Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiran Shelat and Dana Zimbric.
Kiran and Dana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Founded in 1994, Classics 4 Kids inspires children through the experience of music, generating creativity, academic success and cultural understanding.
In the first year, Classics 4 Kids reached 600 students by presenting a professional piano recital, soon after more grades, schools, and districts began asking for access to quality classical music concerts.
Today, Classics 4 Kids’ professional orchestra served almost 30,000 students, teachers & families throughout San Diego County.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many non-profits, it has not always been a smooth road. We have a small staff that carry many responsibilities. And we have had to be creative in our approach to fundraising such as wine & paint nights, Cardio 4 Classics fitness fundraiser.
We have found that working with wonderful partners has helped us be more successful. For example, we partner with the Advocates for Classical Music to provide volunteer docents to go into classrooms and help prepare students and teachers for upcoming concerts experiences.
A new collaboration this coming season is our “Classical Connections Family Festival” in partnership with Reach Out and Read – San Diego to be held on May 12th from 1:30pm-4:00pm. Held at Crill Hall on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University, families will enjoy literature and music themed activities followed by a Concert featuring the Classics 4 Kids orchestra and special guest readers. Favorite stories come to life through live orchestra music and interactive storytelling.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Classics 4 Kids – what should we know?
Classics 4 Kids devotes all of its energies to educating children, families, and teachers about classical music through professional orchestra concerts and programs. Unlike most orchestras who present youth concerts, Classics 4 Kid’s comfortable and inviting educational concerts are developed to inspire creativity in San Diego’s children and focus on musical values. We are sharing our passion for the music of the great composers with our young audiences in an effort to enrich them as human beings.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Dedication and passion to the cause and to ensure that all children have the access to high quality music education. We outreach to all 42 districts in San Diego County, with particular support for low-income schools. We would love to reach rural areas (where children) simply cannot attend.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3740 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103 - Website: www.classics4kids.org
- Phone: 619-231-2311
- Email: kshelat@classics4kids.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classics4kids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Classics4Kids/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Classics4Kids
Image Credit:
Aili Kato
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