OMA (Opening Minds through the Arts Foundation) is presenting its OMA Artist Series this Sunday (January 24) with performances by the artists working with children in their OMA Program schools. The school program used by numerous schools in the Tucson area created by the OMA Foundation is a K-8 student achievement program started in the year 2000.  It uses arts integration in the different art forms—music, dance, visual arts,  & theater arts to teach the academic standards in math, science, reading, writing and social studies and has had astounding positive results in improved scholastic achievements.

Results documented by an independent research firm determined that the OMA Program raises test scores for EVERY child regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic background. This program has proven to increase school attendance and reduce discipline problems. It has been prescribed as a solution for underperforming schools.

If any of you know one or more of our local, state or national politicians PLEASE tell them about this OMA program and its success.  As many are aware, it has already been discussed to possibly eliminate art, music and physical education school programs due to budget cuts here in Arizona. This program can prove this would be a major mistake in our children’s education. More information can be found at http://www.omafoundation.org.

The event put on by OMA this coming Sunday will feature the professional artists that teach the OMA program. They will perform a mix of music, dance, mime and visual.

Here are  a few performers’ photos and highlights of what you will see and hear at the performance:

*OMA dance artist Bethany Lynch and Arts Integration Specialist Sara Anderson Stewart perform the premier of Essence, choreographed by Wendy Joy Koltnow to the music of Astor Piazolla and Gary Burton.