S'Cool Sounds Starts 2026 on a Worldwide Note
At the start of the new year, S’Cool Sounds Artistic Director Nina Stern and board member Nancy Jo Snider traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to help inspire students at the beginning of their new academic school year and to provide additional training for S’Cool Sounds/Crossing Thresholds (SCS/CT) music teachers in Kenya. We will be sharing news of the work being done at the moment, but in the meantime, here are some highlights of students’ accomplishments at the close of 2025.
During November and December 2025, the Futures Music Program provided 22 instructional days with 10 instructors teaching an average of 40 students. Each day included three hours of music instruction and practice. Instruments were provided for free by SCS, ensuring all students had the opportunity to gather and make music together.
Students participated in free, hands-on music classes that included instruction in:
acoustic guitar
African percussion
bass guitar
drum set
keyboard
music literacy
saxophone
There was no better way for the November/December session to end than for students to have the rewarding opportunity to participate in the 2025 ChezaCheza Endless Energy Dance Festival.
Reflecting on the positive experience, SCS/CT Kenya Music Director Jacob Saya noted that, "the students and instructors alike could not hold their joy for getting onto such a huge stage," adding that it was "a good space for connecting and gaining invaluable lessons."
As SCS continues to provide exciting new opportunities in Kenya and reach new communities beyond Nairobi, please consider supporting us with a donation today.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
“Music: A Language That Unites Us All” was created by Kenya International Chamber Music Festival (KICF) cello teacher Sharon Jewrence, working alongside students at Center of Hope School as part of the SCS/CT music program. Take a glimpse into the beginning of a new strings program, highlighting how learning music together builds connection, expression, and community.