Elec Simon is a highly successful percussionist and Ohio native who has made it a priority to give back to the community. He brings his love of music to students at area schools and juvenile facilities, mentoring and performing and motivating kids to make the right choices.
Richland Academy of the Arts made a connection with Elec Simon that sparked a vision to bring his message to the kids of Richland County.
As a result, Richland Academy is announcing a pilot program: Drumming for Hope.
Sponsors will help to identify 50 students from Richland County schools in the fifth through eighth grades and invite them to participate in a five day after school drumming program.
But drumming is just the vehicle to the main message Elec is passionate about teaching. He and his troop use drumming to bring children together in a group setting to learn about bullying, its effects, how to prevent it and how to heal from it.
He raises awareness about ethnic backgrounds and cultural differences and uses music to highlight their beauty. The students, who participate in this workshop during the week of March 9, will perform at Richland Academy’s 15th Annual Cabaret Show & Auction, along with Elec Simon and Friends on Saturday, March 14.
This performance will be a culmination of a week-long journey and provide these children with the tools and positive influence to make the right choices moving forward.
Pponsors include: Children Services, Job & Family Services, Juvenile Court, Mental Health & Recovery Board, and Youth & Family Council.
For more information about events or to register for classes, call Richland Academy at 419-522-8224 or visit www.richlandacademy.com. Richland Academy, “Expanding the Mind through Art and Education” at the corner of 4th and Walnut St. was founded in 1991 and is supported by the Ohio Arts Council.
