Above: LEAF Schools & Streets
By Brook van der Linde
Learning to play music is often an activity of privilege. Fortunately, a number of local organizations are bringing music education to those who may not otherwise have access to this important and fun art form. These groups are facilitating collaborative environments and challenging current divisions.
LEAF Schools & Streets (LSS), a division of nonprofit organization LEAF Community Arts (theleaf.org), is an arts education program that matches performing and visual artists with youth in schools and communities across Buncombe County. It helps establish residencies, facilitates interactive performances, and provides mentorship. Since it began in 2004, LSS has reached more than 56,000 local youth.
Two instrumental groups initially formed through the program that have continued to expand over the years are The Southside Drummers and Delta House Jazz Band. Delta House Life Development is a partner in supporting the jazz band.
Delta staff member Sheila Edwards says, “The difference this program has made is beyond words.” The Southside Drummers is led by resident teaching artist Imhotep, and serves as a collaborative effort to bring the driving rhythms of New Orleans to a number of local festivals. Students meet twice each week to practice percussion and traditional call-and-response skills.
“LEAF Schools & Streets uses cultural arts to create life-affirming, community-building experiences—empowering our youth to become global citizens, leaders, and agents of positive change,” says LSS director Katie Christie.
Similar to LSS, Asheville Music School (ashevillemusicschool.com) also aims to put instruments into the hands of those who want them, and to take what is learned out into the larger community. In doing so, the school strives to reach the underserved. It is a nonprofit music school that provides music lessons for students ages four and older. Instructors cover a wide variety of styles and levels. Students have access to summer camps, participation in ensembles, and a number of performance opportunities.
Last year, Asheville Music School, along with the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, awarded more than $15,000 in scholarship funds to students whose families would otherwise be unable to afford music instruction.
Once students have gained a degree of experience on their chosen instrument through private instruction, they are able to join a performance ensemble as part of the Sound Education Outreach Program. This program not only allows students to hone their skills, but it also teaches them the importance of sharing their cultivated creativity with the world around them. Among a number of other settings, these students have performed for ABCCM Veteran’s Restoration Quarters and Chunn’s Cove Assisted Living Center.
“Asheville Music School believes in the inherent power of music to transform lives,” says Ryan Reardon, the school’s interim director. “Connecting people through the universal language of music heals, builds, and strengthens individuals, relationships, and community.”
Science has shown the healthy benefits of music for our brains and behavior. Organizations such as LEAF Schools & Streets and AMS make it easy to observe that connection. When it comes to creating community, music is one of the most effective tools we have.
