earns points for scholastic progress and achievement. Points are earned for such things as reading books, raising test scores, improving attendance or displaying positive behavior. When the students reach their goal, thus achieving their "musical score," they are designated as VIPs and Super Achievers. As a reward, they are treated to a free performance and lunch at The Pavilion. The students also receive complimentary Musical Scores T-shirts for their achievement.
For the past several years, The Pavilion has worked with Carver Magnet High School graphic arts students to create the t-shirt artwork for Musical Scores. A gifted junior, Nubianna Gibson, was the t-shirt design winner for this year. Gibson was one of the 30 students from Carver's graphic arts program who submitted artwork for consideration as the featured design on this year's Musical Scores t-shirts.
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