Soundscapes
Soundscapes is a nonprofit youth development organization that uses music instruction and performance to foster life skills in students from early childhood to early adulthood. Soundscapes programs reach young people from first grade through age 25 through a variety of programs including a daily after-school program at two Newport News Title I elementary schools, summer camps, and the Peninsula Youth Orchestra.
At the heart of the organization’s success is the strong belief in the power of music to change lives, and the understanding that all young people have valuable contributions to make to our community. Soundscapes programs empower students to reach their full potential in school and beyond. During the pandemic, students composed and recorded an original piece expressing their feelings about everything happening around them. This piece was chosen by Carnegie Hall for its “In Response” concert and was one of just 20 original compositions selected for inclusion out of more than 80 submissions from musicians nationwide. The song, “See My Friends Again,” can be viewed HERE.
Soundscapes started in 2009 with 40 first-grade students at Carver Elementary and has served 1,500 students since then. Several students who were a part of the very first class graduated from high school in 2021. One of those students received a full scholarship to study music education. You can see Yaffa’s story HERE. Another student continued to play with the Peninsula Youth Orchestra and was recently awarded the Citizen Artist Award for exemplifying the values of Soundscapes.
To support the student musicians of Soundscapes, consider making a gift, attending or sponsoring one of the organization’s special events, or donating an instrument. More information at www.soundscapes.org.