OMA at Sam Hughes

Sara Gascho
Arts Integration Specialist

Sara's love for the Arts began while growing up in Lancaster, PA, where she sang in choirs, studied piano and voice, and became an accomplished, award-winning singer. Her fortune brought her to Tucson where she taught choral music at Tucson High Magnet School for seven years then transferred to Sam Hughes elementary to become their OMA Arts Integration Specialist teaching OMA, Band, Strings, Ukulele, Recorders, and Choir. She loves working with young people who spark her creativity. While coordinating the biannual OMAPalooza Concert Informances, Sara additionally directs two plays each year and performs with her choir for various community events. Sara has been the lead singer with two Tucson-based bands and loves being a wife and mom to her two amazing kids.

We blend music, opera, dance, theatre and visual arts into your child's classroom learning.

We can’t wait for your child to learn and participate in the arts!

Research shows that students who participate in the arts develop strong critical thinking, problem-solving and academic skills.

Every child deserves a rich and engaging education, and OMA Gold is one of the ways our teachers make that possible.

Why OMA Works?

Arts integration curriculum at each grade level is determined by brain-based research, multi-intelligence learning and the neurological development of children.

Students learn rhythm to develop verbal communication and literacy skills.

1^st

Through learning about opera, students build a connection between writing and music.

2^nd

Creative movement helps expand students’ vocabularies and develop critical thinking skills.

3^rd

Through weekly recorder performance/composition classes, students make progress with skills such as listening, processing visual information and coordinating movement.

4^th

Students play a stringed instrument, which further develops the left brain/right brain intellect.

5^th

Everything students have learned over the last five years comes together, with students gaining a better understanding of the arts through attending professional performances and connecting with community arts partners.

We are committed to providing educational experiences which:

foster creativity
build community
honor our humanity

Learn more about our programs & resources.

Fine & Performing Arts
520-225-4900
2025 E. Winsett St., Tucson, AZ 85719