What Our Parents and Students Say
In the three months that my son, has been a CAFE participant, he and our family have reaped tenfold the advantages that are offered by the arts and academic program. As a 17 year old, in this short period, my son has become focused, attentive and serious about both his academic work and the larger possibilities of music and the music world.
Coming to CAFE as a veteran of other music programs, he could not wait to learn to be a pan bassist and contribute to an orchestra that has world wide recognition. At CAFE, he has envisioned himself as a competitive musician that can earn and achieve that “first chair” and all of its perks.
Academically he now sees the importance of academic achievement and its connection to the business of music through the math sessions and the language arts sessions.
Before CAFE, my child, who is bilingual, was uncomfortable with speaking in public. I never envisioned that he would want to or push to advocate and deliver legal discourses in any legal arena. The Mock Trail competition was a surprise benefit. He continues to look forward to the preparation of oral arguments and trial advocacy each Saturday and the polishing of his trial responsibilities.
Lastly, and most importantly, CAFE has helped to teach and reinforce civic and individual responsibility through the language arts and Mock trial sessions, teamwork, accountability, discipline and focus through the execution of music exercises, drills, rehearsals and performances. My family looks forward to seeing further growth in my child at this critical time in his life because of CAFE.
Jennifer Latifah Johnson
CAFE Parent 2010 – Present
Good morning CAFE family and newcomers,
Last year was my first year at CAFE and it changed me completely. It was a rocky start because I was not used to things like the academics and reading music while playing the steel pan and I used to be frustrated. For the first month or so I actually felt like quitting. Thanks to my mother and my determination, I grew adjusted to the program. My ultimate desire was to get into Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO). I started to go online and study theory. The hard work paid off and on March 6th, I made it into PV. CAFE has also influenced my social skills. When I started, I was afraid to talk to anyone and spaced myself away from everyone. What made me change was when Mrs. Green told me this, “Sometimes, you just have to take the first step to meet someone.” After that, I made friends. To sum up, my experience at CAFE for my first year was life changing and the best decision I ever made and it will be the same for you.
Sincerely,
Isaiah Thomas
CAFE Student 2009 – present
Anthony A. Stubbs, Jr. who had always admired his big sister, Teri Gussom, a former student at CAFE, wanted to follow her footsteps and enroll at CAFE when he was 12 years old. I was a little hesitant, however, because he was very hyper and had anger management problems, and was not sure this would be the right program for him. On his first day at CAFE when I picked him up, he talked non-stop about the school, their activities, and all the “cool kids” there.
