Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center

Our students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 at school to qualify for Pullum Center classes. They attend one or more classes per semester, at least two times per week, arrive on time ready to work and practice daily and become proficient in their chosen performing art. They learn to perform in front of audiences with self-confidence, self-respect & concentration and how to be respectful, cooperative and positive human beings who act as role models for those coming behind them. They also serve the community by participating monthly in feeding the homeless and visiting seniors in nursing homes. Over 90% of the high school students who stay with the program graduate. Over 80% of those who graduate are accepted into colleges and universities. Through exposure to Pullum Center alumni, professional musicians and field trips to local museums, performance venues and colleges, our students develop an enlarged and positive vision of who they can be. The Pullum Center re-opened for in-person classes in the 2021-22 fiscal year after a hiatus during the pandemic. Pullum Center provided 132 classes per week, including Senior Jazz Band, Junior Jazz Band, Piano, Choir, Music Recording, Guitar, Drums, Beginning Instruments and Filmmaking. During the summer session, 130 classes were offered per week, and six field trips. In the fiscal year 2021-22, Pullum Center students participated in 43 public performances, 40 community outreach events, 24 Jazz Band performances, and two field trips. 100% of the high school seniors in our program graduated and went on to higher education. The Pullum Center is a member of the Berklee College of Music City Music Network, a network of over 40 community organizations in the United States, Canada and Latin America that collectively benefit over 46,000 students.