Lil Buck Breaks it Down with Celebrate the Beat Pop Hop Camp

This blog post is written by Lauren Arnold, our Education Volunteer for the Vail Valley Foundation.

 An echo of laughter and lively tunes still rings in the ears of 65 young artists as just a short time ago, rehearsal commenced for the Celebrate the Beat Pop Hop day camp. The energetic participants began by learning the basic dance moves for their performance at the Vail International Dance Festival.  In addition to the camp teaching the kids a little rhythm, they also learn many other valuable lessons including patience, creativity and self-confidence. For five days, the students worked with Lil Buck, a Memphis New Ballet Ensemble member, perfecting their moves for their final performance on stage at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

After the first day of dancing with Lil Buck one young performer said, “I had a blast and learned a lot, but I think he is a little better than me.” –Omar Gasper, 11

Omar (in blue) with Lil Buck

This successful event is one of many that the Vail Valley Foundation hosts throughout the year, providing ongoing education to the Valley's youth.  Read more about the VVF's programs here.

Watch videos of Lil Buck with the Celebrate the Beat kids below:




And view photos here!


- Lauren

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VVF's First Notes Program Receives 30 Refurbished Instruments

The second annual Colorado Public Radio Instrument Drive has struck a definitive chord with the Vail Valley Foundation’s First Notes program at Avon Elementary School as the music education program is now 30 instruments richer following a recent distribution ceremony.

Vail Valley Foundation and First Notes representatives were on hand August 20 at Gates Hall in the Newman Center on the University of Denver campus to pick up the instruments that included ¾-sized cellos, ¼-sized violins, full-sized violins, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes and oboes.

More than 30 schools throughout the state received refurbished instruments, courtesy of the Colorado Institute of Music Instrument Technology, headquartered in Castle Rock.  Approximately 1,000 instruments were distributed in the collaborative effort between Colorado Public Radio and the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation in California.

“This is a wonderful program that enables us to broaden the scope and scale of our First Notes program,” explained Jean McSpadden, Director of Education for VVF.  “Through this generous donation, we are now able to serve the second, third and fourth graders at Avon Elementary.”

We're so excited about this wonderful gift!
- Lindsey

Read the Denver Post article here.

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