TFO Partnership with Prodigy Cultural Arts
Program and University Area CDC
THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA | 2018-2019
20
Last spring TFO, Prodigy Cultural Arts
Program and the University Area CDC
(Community Development Corporation)
formed a partnership to provide free
lessons and musical experiences to
kids in Hillsborough County enrolled
in select Prodigy programs. Prodigy
is a research proven diversion and
prevention program that uses an
innovative approach to empower,
educate and enable eligible youth,
providing a doorway to a better world.
Prodigy children and youth ages five
to 18 experience performing and visual
arts, taught as tools for self-expression,
to learn communication, exploration, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Now
celebrating its 18th year, Prodigy is transforming young lives and reaches across 10 counties in
Florida.
“The Prodigy-Florida Orchestra partnership has been a big success,” said Mike Trepper, Prodigy
Director. “It has brought new and exciting cultural arts opportunities to youth and adults
across Hillsborough County. From violin classes to performances, the more exposure to a
variety of arts, the more of an impact we all can make. Our community benefits from solid
partnerships that enrich lives.”
Funding for the program is provided jointly by the University Area CDC and Hillsborough
County Commission. The funding provides violin instructors, a program coordinator dedicated
to the partnership, and instrument rental and supplies for the classes.
The partnership began over the spring when the orchestra taught group violin classes twice a
week to children at Roy Haynes Recreation Center in Tampa – a first for TFO and Prodigy. The
orchestra also performed chamber concerts, hosted Prodigy students and families at a TFO
Masterworks concert at the Straz Center and offered the Instrument Petting Zoo at various
venues, giving students the opportunity to see, touch and play instruments.