Support for arts education is central to our mission as a performing arts center. The Music Center works at the state and school district levels to advocate for funding and supportive policies that can help all students gain access to quality arts education. Still, we know the most important part of the equation is what happens in the classroom. It is your work as an educator that brings the arts to life and creates the space for students to find their own voice and creative spirit. The Music Center Bravo Awards program is our way of saying thank you.

We have two main goals for the Bravo Awards program. First, we want to provide visibility and recognition for the important work of so many talented educators across Los Angeles County. In spite of the lament we often hear that "it's too bad the arts have been cut out of schools," we know better. We get to see first-hand the remarkable work you and other educators do - often against great odds - to make sure your students have access to high quality arts learning. The Bravo program helps us share this work and celebrate your talents with the larger community. Our second goal is to provide an opportunity for meaningful reflection and professional learning. Too many educators are isolated within the walls of their own classroom or school. The Bravo process creates the opportunity for new feedback and new insights gained from interaction with your peers and our Bravo judges.

We hope this application gives you a platform to share your important work, as well as an opportunity to reflect on what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of your current teaching. As we all continue to strive for greater quality and excellence, we are helping to raise the profile of the arts as a central part of the core curriculum.

On behalf of all of us at the Music Center, thank you for your commitment to sharing the arts with the students of Los Angeles County.

Sincerely,

Mark Slavkin
Vice President for Education
Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County

Click here to download the BRAVO Application.