Arts Express

After having participated in many activities and as a former music educator, I can attest to the quality of this organization and their many activities. There is no other volunteer group in Tucson that has done as much as Arts Express to promote the Arts to the young people of this community. The public performances are of professional quality and the Summer Institute for young people is something that should be copied in other cities.

Arts Express sponsors wonderful programs for children. I have been a part of Let Freedom Sing and Follow the Star over the past year. It was amazing!

I have been a member of the choir for many years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have also sung for many other concerts, like Let Freedom Sing, Follow the Star, etc. Several years ago, I moved to the Phoenix area, and I miss choir so much! I do still participate in some of the concerts when I can, and thoroughly enjoy myself! Last weekend was Gospel concert. WOW!!!! I didn't sing in this concert, but got to sit and listen this year. It was the best ever!!!! I had so much fun listening to the music!! Every morning all week I have been waking up with one of the songs in my head!! I know many people benefited from hearing this concert too!

Arts Expresses blesses the lives of all who participate and attend their events. I have attended Arts Express events for 10 years and am impressed each and every time by the professioanlism, creativity, innovation, dedication and passion of all those involved. This cherished program is a highlight in our community and I hope it receives the funding needed to continue for generations to come.

I have sung in two "Follow The Star" performances along with singing in the Catalina Foothills Church choir for the past three years.
I can honestly say that it is such an unlifting and inspirational experience to work under the direction of Dr. Joan Ashcraft. She is an amazing leader and the community is so blessed to have the opportunity to attend and enjoy such amazing musical performances.I

I have been involved with Arts Express Let Freedom Sing for several years as a participant in the choir. I am honored to be a part of this community outreach. It gives me such joy to see so many happy faces waving flags and appreciating the patriotic music. Children are always involved as they carry the flags. What a valuable heritage we are passing on to the younger generation. We are a part of the most wonderful country on earth and this is truly a time to honor our heroes, both in the military and in our community.

The concert was a true blessing and a wonderful spiritual uplift. We have attended the concerts that have been presented for the last 10 years, and each one gets better and better.

Arts Express is changing lives and the community through the power of the arts. Music is healing to the soul and enriches all of our lives. Our children can only benefit from this fine organization.

My husband and I have had the opportunity to play and sing in the concerts of Arts Express and CFC under the direction of Dr. Joan Ashcraft. Our participation has been rewarding in the sharing of the joy and spiritual uplifting that only music can provide.

We feel very blessed to have attended almost every concert that has
been presented by Joan Ashcraft in participation with Catalina Foothills Church during the past ten or so years. . Dr. Joan Ashcraft is our Music Director and is so gifted in her selections of music, musicians and vocalists. the last concert, "LIFT
ME UP" was no exception. The music was wonderful and always,
without fail, lifts the heart of every hearer. They represent our church
and community in such a marvelous way. We are SO very blessed to
have such a wonderful director and musicians who God has
gifted with such great talent. A wonderful perfomance which has left us with music still ringing in our hearts and a desire and eagerness for the next concert.
We submit this review with grateful hearts filled with thanks.
Dan and Nancy Lupo,

I have sung in Choirs under Joan Ashcraft for 5 years. Her conducting brings out the best in vocal & instrumental performers, and pleases audiences of all ages and experience!
Arts Express also greatly benefits the younger, upcoming musicians in many of Tucson's schools under the OMA Program (Opening Minds Through the Arts). As we have heard in the media, many school's budgets will not be able to include training in Fine Arts/Music, and Arts Express will be able to provide such at little cost to Student or School.
Their programs are win/wins for individual & the Public alike!!!

I have been involved with Arts Express for at least ten years. I remember singing at the Tucson Community Center in a program of patriotic songs right after 9:11/01.
It was a beautiful, moving experience.

Tucson, Arizona schools won awards in the 1950s with some of the most innovative and creative programs to teach arts in the schools in competition with the best across the nation. In the late 1960s, however, the courts decreed that money which had heretofore been devoted to arts programs should be diverted for other purposes because the courts ruled that Tucson schools were segregated, and that flaw had to be corrected. Tucson Schools continue under the desegregation rules to this day, and no program for the arts received extensive funding from the schools or the state. Arts Express and Opening Minds through the Arts are two programs which have been developed to fill this void.

Arts Express is producing students whose education is more well-rounded, whose overall grade point averages are better and who are more eager to learn. Arts Express also has programs for adults which people of all ages attend enthusiastically. I feel fortunate and grateful when I sing in the programs of Arts Express, because a person is never too old to enjoy music.

Arts Express also encourages the other arts - dance, drawing, drama - and for thousands of Tucson children who might very well not have the opportunity otherwise to be involved in the arts, Arts Express is a blessing.

I endorse Arts Express enthusiastically.

Our family attended the Christmas productions of Arts Express in past years. 'Follow The Star' was more than a performance by incredibly talented artists. It touched our hearts with the beautiful story of God's gift to the world of His Son.

