Business Details
Empowering Youth Through Performing Arts Education
Unity Performing Arts Foundation is a multifaceted organization dedicated to empowering youth through the transformative power of the arts. Founded to address the need for accessible arts education and character development, we provide specialized training in choral music, dance, drama, creative writing, oratory, and instrumental music. Our programs combine artistic excellence with leadership development, preparing young people aged 7-19 to excel academically, professionally, and personally. With a proven track record of international acclaim, including World Choir Championship titles, we offer mentorship, life coaching, and exposure to professional networks that foster lifelong success.Our team of experienced instructors and industry professionals ensures each student receives personalized guidance to nurture their potential. As a community-focused organization, we prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, serving diverse backgrounds while maintaining rigorous standards of artistic and personal excellence. Our partnerships with educational institutions and corporate sponsors enable us to deliver high-impact programming that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
Services
Youth Choir Program
Creative Writing Workshops
Piano Instruction
Public Speaking Training
Dance Education
Drama Program
Leadership Development
Arts Mentorship
Performance Coaching
Life Skills Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer internationally acclaimed arts programs with World Choir Championship titles.
- Our curriculum combines artistic training with character and leadership development.
- Students receive mentorship from industry professionals and experienced instructors.
- We provide pathways to professional shadowing and academic support opportunities.
- Our alumni network offers lifelong connections and community engagement opportunities.
Services
Youth Choir Program
Our World Champion Voices of Unity Youth Choir develops vocal talent while building leadership skills. Students learn diverse musical genres, performance techniques, and music theory under professional instructors. The program emphasizes character development through weekly life lessons and community engagement opportunities.
Creative Writing Workshops
Creative writing classes teach literary foundations and expressive techniques. Students explore various writing styles while developing critical thinking and communication skills. The curriculum includes workshops on storytelling, poetry, and narrative structure to nurture artistic expression and intellectual growth.
Public Speaking Training
Our oratory program builds confidence through expressive speech and creative storytelling. Students learn effective communication techniques, presentation skills, and rhetorical strategies. The curriculum emphasizes personal growth and professional development for real-world applications in academic and career settings.
Dance Education
Dance programs teach mainstream styles including jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary. Students develop technical proficiency, stage presence, and creative expression. Classes focus on physical discipline, artistic interpretation, and collaborative performance skills in a supportive learning environment.
Leadership Development
Our leadership curriculum combines arts training with life coaching. Students receive weekly mentorship on personal development, professional ethics, and community responsibility. The program fosters confidence, discipline, and social awareness through structured goal-setting and experiential learning opportunities.
People
Marshall White
Founder & CEO
Marshall White founded UPAF to empower youth through arts education. With decades of experience in choral direction and youth mentorship, he has led the Voices of Unity Youth Choir to international acclaim, including World Choir Championship titles. His vision combines artistic excellence with character development.
Helga Portela
Office Manager
Helga Portela manages daily operations and financial administration. With extensive experience in nonprofit administration, she ensures organizational efficiency and fiscal responsibility while supporting program delivery and community engagement initiatives across UPAF's multiple locations.
Darren Harrison
Artistic Coordinator
Darren Harrison oversees program development and artistic training. A seasoned arts educator, he coordinates curriculum delivery across all disciplines, ensuring high standards of instruction while fostering student growth and creative expression through structured mentorship programs.
James Hunt
Technical Assistant
James Hunt provides technical support for performances and events. His expertise in production logistics and equipment management ensures seamless execution of concerts, recordings, and touring activities that showcase student talent to professional standards.
Teresa Moorehead
Program Assistant
Teresa Moorehead supports program operations and student services. With a background in youth development, she coordinates scheduling, parent communications, and administrative tasks that maintain smooth program delivery across UPAF's multiple training locations.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
Our programs serve youth aged 7-19, with specialized training tracks for different developmental stages.
Do you require prior arts experience?
No prior experience is needed - our programs accommodate both beginners and advanced students.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in local concerts, national tours, and international competitions including World Choir Games.
How do you develop leadership skills?
Weekly life coaching sessions and mentorship programs integrate leadership development with arts training.
Where are classes held?
Programs operate at Purdue University Fort Wayne and Ivy Tech Coliseum Campus locations.
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