The "Teen-Power of Music" Series
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Barbara Hughes. And back when the original Columbine School Shooting occurred, it felt like an alarm went off inside of me, of what could emotionally push someone to the edge, to be in so much pain to do such an act? I remember the painful teenage years myself. And my intuition said it was only the beginning. I had always loved working with teenagers at the time, whether to coach soccer, give waterski lessons or even a random drum lesson. Working with that difficult age group came naturally for me so I felt it was part of my calling.
I made a choice back then to leave my corporate work, where my desire and consulting business was to break down the cliques and learn to communicate more authentically through better listening skills and genuine empathy. Now I could apply this work differently.
Music and games have always united us in our diversity, and so my program of developing coping skills and conflict resolution, through a group songwriting program was born. And it was more about "connecting," collaborating and writing the message vs. the focus on technical abilities. The end result would be a professionally recorded song as a group. A safe place for teenagers to come and be themselves was the goal. "Power of Music" was born, and for years I was able to bring this program to various communities.
The concept has evolved, yet I am back to the beginning here in California, working to bring the program back and expand it to train other teachers, have our own facility to lower the studio recording cost and make this life skills course something that can grow into future collaborative projects so these young people have the skills they need to truly "Be the Change," in these challenging times.
All funds will be used to pay for scholarships for up to 16 Teenagers per class, Pay for the instructors and manuals, professional recording costs for a "radio ready" song, and expenses associated with renting space such as insurance. Along with a music release celebration at the end.
This program will then become a "Community Unity Fundraiser" as the students and community alike will take this anthem song to its next level as a music video, placed in a feature film, and many other applications.
Your funds will not only establish this upcoming program as a year-round opportunity as we move forward but will allow so many more students in the future to have access to the training series.
Once the initial phase gets off the ground, it will have its own momentum.
Thank you for your help, and here is how the program has impacted others prior.
With Gratitude,
Barbara Hughes, Founder of Baly Ha Na & Power of Music Series
Please watch the video here
Organizer
Barbara Hughes
Organizer
Mission Viejo, CA