PAL/PLAYERS AND LISTENERS

About

PAL Board of Directors

Front: Shiela Skinner, Yulin Brewer, Shannon Brewer
Back: Suzy Heath, Jerry Brewer, Ann Nicholas, Sara Bashaw, Robin Townsend

PAL/Players and Listeners Developing Culture

As I was finishing a performance at a nursing home an elderly gentlement called out to me "Young lady! Young lady!  Please wait!"  I walked back to him and waited while he colected his thoughts. Then he said, "Young lady, I know I may not remember you, but please don’t forget about us!"  That plea from an elderly gentleman, suffering from dementia, was the impetus behind the discovery of my mission: to enrich our community by taking the arts directly to those in need and to improve the relationship between our seniors and our youth through the performing arts. The senior population is the fastest growing population in the country and a challenging economy has created an abundance of disadvantaged youth.

I began to research and discovered that music is not just entertainment for our seniors: Music can affect moods and spark memories, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve concentration and healing. Indeed, the sensory and intellectual stimulation of music can help maintain a person’s quality of life. Furthermore, Dr. Paul Steinhauer, staff psychiatrist at Ontario's Hospital for Sick Children states children living in poverty "show almost three-and-one-half times the number of conduct disorders; almost twice the chronic illnesses; and over twice the rate of school problems, hyperactivity, and emotional disorders as children who are not poor." The arts address the damage of disadvantage by fostering resilience. Studies show this trait can be enhanced by building personal characteristics, such as self-esteem, and providing opportunities for participation. I saw the urgent need to help our senior citizens who have very limited access to the performing arts, and I realized I could also help disadvantaged youth with instruments, lessons and an audience eager for performance. My mission was born. Success in this quest depends on recruiting performers, gaining support of the community and the development of a strong organization able to deliver the service.

Recruiting dependable performers has been a challenging task. To reach this goal, I founded PAL/Players and Listeners, now an official performing arts club at my high school. PAL has officers, a set of bylaws and a schedule of summer performances and fundraisers. Vocal, piano, dance and drama instructors have generously donated their services, and our first donated instrument. Players are enlisted through schools and private performing arts teachers. Rewards for service include grateful audiences, lots of hugs and beneficial relationships between youth and seniors. PAL provides a venue for artistic expression for many talented youth in our area, and develops the young performer’s skill, poise and self esteem, while bringing joy to lonely hearts. In addition, PAL service qualifies for community service hours, a requirement of many other school organizations. PAL changes attitudes by offering social events along with service and makes performing for the seniors a positive, fun and a structured experience.

Positive behavior among players builds support for PAL within the community. An adult community organization was formed which will oversees the formation of new PAL clubs. A Board of Directors and additional players have been recruited, databases have been started and performances have begun. PAL recruits volunteers and sponsors through performances and speeches to community organizations, through the media, and PAL's website, http://playersandlisteners.org which includes an online resource with plans and forms for starting branches of PAL in other public schools and communities. PAL has been awarded 501(c)(3) non-profit designation with the mission of developing cultural enrichment in the community. This will allow PAL sponsors and donors to receive a tax deduction for contributions and will allow PAL to apply for grants that otherwise would not be available. With the support of the board of directors and leaders in the community, PAL will become an efficient organization delivering renewed spirit to our seniors and positively affecting the behavior of our youth.  PAL has awarded it's first cash grant to an elementary student to take violin lessons and has purchased a violin and a keyboard to loan to disadvantaged students.  There is now a "Donate" button on the opening page of the web site.

 I have watched my grandmother’s face as a smile melted away her pain while listening to me perform. This is but one example of the positive impact performing arts have on the lives of people who are less fortunate, neglected or lonely. The benefit of inspiring only a few is immeasurable.  My dream is that the organization I have started, (PAL/Players and Listeners), will become a model for the State of Texas and--I can dream--of the United States of America. 

Please help by joining my club or let me help you start your own PAL club at your school--wherever you are.

Please don't forget about us!