Carmel Magazine

Holiday 2017

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Palenke Ar ts Brings Music Back to the Schools B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D N ot so long ago, music and performing ar ts programs were common in American public schools. Sadly, decades of budget cuts have curtailed those curricula. To help fill that need, Juan Sanchez founded Palenke Ar ts, housed at Seaside's King Elementary. He has ambitious plans for his brainchild. "The vision is to have a fully functional multi- disciplinary arts center open seven days a week with several classes going simultaneously," he says. Given the energy and passion Sanchez exudes, don't bet against him. A native of Malaga, Spain, Sanchez comes from a long line of musicians. "For me it was not a question of whether I was going to be a musi- cian, but what type," he recalls. After moving to the US, he says, "I realized a lot of kids did not have the same opportunities I did." As a touring musician, he saw many small communities with thriving arts centers, and he wanted the same opportunities for kids in his adopted city of Seaside. "I looked in the mirror and said, 'what is Juan going to do?' I started talking to people, trying to see if this idea could fly." So far, it has. "This work needs to be done," Sanchez avers. For more information, visit www.palenkearts.org. SHORTCUTS MUSIC A native of Malaga, Spain, Juan Sanchez brings his innate love of music to the schools and community of his adopted city of Seaside. 62 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 7 Photo: Kelli Uldall

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