Classroom Connections

Since 1998, Classroom Connections has provided free arts instruction and performance opportunities for 1st through 5th grade students in the Long Beach Unified School District, including art education lessons, in-school artist visits, and a concluding field trip to see the artists performing on the Carpenter Center stage. The Carpenter Center is honored to provide Classroom Connections to over 3,000 LBUSD students each school year at no cost. Bus scholarships are available for those schools needing assistance with transportation to the final performance at the Carpenter Center.

This was the first field trip for my second graders. Their excitement of the bus ride, the venue and the concert was such a joy to experience with my students. I appreciate Classroom Connections and all of your work to make this happen.
—Melissa Van Gessel, Smith Elementary School (Jarabe Mexicano, January 2025) 

News

April 5, 2023 - CSULB's Carpenter Center brings arts to life for local children, community

Apply

Applications are available now to LBUSD teachers.

2025-2026 Classroom Connections Application

2025-2026 Schedule

Members of Jarabe Mexicano posing with their stringed instruments.

Jarabe Mexicano

Grades: 1, 2, 3

A Bordeño Soul Christmas includes bilingual songs and stories from both sides of the border with exposure to new instruments and sounds.

Artist Assemblies
Dec 1–4, 2025

Carpenter Center Performance
Fri, Dec 5 at 10 am
 

Black and white photo of Keyon Harrold playing the trumpet

Keyon Harrold

Grades: 9–12

Jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold will pay homage to the innovations of Miles Davis while also continuing to expand the boundaries of music.

Artist Assemblies
Jan 26–29, 2026

Carpenter Center Performance
Fri, Jan 30 at 10:30 am
 

Three members of Versa-Style Dance Company in performance.

Versa-Style Dance Company
ORIGINS of Hip Hop

Grades: 3, 4, 5

ORIGINS of Hip Hop will explore the history of street vernacular dances such as Locking, Popping, Hip Hop with audience participation sections where students are encouraged to get up out of their seats and dance.

Artist Assemblies
Mar 9–12, 2026

Carpenter Center Performance
Friday, Mar 13, 2026 at 10am

Previous Classroom Connections Opportunities

  • Tien Hsieh (24-25)
  • Jarabe Mexicano (24-25)
  • Keyon Harrold (24-25)
  • Julia Keefe Quartet
    Memphis Jookin': The Show featuring Lil Buck
  • Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
    Llaves de Oro, a Spanish Flamenco Journey
  • Black Violin
  • Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles
  • Versa-Style Dance Company
  • Symphonic Jazz Orchestra