Summer Victories, Fall Excitement Ahead!
As we shift into the 2025-26 back-to-school season, S’Cool Sounds (SCS) is finalizing programs and gearing up for another wonderful year with our schools and partners. We’re excited for our teaching artists to offer hands-on residencies focused on instruments including the recorder, violin, ukulele, percussion, and guitar. Here are some highlights from the end of the summer and a sneak peek at what’s to come!
Festival Wrap-Up
This August, a group of SCS/Crossing Thresholds (CT) students from Nairobi competed at the 97th Kenya National Music Festival. Our music team came in first place in “Recorder Ensemble: Primary School Section” and third place in “African-Western Instruments Band: Primary Section.” Jacob Saya, SCS/CT Kenya Music Director, shares in the pride and dedication witnessed in the students’ efforts: “More than anything, nothing beats the reward of hard work, consistency and commitment to a cause. The FAFU [Facing the Future School] music team did not just contend in this year's national music festival, but also decorated all effort with a comeback win.”
Thanks again to the SCS community for supporting these amazing students and teachers, and for contributing to their achievements through funding towards transportation, meals, instruments, uniforms, and instruction. The opportunities to compete at festivals reflect the SCS/CT’s programming success, empowering a younger generation through music—with the bonus of these well-earned victories to wrap up the summer!
Summer Futures Music Program
Following the festival, Jacob got straight to work with the August session of the Futures Music Program with CT. Designed for high school students, the program runs during periods when students are on break from school. Students receive free music instruction, instruments, and a space to gather and make music together.
As we continue to expand SCS programming in Kenya to new locations outside of Nairobi, please consider supporting us with a donation today.
Hispanic Heritage Assemblies
While we uplift curriculum that celebrates Hispanic heritage throughout the year, we’re looking forward to the communal celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15—October 15). Teaching Artist Berta Moreno will lead several Hispanic Heritage assemblies, fostering student musical engagement while celebrating the rich cultural impact of Latin music.
In preparing for this year’s programming, Berta explains: “I love performing Alegría Musical assemblies, not only during Hispanic Heritage month, but all year long, as it is an excellent opportunity to promote cultural awareness and appreciation. On one hand, it empowers Latinx and Hispanic students to embrace their heritage and celebrate what makes them unique. They feel seen, represented, and proud; on the other hand, non-Hispanic students get familiar with the music and some cultural aspects, creating a more inclusive environment for all students and connecting them through music.”
Berta relates one time when the band’s performance of a merengue became an especially meaningful collective experience: “We had a lot of students and teachers from the Dominican Republic. They all stood up to dance and sing with us. One young student came up to the stage to play percussion with us, and a few minutes later, one of the teachers jumped onto the stage with a güira. It was a real community jam session and music celebration that we all treasured.”
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Check out a highlight reel of an Alegría Musical Assembly, led by Berta and her band at an elementary school in Harlem.