In this episode, we’ll spend some time with the Toppenish High School Chamber Choir. This week, choir members will make history and take the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City. During this trip and beyond, the choir embraces lessons of hard work, supporting each other and believing in what is possible.

In this episode, we’ll spend some time at the Harman Senior Center tap dance classes. Each week teacher Diana Dreeszen and her dancers gather to tap along to classic songs. The classes provide a space for the ladies to stay active, be social and embrace the art of dance.

In this episode, we’ll spend some time with the students and teachers involved with Poetry Out Loud at Naches Valley High School. Poetry Out Loud is a national program that takes root in local schools. Students memorize and perform two poems. Through the program, students found a safe place to connect with poetry and build confidence. 

In this episode, we’ll take a look at the time-honored tradition of elementary school winter concerts. It’s that time of year when we have hundreds of children gather to sing off-key versions of holiday classics and look really cute doing it. But magical memories like these are made because schools like Selah’s John Campbell Primary offer music education to all of their young students.

In this episode, we'll learn about Yakima Music En Accion, better known as YAMA. YAMA is a local music education program, made up of three orchestras. The program is based on a Venezualan model that aims to nurture the whole child, not just the musician.  With over 10 years of work in the Yakima Valley, its teachers are looking to build a long-lasting community resource.

In this episode, we’ll spend some time with local baile folklorico groups. Baile folklorico is a traditional Mexican dance style performed across Latin American and the U.S., including Yakima. Baile folklórico allows second or third generation Mexican Americans to feel connected to their culture, share it with others and promote its worth.

In today's episode of Yakima Arts Talk, we speak with Dr. T. André Feagin, Director of Bands at Central Washington University. He’s the first Black collegiate band director in the state of Washington. He spoke with us about diversity and inclusion in music education, how music can form leaders, and the connection between love of music and love of others.