Poly Arts for Youth (PAFY) is Cal Poly Arts’ education enrichment program for K-12 students. Our world-class touring artists engage directly with children in their own schools allowing for rich cultural and artistic workshop experiences that extend the performing arts beyond the stage. PAFY is vital because students who have access to arts education have better grade point averages, score better on standardized tests in reading and math and have lower dropout rates.

During the 2024-25 Cal Poly Arts Season, PAFY held 10 in-person workshops impacting over 2,300 students! 

Are you a K-12 Educator in the San Luis Obispo or Northern Santa Barbara County?

Do you think your students would benefit from a professional artist coming to your classroom?

Keep scrolling to see some of the incredible artists coming to California’s Central Coast this season
and click on an event to learn how you can make these experiences a reality for your school!

POLY ARTS FOR YOUTH 2025/26 SEASON

Click on the artist photo to learn more about the requirements of each artist visit. Please be aware, artist visit availability is based on a variety of factors including artist availability and venue requirements. Thank you!

Featured
Jake Shimabukuro
Oct 1
Jake Shimabukuro

Grades K-12 | 60 Min. | In-School Performance

Jake Shimabukuro represents a rare combination of artistic renegade and musical ambassador. His passion for the ukulele is as equally evident when he stretches the instrument’s technical boundaries as when he teaches basic chords to a roomful.  Shimabukuro’s captivating passion will inspire students at this in-school performance to learn more about — and maybe even pick up — the ukulele.

Story Pirates
Oct 10
Story Pirates

Grades K-5 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

Story Pirates is an award-winning media company known for hilarious, kid-inspired entertainment, including their hit podcast with over 85 million downloads. Their in-school program, Story Creation Zone, is a fully improvised assembly where performers collaborate with students to create and act out an original story on the spot—sparking laughter, creativity, and a love for writing.

Pablo Sainz-Villegas
Nov 1
Pablo Sainz-Villegas

Grades 6-12 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

Pablo Sainz-Villegas, a world-renowned Spanish classical guitarist and modern heir to Andrés Segovia, has performed at top venues like Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonic. Known for his “irresistible exuberance,” Pablo brings the expressive, multicultural soul of the guitar to life. In this school program, he shares musical stories, gives a short performance, and engages students in a Q&A. Teachers are encouraged to explore his career and videos with students beforehand to prepare thoughtful questions.

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande
Dec 16
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande

Grades K-5 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande deliver a vibrant in-school performance celebrating the music and dance of Mexico. Featuring five mariachi musicians and two folklorico dancers, the show captures the spirit and richness of Mexican culture through a lively, traditional performance that both educates and inspires.

The String Queens
Feb 12
The String Queens

Grades 6-12 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic Washington, D.C.-based trio known for their soulful sound, diverse repertoire, and engaging educational concerts. Blending storytelling, sing-alongs, improvisation, and social-emotional learning, TSQ creates powerful musical experiences that inspire audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine. The performance ends with a Q&A to deepen the connection between artists and students.

Cirque Kalabanté
Mar 20
Cirque Kalabanté

Grades K-12 | 45 Min. | In-School Performance

Kalabanté Productions, founded by Guinean artist Yamoussa Bangoura, brings African culture to life through breathtaking circus arts. Their in-school show, Afrique en Cirque, features high-energy acrobatics, live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and the kora, all inspired by daily life in Guinea. The performance celebrates West African youth, resilience, and creativity in a vibrant, unforgettable experience.

Kattam and his Tam-Tams
Mar 30
Kattam and his Tam-Tams

Grades 5 - 6 | 50 Min. | In-School Workshop

“Your Passport to the Cultures of the World” invites students on a vibrant musical journey with percussionist Kattam - introducing rhythms from Africa, the Middle East, and India. Students explore drumming techniques on the djembe, engage in fun rhythm activities using everyday objects, and perform along with music tracks—experiencing the excitement of playing in a band!

Please click on the artist photo to learn more about the requirements of each artist visit.

If you think any of these artists would be a good fit for your students and school, please fill out the form linked below and a Cal Poly Arts team member will be in contact with you soon.

POLY ARTS FOR YOUTH 2024/25 SEASON RECAP

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, a vibrant and acclaimed ensemble known for their spirited performances of traditional Mexican mariachi music, brought the rich cultural heritage of Mexico directly to over 1,000 students at Jiménez Elementary in Santa Maria. Accompanied by two folklórico dancers from Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, the ensemble’s in-school performance showcased the vibrant music and dance traditions of the region, offering students a unique and immersive cultural experience.

At San Benito Elementary in Atascadero, third graders participated in a lively circus movement workshop led by ARC Circus Co-Founders. Students played movement games inspired by animal motions, jumped through hoops, and practiced juggling with scarves. They also learned basic jump rope tricks and explored the importance of listening and clear communication—essential skills in circus performance. The workshop offered a fun, hands-on introduction to circus arts, blending physical activity with creativity and teamwork.

JazzREACH, an organization dedicated to arts education and jazz appreciation, visited the Morro Bay High School Jazz Band for an advanced clinic tailored to student musicians. Led by members of the Metta Quintet, the workshop featured live demonstrations and insights into key elements of jazz performance, such as improvisation and ensemble communication. Students performed and received direct coaching and constructive critiques from the professional artists, helping them refine their skills and deepen their understanding of jazz as a collaborative art form.

If you think a program such as these would be a good fit for your students and school, please sign up to receive our educator communications. You will be notified as soon as the new season of programs are announced as well as additional resources and performance opportunities for you and your students.

Please be aware, workshop availability is based on a variety of factors including artist availability and venue requirements. Thank you!

Thanks to our generous donors, these programs are available at no cost to the schools.

Program Sponsors

Ann Robinson

For more information on how to support these artist engagement opportunities for students, contact Maria Taylor at mtaylo83@calpoly.edu