Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We recently sat down with Phillip Olazaba, music teacher at Peter Cooper Elementary Dual Language Academy, who serves as our music liaison at the school. This year, our partnership with Peter Cooper Elementary Dual Language Academy is made possible through Ingenuity - Chicago's Creative Schools Fund, which provides increased access to a high-quality arts education in Chicago Public Schools through grants. As part of the partnership, our choral singers have been collaborating with the mariachi ensemble at the school! Learn more about how that collaboration fuels Mr. Olazaba, and why he’s excited for Paint the Town Red.
Uniting Voices Chicago: How does witnessing the collaboration between Uniting Voices singers and the mariachi band make you feel?
Phillip Olazaba: Watching the collaboration between the Uniting Voices singers and the mariachi ensemble fills me with pride and inspiration. It’s a powerful example of how music transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together. Seeing my students participate in such a rich musical exchange reminds me why I became a teacher—to create moments of connection, growth and joy through the arts.
UVC: What does Paint the Town Red mean to you as an educator?
PO: Paint the Town Red represents celebration, empowerment and unity. As an educator, it symbolizes giving students the platform to share their voices loudly and proudly with our city. It’s about showcasing their hard work, passion and creativity in a way that makes them feel seen, valued and inspired to keep growing.
UVC: Why is this field trip a valuable part of the program for your students?
PO: This field trip is invaluable because it takes learning beyond the classroom and into a real-world, collaborative setting. It allows students to see the power of music in action, learn from other performers, and engage with different musical traditions. Experiences like this expand their horizons, build confidence and ignite a lifelong appreciation for the arts.