Paul A. Batiste Conservatory of the Arts, Inc.

Paul A. Batiste is one of seven boys born to John and Estella Batiste. He is a professional musician, band director, guitar teacher and composer. He is the recipient of the Superintendent's Award, Con Brio (for service to music), the National Elementary Schools Recognition Award and the Wal-Mart 2007 local Teacher of the Year Award. In addition, his experience in education and the entertainment business spans 20 years. He has been an educator for more than 20 years and 35 years of being a leader of the Gladiators, and more recently, the Batiste Brothers Band who was honored by the Ladies in Red. Also, he is a veteran of the US Army and former member of the 204 th and 202 nd Military Police Company and he has received the National Defense Medal. This makes him a knowledgeable and talented asset to the community.

Currently, he is the band director and guitar teacher at Sophie B. Wright Charter School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has embarked on an effort that will impact the music industry of Louisiana. The mission of the Conservatory is to put music education first in the music industry. By strengthening the music departments of our school systems, we strengthen the school system. The purpose of the Conservatory is to restore, preserve, protect, and support the arts in our schools. The Conservatory is an educational organization whose goals include replacing band instruments, band uniforms, sheet music materials and supplies lost due to Hurricane Katrina and providing scholarships to music students.

You can help! By making a tax-exempt donation to the Paul A. Batiste Conservatory of the Arts, Inc., a non-profit corporation and a 501(c) 3, you help fund the process of teaching the whole child. Music is an integral part of the learning process. Music develops self-esteem, self concept, self awareness, discipline, character, school spirit and a sense of belonging. In a like manner, it has been proven that it helps with test taking and the overall production of a student's development.