From the HeART

This week on From the HeART, Joshua Vickery and Mary Thompson Hunt welome three guests: Debbie Fahmie, the current Fine and Performing Arts Resource Teacher for the Osceola District of Schools; Scott Evans the current Senior Administrator - Visual and Performing Arts for Orange County Public Schools, and Dr. Mary Palmer, Ph.D President of Mary Palmer & Associates, LLC, an arts and education consulting firm, author of over 40 textbooks used worldwide, Professor Emerita at University of Central Florida, Dr. Palmer was Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music Educationat the University of Central Florida and former Dean of the UCF College of Education. These three movers and shakers are making dreams come true for children who are able to play instruments and have teachers. This engaging and lively conversation was all about “Arts Education for Children.” We hear what it is, why it’s important, how its making a contribution to the lives of children and our communities. The next generation is growing with our children. Listen to how these children will be come better leaders and citizens because of music in their lives today.

This week on From the HeART, Joshua Vickery and Mary Thompson Hunt talk with Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004, business owner and Arts Advocate. They discuss how early on training the arts helped to shape Erika’s life and dreams. From Country Western singing to tap dancing and her favorite, clogging, Ericka learned focus, dedication to excellence, and discipline.  This episode includes a phone call from 10 year old Sophie Schaked who is dressed and minutes away from being interviewed for the finals of The Princess America National Pageant. Ericka gave advice and spoke of the power of stories and integrity. A few hours later we learned that Sophie won 1st Runner up in the Miss Princess America pageant and she won 1st Place in the Interview category. Thanks, Ericka and Congratulations Sophie! 

This week on From the HeART, Joshua Vickery and Mary Thompson Hunt share time with Matt Palm Theater writer for the Orlando sentinel, Cole NeSmith Curator of Orlando Creative City Project and Pastor of City Beautiful Church, and Eric Jacobsen, the Director of The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The discussion focused on the artists who have reached out to offer their talents to raise money and spirits for the families left devastated by the June 12th tragedy at Pulse. In particular much discussion was on a Concert on Tuesday June 28th 2016. This concert is a collaboration of 25 major arts organizations that have put together a show that will be performed at the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It is called "Beautiful Together: An Artistic Journey Toward Hope."