An exciting new arts education program – developed in partnership between the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center  K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley – kicked off this week to the sound of beating drums.

The four-week program called “Beat the Odds,” began Tuesday July 5, and is an eight-session residency program that emphasizes improving learning skills such as focus, listening, risk-taking, team building and leadership. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club, the sessions will be facilitated by Teaching Artists from the PAC’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program, who have been specially trained in the unique curriculum by Remo, Inc.

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“Beat the Odds” is a drum circle-based activity that seeks to maximize creative expression while building social and emotional skills, emphasizing the process of learning over performance. UCLA researchers have shown that the “Beat the Odds” program can significantly improve such problems as anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity.

“We appreciate this partnership with the PAC’s Outreach Program and are happy we can be a part of this community initiative,” said the Club’s chief professional officer Jim Ventress. “We are especially thankful for the support of Remo through providing equipment. Anything to help advance art with young people is much needed.”

This partnership will maximize the ability of the PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program to make important contributions to Santa Clarita by working with other community-based organizations to develop programs that provide arts integration opportunities for as many students as possible.

“We are always looking for ways to support arts education in Santa Clarita,” said PAC managing director Adam Philipson. “During school, after school, as well as in the summer months, the youth of our community can benefit from the arts year-round. We are very excited that the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley has partnered with us to provide this summer access.”

Formed in 1968 by a group of community leaders who recognized the need for high-quality programs and facilities at affordable costs for area young people, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley now serves more than 2,300 youth, ages 7-17, at facilities in Newhall and Canyon Country. Programs engage members in education and career exploration, the arts, sports, recreation and fitness, character and leadership development, and healthy life choices. More information can be found at www.scvboysandgirlsclub.org.

The PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program continues to provide incredible opportunities for the youth of the Santa Clarita Valley through valuable partnerships with major arts organizations in California and across the nation. The program uses College of the Canyons’ vast cultural and community resources to expose Santa Clarita’s student population to top-tier, visual and performing arts standard-based arts activities and integrated performing arts learning opportunities. The Outreach Program has, at its core, a collaborative approach, partnering with teachers and administrators in school districts, and community-based organizations throughout the area to develop an enhanced arts education curriculum and a variety of unique educational opportunities for all students. More information on the Outreach Program can be found online at

www.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/CanyonsPAC/k12arts.html.