Our Programs
A Musical Legacy
For the past decade, VITA has been dedicated to affecting the musical education landscape of Sacramento and the region.
Youth Arts Competition
As a part of Deborah Pittman’s “Small Shoulders/Big Dreams II: Ruby Bridges and the Four Freedoms” presentation in 2019, she had planned to create a student arts competition similar to the one sponsored by the Norman Rockwell Foundation. Artists were invited to reimagine Rockwell’s iconic Illustrations for today. (Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear).
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Teaching Artists in Sacramento Schools
For years, VITA teaching artists have served as musical mentors in schools in preparation for Carnegie Hall's Link Up program, introducing young audiences to the orchestra. In the classroom, they help mold eager young adults into young professionals.
Community Voices
At the core of VITA's mission is its desire to affect the Sacramento community, and to lead as one of its artistic voices. Community Voices has brought exciting new programming to Sacramento, including the award winning Convergence II and the dynamic Small Shoulders/Big Dreams: Ruby Bridges and the Four Freedoms.
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An Extraordinary Musical Life
VITA Academy, with Deborah Pittman and Susan Lamb Cook leading, created a video and curriculum for 4th to 6th graders introducing this fascinating story. Through music and puppetry, the life of Saint-Georges will unfold to young viewers, allowing them a glimpse of the challenges he faced because of his skin color while emphasizing his strength of character, his intellectual prowess, and his exceptional gift for music.
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Great Composers Chamber Series
Under the direction of cellist, Susan Lamb Cook, VITA's Great Composers Chamber Series reaches thousands, spreading the joy of chamber music from the world's brightest and boldest composers. Learn more about her at her website.
CalCap Chamber Music Workshop
VITA is excited about taking CalCap under its wing. This long running Chamber Music Workshop is home to artists from around the country each summer as they share in their joy of learning and performing works for chamber ensemble.
A Dedication to Collaboration
VITA is dedicated to working with community organizations, special projects, and school initiatives. This has included work with the Oak Park Community Center, providing music lessons in the summer as well as backing the Sacramento State University Opera Theatre program by supporting its orchestra.
Groundbreaking
Initiatives
VITA Academy's six-year relationship with the Esparto schools came to a successful conclusion in 2015 with the district's hiring of a staff music educator. Esparto Elementary School had been without a music education program for more than 30 years prior to VITA Academy's introduction of classes in 2010. Building over six years, VITA Academy provided general music instruction to all students in kindergarten through 6th grade plus after-school and pull-out string programs at Esparto Elementary School. We congratulate the Esparto School District on its new commitment to staff-led music education at all levels.
