FAU Works with Pew Public Education Fund and Boca West Foundation to Send At-Risk Elementary Students to Camp

Florida Atlantic University has partnered with the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund and the Boca West Foundation to send more than 100 at-risk elementary student campers to the Teaching Outstanding Performers (TOPS) Band Camp this week at FAU's Boca Raton campus.  

There will be a final concert presented by the elementary student campers on Friday, July 25 at 2:30 p.m. in the Live Oak Pavilion of FAU's Student Union.

Organized by the Department of Music within the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the camp attendees are students from South Grade Elementary and Highland elementary schools in Lake Worth, and K.E. Cunningham Canal Point Elementary School in Belle Glade.

"It has proven to be a wonderful experience for everyone involved," said Kyle Prescott, director of the camp and associate chair of FAU's Department of Music. "The elementary school students receive great instruction, and FAU students gain practical experience in teaching. The camp also serves as a wonderful opportunity to get these students on a college campus. And all of it wouldn't be possible without the support of the Pew Fund and the Boca West Foundation."

Campers will take part in private lessons, music theory classes, ensemble (band) rehearsals, music appreciation classes and other camp activities. Kyle Prescott, Emmanuel Fergile, Ken Goff, and the elementary band directors serve as camp faculty along with 16 FAU music students.  

For more information about FAU's music program, call 561-297-3810.