CHRISTIAN LATINO ASSOCIATION OF MUSIC AND ARTS 1 - 2006

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What is your success based on? The success in involvmg both employers and parents in our program 1S based on three main areas 1. Using music as a means of commumcation. Regardless of one's personal taste or backf,'found. muslC 1S somethmg that everyone can relate to in some fashIOn or another Music helps engage bofu young and old, amateur and professional. Jt opens doors for dialogue, discussion and mteraction Music bridges the communication barriers that are typical of most youth and their families Music attracts mdustry- related employers who recognize great talent and potential grmvth and future for fueir compames Jt also provides valuable insight into fue minds, thoughts and psyche of a generatIOn who are strugglmg to find their identity and purpose in life, and in their communities This is especially ins1ghtful for employers who are constantly keeping up with the marketing trends for their consumers. 2. Establishing a highly creative and professional standard for students This is something fuat businesses and parents can understand and relate to. Every parent and business expects bofu a healthy work ethic as well as excellence R YTMO prov1des a model for success in school, jobs, and careers related to music technology and life. By maintaining a high standard of professional standards, goals and educational values, youth get a "snapshot" for success required in higher education, the corporate world and the music industry. They discover productive ways to resolve personal obstacles in an environment that encourages creativity and professionalism These life-skills are essential for integrating youth into the work force, and producing productive, law-abiding citizens. 3. Bridging the Cultural and Sub-cultural gaps. Recent stud1es conducted by the City of Huntington Park, CA, found that Middle School Hispanics who had a positive artistic and/or musical outlet in their schools and communities were less likely to be involved in destructive expressions, such as tagging and graffiti, gang activity, and even drug trafficking. The study also showed that despite ethnic differences and backgrounds, music and the Arts was a positive tool in helping youth better relate to each other This was also true of sub-cultural barriers fonned within communit1es, such as gang s, gang violence or substance abuse, and their destructive affect on our youth and society. Project RYTMO has found fuat by making music the focus of their time, energy and expression, youth will not only set-aside their cultural differences, but will also fonn new communities that are healthy and positive, regardless of their ethnicity or gang affiliation. One example of this was having two rival gang members emolled in our program, who discovered a positive way to release their anger against each other through rap music/lyrics. This resulted in a collaborative music project, which motivated them to better understand their similarities as rappers In so doing, the studio facility also benefited from their reconciliation both young men alerted their respective gangs to cease from tagging the studio facility fences 1 J<