Durango Cowboy Gathering Performers in the Schools

As part of the Durango Cowboy Gathering’s mission, through our Poets and Musicians in the Schools program, approximately 30 invited professional performers who are authentic cowboys and cowgirls participate in educational assemblies and class settings at area schools, promoting Durango’s western heritage and bringing history to life through poetry and music. We touch the lives of  over 5,600 students and their families through this program.

Beginning in late spring, we send local volunteer poets to work with the schools to mentor students on writing a poem, song or produce a piece of art related to Durango's western heritage for our annual contest.  All work judged by students from the Durango Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission in conjunction with Gathering board members.  Winning students recite their poem/song at the annual Gathering and winning artwork is hung throughout Durango.  A small stipend is paid to the top three winners of each class and school as well as to the performers.   Historically, we receive over 150 submissions from the students.  

Depending on the expertise of our invited professional performers, some years we are able to offer harmonica classes to the students.  

We need YOUR help to sustain this important program and help us keep our western history alive.