'Broadway Classroom' gives regard to China

Lee said there already is significant and growing interest from schools outside of the districts and as far away as Taiwan, "which we hope to be able to include in future programs".

Musical theater arts professionals participating include its program director Vicki Plummer and Stephen Carrasco (Fiddler on the Roof, Kinky Boots). There are 10 events for students in the schools and two local organizations, including rehearsals, master classes and performances.

"Each event will be a 90-minute presentation and workshop, including 30 minutes of introductions to Broadway musicals and Broadway Classroom, 30 minutes of dance and movement workshop, and 10 to 15 minutes of professional performance given by the Broadway teaching artist, Stephen Carrasco," Lee said.

There's an interpreter with the program throughout, and some theater games and dance were chosen specifically to avoid the language barrier.

"Both activities are mostly physical, so we can demonstrate and have the students then follow along without anything getting 'lost in translation'," she added.

One of the purposes of the program is to promote perfecting English skills through singing and music.

"So this is something we look forward to helping with the students," Lee said.

The objective is to promote music education and to let as many students as possible learn to love music.

The events do not require any music training and are free for the schools and students. Students ages 8 to 18 can apply for the program, and then each school selects 10 to 15 of the applicants to participate.