The Summer Arts Through Culture Program is open to talented teen musicians, songwriters, and music production students, 14 – 17 years old, who are eager to create positive impacts in their communities. The program is designed for dedicated music students ready to soak up the vibrant New Orleans music culture. Days are filled with master classes, music theory, history, salons, cultural excursions, and live performances featuring many of the finest musicians, educators, and cultural icons New Orleans has to offer. The Summer Arts Through Culture Program develops professionalism, fosters musical collaboration, and nurtures Fellows’ understanding of the diverse culture of New Orleans and Louisiana.
What Happens?
15 Fellows are selected to join us in New Orleans to explore the distinctive art, music, and culture of the region. Fellows participate in a vast number of cultural experiences to expand their musical vocabulary. Fellows attend songwriting master classes, compose and record an original piece of music in a professional recording studio, perform concerts in a variety of venues, co-create our Salon Series, attend live concerts, and take weekday classes at Lusher Charter School’s Summer Arts Intensive Jazz Institute. The Institute curriculum encourages students to realize their individual potentials and interact dynamically in ensemble settings.
Fellows keep a demanding schedule. In the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends, Fellows participate in multiple activities like visiting cultural institutions, museums, historic sites, community service projects, and participating in the Positive Vibrations Foundation Salon Series.
The Salon Series is hosted in local homes and cultural institutions. Each Salon features a musician or band that highlights an individual style or musical expertise that can enlighten the Fellows’ musical education. The musicians perform and discuss their careers in an intimate setting that encourages an open dialog with the Fellows that often results in the Fellows being invited to perform with the professionals. This gives the Fellows a chance to showcase their improvisational skills, play multiple styles of music, and develop self-confidence.
Fellows are given the opportunity to perform live in a variety of venues like museums, festivals, and private homes. Fellows are often invited to sit-in with professional musicians in New Orleans music venues.
Fellows are expected to deliver a Pay it Forward project, a service project developed in partnership with the foundation. This project involves the Fellows taking on the challenge of improving a condition in their home communities. As part of the Summer Arts Through Culture Program, Fellows experience and participate in the grass roots efforts of multiple community service organizations and individuals from the greater New Orleans community. Fellows witness community transformation and learn through first hand experience that all of us have the ability and power to make positive changes in our communities.
Who Should Apply?
Positive Vibrations is seeking individuals who possess the following attributes:
- demonstration of strong musical abilities
- proficiency in at least one instrument of any musical style
- flexibility, positivity, energy
- commitment to and passion for music
- ability to collaborate and share perspectives
- inquisitiveness and curiosity
- open mindedness and willingness to accept cultural differences and new situations
- ability to work with highly qualified instructors, musicians, and artists
- commitment to community service activities
- ability to communicate using leadership techniques and skills
Please go to our website to apply
For more information on Positive Vibrations Foundation’s Summer Arts Through Culture Program,check out our website.
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