Our Roots: The Story of GYO and the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts
“Our kids are being left behind!”
On January 1, 2003, during my first Kwanzaa celebration at the Gifford Swimming Pool, I met a woman named Annie Powell. She looked me in the eye and said, “Our kids are being left behind! What are you going to do?” She handed me a newspaper clipping of a young Black boy walking behind a marching band. It was powerful—and painful. But in truth, that child wasn’t forgotten. He was simply walking with care, carrying a cello.
That image lit a spark. It inspired a vision rooted in hope, dignity, and the transformative power of the arts. What began as the Gifford Youth Orchestra has now grown into something larger—the Gifford Academy for Performing Arts.
What started as a youth orchestra has blossomed into a full academy offering a range of performing arts—music, voice, dance, theater, and more. Our students are not only learning technical skills; they’re building confidence, discovering purpose, and shaping bright futures.
“Each One, Teach One”
This core value continues to guide us. As students grow in their talents, they turn around and help others grow too. It’s how we expand—not just in numbers, but in impact. Today, some of our earliest students are teaching the next generation, creating a ripple effect across the community.
Through the performing arts, we help young people:
- Sharpen their minds and focus
- Improve communication and literacy
- Develop discipline and teamwork
- Express themselves creatively
- Build resilience and confidence
A Foundation for Better Tomorrows
We remain committed to four guiding beliefs:
- Stay true to the mission – Center the arts in education and empowerment
- Lift one another – “Each One, Teach One” isn’t just a saying; it’s a way of life
- Invest in access – Whether it’s a violin or a voice lesson, every opportunity counts
- Keep kids inspired – Off the streets and on the stage, in front of the mic, or behind the scenes