TFO Partnership with Prodigy Cultural Arts
Program and University Area CDC
THE FLORIDA OR 34 CHESTRA | 2018-2019
Last spring TFO, Prodigy Cultural Arts
Program and the University Area CDC
(Community Development Corporation)
formed a partnership to provide free
lessons and musical experiences to kids
in Hillsborough County enrolled in select
Prodigy programs. Prodigy is a research
proven diversion and prevention program
that uses an innovative approach to
empower, educate and enable eligible
youth, providing a doorway to a better
world. Prodigy children and youth
ages five to 18 experience performing
and visual arts, taught as tools for selfexpression,
to learn communication,
exploration, problem solving and conflict
resolution skills. Now celebrating its 18th year, Prodigy is transforming young lives and reaches
across 10 counties in Florida.
“The Prodigy-Florida Orchestra partnership has been a big success,” said Mike Trepper, Prodigy
Director. “It has brought new and exciting cultural arts opportunities to youth and adults across
Hillsborough County. From violin classes to performances, the more exposure to a variety of
arts, the more of an impact we all can make. Our community benefits from solid partnerships
that enrich lives.”
Funding for the program is provided jointly by the University Area CDC and Hillsborough County
Commission. The funding provides violin instructors, a program coordinator dedicated to the
partnership, and instrument rental and supplies for the classes.
The partnership began over the spring when
the orchestra taught group violin classes twice
a week to children at Roy Haynes Recreation
Center in Tampa – a first for TFO and Prodigy. The
orchestra also performed chamber concerts,
hosted Prodigy students and families at a TFO
Masterworks concert at the Straz Center and
offered the Instrument Petting Zoo at various
venues, giving students the opportunity to see,
touch and play instruments.