By Douglas Feiden / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Photo: Mike Fitelson | United Palace of Cultural Arts - David Wiley teaches the cello to an intensely focused pupil at the United Palace of Cultural Arts overlooking Broadway in Washington Heights.
The dramatic transformation of the United Palace Cathedral in Washington Heights into a destination arts-and-cultural center takes a huge leap forward Tuesday with the launch of a program to turn uptown kids into classical musicians.
Fourth- and fifth-graders from underprivileged backgrounds who have never played a musical instrument before will be trained to master the viola, violin and cello — and learn collaborative skills to enrich their lives and careers.
“It’s all about using the arts to transform the lives of young people,” said Mike Fitelson, the programming director of the United Palace, the glorious, old 3,300-seat landmark movie house and mega-church at Broadway and W. 175th St.
“Get kids properly trained and motivated at an early age — build up their self-esteem, self-confidence and creativity — and it will open the doors to everything that life has to offer,” he added.
Check out the video below on the history of the United Palace courtesy of Channel Thirteen.
Related:
The 2012 Uptown Arts Stroll Kick-Off – The Recap
Icarus at the Edge of Time @ the United Palace
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Talia Sundholm
November 1, 2012 at 1:32 amA goal with out a plan, is just a dream.