My daughter attended FAYA for three years. It was an incredible experience. Not only did she gain self-confidence, she learned new wasy to express herself. Arts Express has very qualified teachers and provides a supportive learning environment.

One of the most important facets of growing up and on into adulthood is the joy and satisfaction of participating in music. It adds an extra dimension to life which can always be enjoyed.
Arts Express provides opportunities to both young and old to do this by participating in Follow the Star, Centennial Holiday and Let Freedom Sing.
I have participated in these various programs for the past 12 years and am impressed with the quality of direction,the musicians, the artists behind the scenes, the costuming, excellent soloists, chorus and the enthusiastic "can do" volunteers.

We have attended Follow the Star program by Art Express, and we were impressed with the quality of performance and production (costume, set design, etc). We applaud Art Express for providing a great opportunity for bringing together a variety of people in Tucson to gain first-hand experience in the performing arts and, in the process, creating a sense of community.

I attended the Arts Express Let Freedom Sing concert last July and was blown away by the talent. I had no idea that there were such exceptional performers in Tucson. The production was amazing. The volunteers were pleasant and helpful and the experience was incredible. I look forward to this years Let Freedom Sing concert and plan on bringing a large group of friends this time!

I've worked with Arts Express for the past two months and I am so excited to be apart of a fantastic organization, with a great cause. Everyday, I want to give more time to Arts Express because I can sense they are doing something special that will have a huge impact in the community and the children.

Arts Express has provided remarkable opportunities for children and adults to experience the arts through after school and summer performing and visual arts classes, public performances and visual art exhibitions for over ten years. The selection of teachers and conductors for each event has been of the highest standard.

Arts Express is the quintessential non-profit organization. Since its foundation, I have been blessed to receive the benefits of its mission not only in Tucson, but accross the world. Shortly after July 4th, 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, I received a DVD of Let Freedom Sing recognizing my unit and all the service members serving abroad.
From experience as a youth volunteer/participant in Let Freedom Sing, Follow the Star, and the Fine Arts Youth Academy, no organization does it better than Arts Express. Children and adults from all economical and sociological backgrounds combine their talents to live up to the AE mission - changing lives and the community through the power of the arts.
I look forward to watching future generations benefit from such a professional and wonderful organization the same way I did.

I attended the Gospel concert on Sunday, Feb 20, 2011, and was very impressed with the quality of the performance, the professionalism of the group, and the enthusiasm of performers and audience alike! The soloists, in particular, were superbly prepared, poised, and connected with the audience and the choir. The enthusiasm of the conductor was contagious and led to thunderous audience participation - she had us dancing in the aisles! A seasoned chorister myself, I was prepared to be critical of the tone quality and pitch of the choir, but I was more than satisfied with what I heard: floating sopranos, solid altos, and tuneful men - no problem with pitch or tonality.

Arts Express is a true gift the the Tucson community. The organization brings joy and hope to the city through its various productions and educational outreach to youth of Southern Arizona. It has been a pleasure to be associated with such a wonderful organization.

As a vocal participant with the community chorus in both Follow the Star and Let Freedom Sing for several years, I have seen the direct benefits to both community and TUSD students of all ages. Our neighbors and family look forward to and inquire about what Arts Express is doing next. I have referred several summer participants to this professionally conducted pragram in the past and plan to continue supporting it in the future. It's an especially fine way to give back to our community and ensure the future through our children.

Arts Express has been a part of my life for nearly ten years now. I have volunteered as a makeup artist as well as cast member for Follow the Star, and I have always thoroughly enjoyed it and felt a part of the Arts Express family. I have also been in the audience to watch many performances of Follow the Star and Let Freedom Sing, and it is an amazing, heart-warming and wonderful experience every time.

Arts Express possesses, among other things, three strong attributes: artistic programming, quality educational experiences, and sound fiscal management. The longevity of the organization speaks for itself. In the volunteer, non-profit sector, Arts Express stands as a shining example.

Arts Express brings together a variety of people in Tucson who love music and drama to create opportunities to enrich the lives of young students in the fine arts. As a singer in the chorus, I have been privileged to participate with many fine performers who delight the community with such performances as Let Freedom Ring (July 4), Centennial Holiday, and Follow The Star (both in the Christmas season). The presentations raise awareness and funding to support the Fine Arts Youth Academy which enriches the lives of students in Tucson.

Let freedom sing is a fantastic event. It is inspirational for all who are lucky enough to attend. Wonderful music, talent, and patriotic sentiment. Highly Recommended!

I recently conducted some work for Arts Express and as a result I worked closely with a couple members of the Management team. Upon first meeting management, I could tell right away that they truely care about Arts Express and the charity's cause. Managment works extremely hard to further the cause of Arts Express and will do whatever it takes to continue to educate and enrich the community through all forms of art. Arts Express realizes that it is important to teach children about all forms of art in order for them to appreciate it. Arts Express is great cause that everyone in the community can benefit from.

