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.

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

Applications for 2023–2024 programs are available now to LBUSD 1-5 grade teachers.

PDF format

Complete the application and email to Corinne.Garthoff@csulb.edu

2023-2024 Classroom Connections Schedule

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Three members of Versa-Style Dance Company in performance.

Versa-Style Dance Company
Grades: 2–4

Versa-Style Dance Company creates a fusion of highly energetic dances with cultural significance to local communities.

Dec 4-7, 2023: Artist Assemblies
Dec 8, 2023 at 10 a.m.: Carpenter Center Performance
 

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Julie Keefe in a white-dotted top holding a microphone and singing

Julia Keefe Quartet
Grades: 3–5

Julia Keefe Indigenous Band honors the legacy of Indigenous contributions to jazz through storytelling and song.

Jan 22–25, 2024: Artist Assemblies
Jan 26, 2024 at 10 a.m.: Carpenter Center Performance
 

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Dancers from Ballet Folklorico in colorful dresses on stage. Musicians from Mariachi Garibaldi stand in the background.

Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles
Grades: 1–3

Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles has distinguished itself as the nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company, presenting traditional Folklorico in unique, colorful, and dynamic performances.
Mar 18–21, 2024: Artist Assemblies
Mar 22, 2024 at 10 a.m.: Carpenter Center Performance


Previous Classroom Connections Opportunities

  • 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