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Unlocking Potential: Empowering Young Musicians

It started with 26 kids from underserved elementary schools. They had not played music before, but once the door was opened, they soared to new heights. Over the next five years, their numbers swelled to 150 impressive young musicians performing on stages from New York City to Barcelona, Spain.

How did this happen, you may ask?

The Cincinnati Jazz Academy unleashed their potential. A partnership of Kennedy Heights Arts Center and Cincinnati Public Schools, the after-school program provides extraordinary music education and performance opportunities five days a week for diverse CPS students in grades 4-12. Students receive a free instrument, bus transportation, and meals; and participate in weekly music lessons, jazz orchestras, and combos led by professional jazz musicians and educators–all at no cost.

The results have exceeded all expectations. In 2023, competing with student bands across the country, our students took home first and second-place awards at the prestigious Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Given the opportunity, these students learned that they can aspire to and achieve great things.

Just as a key unlocks a door, the arts unlock a world of endless possibilities.

We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience the transformative influence of the arts. That’s why Kennedy Heights Arts Center made it our mission to provide free arts programs for underserved students, like these amazing young musicians.

You hold the key.

We cannot do this work without you. When you give to Kennedy Heights Arts Center, you help unlock the doors to creativity to more than 9,000 diverse youth and adults annually.

GIVE TODAY

Our goal is to raise $60,000 for the KHAC Annual Fund between now and December 31. Thank you for your support!