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At the Intercultural Family Services building in Parkside, Saturdays are a day for local children to get lessons in a variety of subjects for the mere price of $10. If the family cannot afford the payment, scholarships are awarded to families to help the kids be a part of the “Music and Mentorship Program.”
“We provide scholarships to students who have been in the program for a year and who show a lot of promise and potential,” said program coordinator Sara Nicolodi.
Hip-Hop lessons are taught by Virgil Gadson, a former contestant on MTV’s hit show America’s Best Dance Crew. Gadson teaches nine kids in two different time slots. This gives him a chance to work closely with them on their moves, such as the reap jack, the pin drop and some popping.
“The program is basically a program to give back in the arts to the kids in the community with dance, music or anything artistic to help the kids in the community,” said Gadson.
Other classes offered include piano, martial arts, violin, guitar and other artistic activities. Classes take place from September to June. Right now there are only 65 students enrolled when there are usually between 80 and 100 students. The instructors are quite confident the number of students will increase.
“I think it’s a positive thing for kids and teens because it keeps them off the streets and in a good place,” said student Zach Meritt.
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