How might we help youth at City Light foster new musical interests and skills in a fun, safe, and supportive setting?
During the summer of 2018, One Stone members began exploring the role music plays in so many peoples’ lives. From playing instruments and writing original songs to singing out loud with the radio or your latest playlist, music connects people to others and provides an outlet for self expression. After reflecting on their own musical journeys, the team began their project by interviewing Ryan Peck, the co-founder and managing director of Boise Rock School. Ryan spoke passionately about “finding the thing that moves you” in music regardless of what people might think, bringing more equity to music education, and how many people are afraid to be seen as “beginners” when it comes to learning a new skill. From there, the team decided they wanted to help young people who might not have access to music education foster new skills and explore passions in a safe setting and created City Light Jams.
The team worked with the Boise Rescue Mission’s City Light Home for Women and Children and invited youth to participate in a full-day of music exploration. Participants gathered at the True Hope Youth Center (aka The Hub) and began by engaging in a musical instrument “petting zoo.” Kids could interact with, pick up, and even play various instruments including guitars, keyboards, violins, xylophones, and more. After learning to create their own percussion instruments using everyday items, the group split into two to begin practicing songs they would be performing at an end-of-the-day finale. Participants chose which instruments they’d like to learn and engaged in discussions about what makes a good bandmate and how all roles are important for a cohesive band. Everyone was excited to have a part in the show and got to work learning their parts.
At the end of the day, the younger kids performed “You’re Welcome” from the movie Moana and the older kids performed “Geronimo” by Sheppard. Check out the music videos below:
Outcomes:
29 children ages 5 to 14 participated in City Light Jams.
“I had the opportunity to use my music skills in such a way that would actually make a positive impact in someone's life.” –Sam Humrichouse, One Stone member
“During this project I learned and grew as a musician and person. The final implementation of spending the day with kids from City Light playing instruments and recording songs to share with their families helped me to realize the importance of connecting people through music. It meant a lot to me to be able to take something I was passionate about and share it with kids who didn’t have a lot of opportunity for creative activities.” - Edie Johnson, One Stone member
