NEWPORT NEWS — A Newport News youth development nonprofit that offers music programs has received $677,000 in federal community project funding to aid its expansion.
Soundscapes uses music instruction and performance to develop social, emotional, creative and critical-thinking skills in students from early childhood through age 25. The organization serves about 200 students annually, through two afterschool programs at Newport News elementary schools, several summer camps and a regional youth orchestra.
Carol Minter, Soundscapes executive director, said the program offers more than just music.
“It becomes a community and a support system for them,” she said. “Many of them start with us in elementary school and continue in our programs through high school, and some even participate after graduation.”
Minter said music is “the perfect tool” to help children develop life skills. Soundscapes’ focus on ensemble performances allows students to work as a team, gives them practice managing their nerves and builds self-confidence. Music also gives students a safe way to express emotions, she said.
The funding, which was secured by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Newport News, will help the organization prepare for its major expansion. The money will go toward bolstering the group’s staffing, increasing community awareness and engagement and planning for building that can be used as a “community music hub,” according to a press release from Soundscapes.
“Students benefit from a well-rounded education focused not only on reading, writing and arithmetic, but also by receiving an education in the arts,” Scott said. “I was proud to secure this important community project funding for Soundscapes, which will help them continue their important work of spreading music education to students throughout Hampton Roads.”
The organization’s plan to expand using a hub-and-spokes model comes after a feasibility study conducted last year, Minter said. The study showed the community would benefit from additional offerings, and that the most efficient way to grow was through establishing an education hub. The hub, which the organization hopes to open by fall 2025, would house most of their programming. Level 1 classes for beginners would still take place at schools.
Soundscapes’ afterschool and summer programs are free to students, and the youth orchestra uses a sliding scale, to help make music more accessible to underserved students.
Minter said the expansion will allow the organization to explore partnerships with other school divisions on the peninsula, including Hampton.
Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