Arts Express is a wonderful organization. They are so friendly and inviting. It is a well run group and they know how to get work done.

Arts Express creates a wonderful Patriotic Show each year for the Fourth of July. The organization is full of friendly, helpful people who really seem to enjoy preparing and performing fun and touching music.
My family and I look forward to the next show!

I have had the privilege of singing with Arts Express for the past several years. The rehearsal process and the performances are always impactful and very enjoyable. Arts Express does an excellent job reaching out to the community with an encouraging and inspiring message of hope and love with each event. I am blessed to be connected with such a wonderful, giving group of God's people.

This is a great organization. I have been to Follow the Star and Let Freedom Sing, wonderful show, with proceeds used to teach the arts to our youth!

Arts Express works with some of the best musicians in Arizona! It's a wonderful experience and the music is phenominal!

Arts Express provides an amazing opportunity for our young people to be involved and encouraged in the arts. The concerts also provide hope and inspiration to the Tucson community. I have been singing in Let Freedom Sing as well as Follow the Star for several years. On July 4 we perform a piece in which the song of each branch of military service is recognized. During the singing those in the audience stand when their particular branch is mentioned. It is difficult to sing as I swallow the tears watching the young (currently serving) and the old (who have given so much as well) stand proudly waving their flags. It just wouldn't be July 4th for me without being involved in this way.

Arts Express is a wonderful organization that shares so many peoples talents with the community. I have been involved for several years. Arts Express carries out an important need in our community and most importantly allows the arts to reach so many of our youth.

I feel that experience with the arts is an important part of a person's development. Through the programs offered by Arts Express (e.g., the Fine Arts Youth Academy), children are exposed to a variety of art forms. Funds raised by Arts Express are utilized to offer scholarships to students who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend the Academy.

My mom signed me up for the junior musical and I had so much fun. I learned a lot about putting on a performance and made a bunch of new friends. The director of our musical was awesome!

ArtsExpress IS the 4th of July. What else is there? We look forward to it every summer. The whole community would benefit if more folks would attend. It should run twice and be packed out!

Its amazing to me that without Arts Express's performance of "Let Freedom Sing", Tucson would have no special program, other than fireworks, celebrating the 4th of July. I look forward to this program each year and try to bring a veteran along with me.

I'm a retired teacher and have worked with Arts Express for many years. I'm a firm believer that the arts are healing and that children who participate do better in school. Merry

As a retired arts teacher and former teacher of AE's Fine Art Youth Acadmey, I can attest to its being a really high quality program. During the month of June, students have wonderful arts experiences with wonderful, recognized teachers throughout the community.

If you want to see a community come together to provide an enriching experience in the arts, then attend an ARTS EXPRESS production this year. You will not be disappointed. FAYA, the summer arts program for children, provides a structured learning environment for kids to express themselves through music, theatre and art. Let Freedom Sing honors our members of the military through a powerful patriotic musical concert in July. And Follow the Star is an emotional retelling of the Christmas Story like no other in Tucson. Join us in helping others experience the power of the arts!

My wife and I are 90 years old. We attended the Let Freedom Sing performance last July. It made us proud to be Americans. It was the first time I have been recognized as serving in the armed forces for a long, long time. Thank you Arts Express for making me feel appreciated!

The shows were great! They were lots of fun and there are many talented people involved in the program!!!!

I have grown up with Arts Express. First I attended as an audience member -- always uplifted by the performances. Later, I began to participate as a cast member and most recently, as a soloist. It has been a great privilege to be apart of such a wonderful organization.

I have been involved in the organization frequently over the past couple years as a chorus member as well as a soloist. I have always had a rewarding experience. I have also received extensive feedback and exposure that has benefited me both as a performer and as a person.

I sang in the choir for Let Freedom Sing 2010. What a wonderful experience! The rehearsals were well organized and very productive. The other volunteers were incredibly warm and talented. It is very rewarding to be apart of Arts Express. I really felt like I was doing something meaningful for the community. Hope to do it again in 2011!

The music at the 4th of July show is incredible!! Art's Express has put together a top notch pool of talent to help us celebrate our country's birthday. The singing is wonderful.

My family and I have attended Let Freedom Sing and Follow the Star for the last 7 years. The productions are top-quality and uplifting. These have truly become cherished traditions for our family. Thank you Arts Express for all you do!

I had the opportunity to hear the Arts Express choir perform on the 4th of July 2010. They were absolutely amazing! The variety of music was terrific and the quality of musicianship equally so.

Arts Express has one of the most dynamic summer arts immersion programs I have ever seen. The Fine Arts Youth Academy offers a great variety of arts classes - from band & orchestra to visual arts and cartooning. If you truly want your child to learn about a particular art discipline, this is the summer program to attend. Great work on the part of Arts Express, their board of directors, artistic leadership and highly qualified arts intructors.