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Arts

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Affiliated with Greater Faith Christian Center

Jumping
colored pencils
Crayons
Piano
Guitar
Sparkling Children
Music Sheets
Headphones
kids-singing

Bridges exists to create an environment that empowers this generation through love, unleashing purpose through faith, building confidence through character; and impacting their lives through a personal relationship with Christ!

"Dream, Believe, Act, Achieve"

ARTS

Music

Music is a bridge that connects worlds, tears down walls, and builds people. We are introducing the arts to most of these children for the very first time. Music is a discipline that is designed to engage children at a area that peaks their interest. The Arts/ Music is a discipline that creates a fun, safe and a positive environment.

Visuals Arts

The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination,

typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Drawing is a expression of feelings.

Playing A Musical Instrument Stimulates LearningMany studies have been conducted on the effects of music to the brain. Scientists say that children who are exposed to music, or those who play an instrument, do better in school than those who don't. Recent research suggests exposure to music may benefit a child's reading age, IQ and the development of certain parts of the brain. Adults can benefit from learning to play an instrument too because it helps the mind to be alert and remain active eventually helping to sharpen the memory.It Teaches DisciplineLearning to play an instrument is like learning to speak another language and it can be challenging at times. One of the qualities musicians possess is discipline. You have to be disciplined in order to master playing your instrument. You have to set time each day to practice, practice and practice some more. Formal teaching style, that requires focus and discipline to learn and retain information. Sense of AchievementIf you're a beginner learning to play your first piece, it can be frustrating. But once you've mastered it, the satisfaction you'll feel is priceless. BRIDGES will take these kids on a journey of self-exploration and fulfillment. With each lesson from a loving and qualified instructor our kids are building self-esteme. Regardless of skill level with each step you are one step closer to achieving your goal.
THE ROAD

BRIDGES is a DFW-based nonprofit organization, 501(c) 3, serving primarily in the Mid-Cities community to bring top quality musicians into Title 1, underserved communities, middle and high schools; offering free music lessons, workshops, mentors, and performance opportunities to economically disadvantaged youth.

Our Mission

Is to intercept kids who struggle with identity, are susceptible to gangs, dropping out of school, and those with great potential but need an extra push. We want to be that voice in their corner reminding them over and over again, yes you can. Bridges is a faith-based program looking to build the whole person: spirit, mind and body. We believe we can build bridges from where these kids are to where they dream they can be.

Our Vision

Target Group: At risk youth of Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Arlington and DFW. Boys and Girls ages 8-15. At risk youth are youth that have experienced but are not limited to the following. Children that are abused, neglected, at risk of dropping out of school, potential gang affiliation struggle with discipline, have great potential but no-one to help harnest it. The goal of the program is to have 1:5 ratio during our instructional times and 1:2 ratio with our mentors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Weldon Skinner

Texas Land Title Association

Larry Nix

Nix and Associates

Pastor Richard Martinez

CAFE Church

FOUNDER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Alex Blake/ Lance Jones

Assistant Program Director

KaRhonda Bray

CLASS SCHEDULE

CLASS & SCHEDULE

Tuesday Night: Instructional time 4:30-6:00 / Snack or dinner provided for each childWednesday: One on One Mentor time at the time and place of the parent/ mentor discretion Thursday Night: Wrap around support group of Faith Family (Youth Group),not mandatory but recommended.
Vocal ClassStudents focus on the fundamentals of vocal performance using proper breathing techniques, vocal control, tonality and pitch, diction, harmonies and performance. They learn how to listen for parts, blending and how to hold harmonies during group vocal selections. Students learn how to paint the picture of songs using their voices as they perform various styles of inspirational music. Piano ClassStudents are provided with skills necessary to explore creative arenas outside of classical music. These skills include improvisation and playing by ear, practical knowledge of piano, and exposure to other musical styles. Class focuses on the individuality of the students and provides clear measurable criteria for their learning and success. Guitar ClassStudents learn every aspect of the guitar from guitar parts to tuning strategies. They will study theory and chord construction and learn different scales along with explore finger picking patterns and dynamics. Students will also learn how to compose their own compositions. Visual Arts ClassStudents will explore the visual arts using the formalist approach and learn the elements of line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space and bring them together in a composition. They are given open room for their personal creativity to practice their technical skills. Students will have open-ended discussions and reflections to further extend their learning experience.

2011_12-Calendar_Eng 35.pdf

VIDEOS

THE CLUB
Each student participant within the Bridges program is identified and hand selected through partnerships with local schools and community organizations.Current Schools & Community PartnersLynn Hale ElementarySherrod ElementaryNichols Junior HighLamar High SchoolGreater Faith Christian CenterRosemont at Mayfield VillasMayfield Road Baptist ChurchWalnut Ridge Baptist Church

CONTACT US or ENROLL NOW

PO BOX 542378

Grand Prairie, TX 75054-2378

Email: bridgesdfw_gmail.com

Telephone: 469 569 6741

Mentorship

Mentorship
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW...Ministry-- We believe that a spiritual bridge requires a physical reality. Thereality of the hands and feet that give of their time and talent in mentoring and instructingthese children are that physical bridge. Our goal is to intercept kids that struggle withidentity, kids that are more suceptable to gangs, dropping out of school, and those withgreat potential that need and extra push. We want to be that voice in their corner thatreminds them over and over again that they can. This is a faith based program that looksto build the whole man, spirit, mind and body. We believe that we can make a differenceby building bridges from where these kids are to where they dream they can be.All mentors will be subject to a background check. They will have toparticipate in 2 hr. training/ orientation. Must be 21 yr or older with strong moralcharacter. Christian foundation and confession of faith are mandatory along with sixmonth commitment to program. It is important to have consistency in mentor-to-childrelationships. One hour per week for 6 months. That is a total of 24 visits. Engage kids andfamily and encourage kids through positive reinforcement and directional coaching.Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings a young person together with a caring adult who provides - on a consistent and ongoing basis - guidance, support and encouragement. The partnership focuses on the mentored participant's individual needs - whether they need help with the academic, professional or personal areas of their life.All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive. Mentoring has proved to be a powerful tool for helping young people fulfill their potential. Statistics show that children with mentors demonstrate solid improvements, especially in the areas of school attendance, attitude and chance for higher education. Children with mentors are less likely to be involved with gangs, violence, teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug use. Mentors help build self-esteem, reinforce children's achievements and serve as positive role models. Mentors understand the need to assume a number of different roles during the course of a mentoring relationship, have a sincere desire to be involved with a young person and are flexible and open. Successful mentors also have the ability to listen actively, empathize, and see solutions and opportunities. Few bonds in life are more influential than those between a young personand an adult. Mentoring doesn't just affect the young person. As a mentor, you will findyourself making a difference and having a positive effect on a young person's life. Youmay also be surprised to see that you will be learning more about yourself too. Mentoringis a shared opportunity for learning and growth.

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09 - Be Still.mp3

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