Hamden, CT — July 14, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) has received a $2,500 grant from the William T. Sloper Trust for Andrew J. Sloper Musical Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, to support “Music and Melodies: Cultural Arts at Smalley Elementary,” a year-long initiative bringing live musical performances and cultural arts experiences to nearly 600 students at Smalley Elementary School in New Britain. The award will help fund the program during the 2026–27 school year.
The program will present four school-wide performances led by professional Teaching Artists representing a variety of musical traditions and cultures. Designed in collaboration with Smalley Elementary, the performances will expose students to diverse artistic traditions while fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and school engagement.
Serving approximately 594 students in grades PreK–5, Smalley Elementary enrolls a predominantly Hispanic and Latino student population, with 86% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals and 27% identified as English Learners or Multilingual Learners. The program is designed to ensure that every student has access to high-quality live arts experiences regardless of financial circumstances.
“This generous support from the William T. Sloper Trust allows us to continue providing meaningful musical experiences that inspire curiosity, celebrate cultural diversity, and create joyful learning opportunities for every student at Smalley Elementary,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “Music has a unique ability to bring people together, and we’re grateful for this investment in young learners and their creative development.”
Working closely with Smalley Elementary Principal Andrea Foligno, AFLCT will curate performances that reflect the interests and experiences of the school community. Planned artists include Boogie Chillun, Karim Nagi, Sirius Coyote, and Surcari, offering students opportunities to explore American roots music, Middle Eastern traditions, Indigenous music of the Americas, and Latin American musical heritage.
The initiative builds on a successful partnership between AFLCT and Smalley Elementary. During the previous school year, the Music and Melodies program delivered five performances that generated strong participation and overwhelmingly positive feedback from educators, who described the experiences as engaging, culturally enriching, and meaningful for students and families.