Testimonials
what our students think
I liked class because people here accept you as your most authentic self
8th Grade, Community Music Center, Summer Program
My favorite part of the class was EVERYTHING!
7th Grade, Visitacion Valley Middle School
I would take this class again so I could learn even more.
6th Grade, Children’s Day School
I loved getting to act and sing in a safe, nonjudgemental environment
8th Grade, James Lick Middle School
The teachers are really kind and want the kids to succeed.
7th Grade, Mercy High School Summer Camp
My favorite part of the class was acting with friends.
7th Grade, Aptos Middle School
Everything was awesome and fun!
7th Grade, James Lick Middle School
PacSAW combines learning and fun.
7th Grade, Mercy High School Summer Camp
It was super fun and exciting!
7th Grade, Aptos Middle School
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The improv games helped with my confidence and I made some great new friends
8th Grade, James Lick Middle School
I learned to sing in front of people.
7th Grade, Mercy High School Summer Camp
I didn't know I had a singing voice until Sharon helped me find it.
12th Grade, Galileo High School
what their teachers think
The Pacific Singers & Actors Workshop have been making a profound impact on our students by providing them with invaluable tools and techniques for navigating their emotions and feelings. Through music, performance, and creative expression, they offer them a safe space where they can explore and process their emotions in a healthy way. Beyond emotional growth, they also give our students the opportunity to develop new forms of self-expression, empowering them to discover their unique voices. This holistic approach not only enhances our students' emotional resilience but also nurtures their confidence and creativity, equipping them with life skills that extend far beyond their daily challenges and experiences.
Administrator,
Woodside Learning Center,
SFUSD Court Schools
Student artists get so much from connecting with professional artists. The teaching artists at PacSAW help my students to think of themselves as artists. Students who work with them develop confidence, and they become leaders in their classes. PacSAW teaches with joy and encouragement, students learn from this and bring this kind of joyful encouragement back to class. Their positive influence spreads and multiplies through the school. Our arts program is richer because of our collaboration.
Robert Ayala, Galileo High School Drama Teacher
Working with PacSAW enables me, the credentialed teacher, to be in control by letting go. When these guest artists spend weeks planning with me before their arrival, it allows me to put my full faith and trust in them to teach and lead the class. This encourages me to be a student again. I sing, dance and act alongside my students, modeling positive behavior, demonstrating how and when to ask questions, and encouraging them and myself to take creative risks.
We take field trips to see them in action and they show up to support our students in their productions; they demonstrate what it means to be in the theatre as both performer and audience member. THEY SHOW UP!
Keith Carames, James Lick Middle School Drama Teacher
We’re so grateful to Curt Branom, Ruby Day, and Beth Wilmurt from the Pacific Singers and Actors Workshop for bringing such a special program to Aptos Middle School. With the arts in public schools constantly at risk, their no-cost to our school site arts programming is making sure our students have the chance to experience the power of creativity and the arts. Their dedication is truly making a difference in our students' lives, and we can’t thank them enough for all they do.
Angela Brown - Educator & Arts Coordinator @ Aptos MS
A word from our board
Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano, international opera star
I am so thrilled by the work that these wonderful artists are sharing. I think it has a significance because they are artists, and I think that adds something very, very special. I was lucky enough to attend a session and there was enthusiasm bursting from the rafters. Congratulations to my lovely colleagues.
