LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 21, 2016 / For esteemed teacher and famed musician Fernando Pullum, serving the talented youth of Los Angeles is a source of pride. Following decades as an inspiring educator who earned a reputation for singlehandedly rejuvenating the city school system's music program, he was moved to take his commitment to an even higher level of investment. Noting that his students who excelled in the performing arts required more attention to foster their abilities than daily school hours could allow-or, in many cases, finding that a large number of local institutions simply lacked the resources-he established the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center (FPCAC) in South Central Los Angeles. Offering a wide-ranging, immersive schedule of instruction completely free of charge, Pullum proudly works through his non-profit organization to enrich the lives of 600 underserved students.

Fernando Pullum and his fellow teaching staff provide a structured program and well-planned curriculum at FPCAC that builds self-esteem, develop civic responsibility, and become lifelong learners who remain devoted to their academic efforts. With specialized classes geared toward either elementary or upper division students, children learn how to play piano, guitar, brass instruments and drums, while being taught to read and write sheet music. By stressing collaboration, the center's choir, drumline and jazz band groups offer the chance for students to apply performance techniques while creating something new together. Technical courses focusing on software-based skills such as music recording and filmmaking help students to cultivate their own voices and to document their personal stories. Students drawn toward drama studies are introduced to theater and playwriting techniques, while dance classes encourage expression through creative movement, technique and discipline. There is something for every arts-minded child in need of training and support of their talents.

The culmination of FPCAC's impactful philosophy shines through in the organization's treasured musical theater productions, which are created twice each semester. As wonderful as those shows are for participants and audience members alike, many of FPCAC's most important accomplishments are often less obvious. As Fernando Pullum notes, through the center's effective and rigorous programs, FPCAC has assisted thousands of children in gaining acceptance to college. In addition to performing arts-related courses, FPCAC's Academic Focus Program offers tutoring and homework help directly after school, ensuring that students maintain their grades across all disciplines of their education. The arts instruction that students receive has changed their lives as musical involvement has been proven to raise test scores, improve reading ability, communication skills, school attendance and reduce the number of high school dropouts. Over the years, Pullum has enjoyed seeing his students excel and perform for President Ford and Prince Charles alongside award-winning stars such as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton and Wynton Marsalis; four students of the program have won Grammys. Though he has traveled to perform with his students in New York and abroad in Cuba, Brazil, and Spain, ultimately teaching them to become supportive members of their home communities comprises Pullum's and FPCAC's most crucial work.

Renowned educator and professional musician Fernando Pullum has achieved international appreciation both for essential contributions to the youth of Los Angeles and landmark work with legendary artists. Earning a bachelor's degree in music education in 1981 and a master's in trumpet performance in 1983, the Chicago native relocated to LA to teach as well as perform professionally. Having revolutionized the music department at George Washington Prep High School, the program thrived and was lauded as the first music magnet in the southern region of the city by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Throughout his tenure, Pullum's efforts and successes have been recognized by significant organizations and individuals, including Oprah Winfrey, VH-1, the John Lennon Foundation, and the State of California as its teacher of the year.

The Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center (FPCAC): http://pullumcenter.org/

Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pullumcenter/

Fernando Pullum Arts Center Doc - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqn3BL6VIEw

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SOURCE: Fernando Pullum