Each year professional poets, artists, musicians, and dancers work with 800 middle and high school students in three Hartford area schools. The 7th graders write poetry and then transform their words into music at the hands of professional saxophonist and composer, Albert Rivera, set designs under the guidance of regional artist and educator, Lydia Huebenthal, and work with community artists translating their words into other art forms.

And they dance! We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Westerby and his dancers to teach all 800 teens.  Matthew Westerby Companyis a New York City-based performing group of versatile and dynamic performers, led by choreographer Matthew Westerby. Matthew Westerby Company is invested and involved in Arts-in-Education for all ages, and works throughout the Tri-State area.

Matthew Westerby will create special dance pieces for approximately 80 seventh graders as well as “alumni” dancers (8th to 12th graders).

More students become a Jazz Ensemble under Albert Rivera’s baton and back the dancers with their original music.

PPL! students will perform on Tuesday, November 17th at 7:00PM for audiences of some 2,000 fellow students, their families and the general public. Still more student artists (up to 200) display their work for a post concert reception and gallery. The performance will be held at the Theater of the Performing Arts in Hartford.