Dr. Kim Hayashi, Tucson pianist, accompanist, and educator, arranges for professional ensembles to give 15-18 performances a year in six to eight schools. The program reaches 1500-2000 students. AFCM significantly increased the size of the program in the 2014-2015 season.

Every year Dr. Hayashi organizes musicians to play for concerts in Tucson area schools. His special focus is to reach schools that are under-served. Student volunteers from the Hartwick College music program come to Tucson and give several concerts, while additional performances are given by musicians from Tucson’s professional symphony orchestra and the University of Arizona School Of Music. Each of the concerts is interactive, with talks on the history of the piece and composer, followed by questions and answers. As at the Festival Youth Concert, most of the students have never heard any classical or chamber music and are riveted throughout the presentation. The students are always wildly enthusiastic, and teachers call Kim begging him to return the following year.

Music in the Schools has appeared in the following schools in 2014:
Amphi Middle School, 1 program
Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind, 2 programs
CDO High School, 2 programs and workshops
Flowing Wells High School , 2 programs
Gale Elementary, 1 program
Gridley Middle School, 1 program
Highland Free School , 1 program
Kellond Elementary, 1 program
Maxwell School K-8, 2 programs
Prince Elementary, 2 programs
Rio Vista Elementary, 2 programs
Robison Elementary, 4 programs
Sahuaro High School, 3 programs and workshops

Adopt a school
The opportunities that Kim Hayashi are providing to hear and experience chamber music in Tucson area schools are stunning, yet few in our audience know about the program.  Now, AFCM is seeking to expand Music in the Schools, gathering all these opportunities under one banner: ADOPT A SCHOOL. By adopting a school ($1000), your support will help us bring this exciting program to more children. Sponsors will be invited to the concerts at the school and recognized in the AFCM program throughout the year. Your new role as adoptive parents at your school will be important to “the kids” and to you.