Every month, we highlight some of our awesome students, volunteers, and staff in the Rock to the Future email newsletter. When someone is In the Spotlight, it's because they rock- whether they're a student who aced a hard test, an instructor who went above and beyond, or a volunteer who brings their best to the the program every day.
Take a look at some of last year's Spotlights:
City Year and Rock to the Future Volunteer Day
We had a blast taking part in City Year Philadelphia's 2019 Day of Service. Together with hundreds of volunteers from around the area, we painted 100 murals in Kensington High's gym, hallways, and classrooms - including in Rock to the Future's program spaces. Read about the day on WHYY.
Volunteer Joe L.
Joe Leone started volunteering at the MusiCore Kensington after-school program this fall, and he quickly became a rockstar volunteer. Check out the sign he made for the homework room! MusiCore Kensington students love seeing Joe two or three days a week, and his help is always appreciated. You rock, Joe!
Student House Band at Weathervane
Rock to the Future's Student House Band recorded, mixed, and mastered an original song with Weathervane Music. During their intensive weekend at Miner Street Recordings, Rock to the Future students got a first-hand look at the process of recording in a professional studio. They'll play their original song Coldstone on stage at the Music for All Ball on April 6th. It's a metal track that tells the story of bassist Will's psychic journey through a desert (it rocks!).
BON VOYAGE KATIE FEENEY
After rocking with us for six and a half years, Development Director Katie Feeney is leaving Rock to the Future to follow her creative pursuits. All of us at Rock to the Future will miss having her brighten the office. You can still catch Katie performing all around the Philly area with her band, You Do You, and hosting the series Brightstar Buzz on PhillyCAM and Princeton TV.
"Thank you for all of your support over the past six and half years. Together we have worked to prepare hundreds of youth for every stage in life through music education. It has been my pride and honor to support so many talented youth through high school and onto college and professional careers. In fact, just last week I spoke to a former Rock to the Future student, Destinee, who was in 9th grade when I began working here and has just graduated from college. I know that the organization will continue to succeed and impact more youth like Destinee for years to come."
MUSICORE GERMANTOWN SITE DIRECTOR MS. KAAMI MOORE
After leaving her job on Wall Street to start her own foundation to help underserved youth in the US and Colombia, Kaamilah Moore discovered Rock to the Future when she looked for opportunities to help youth in North Philly. Ms. Kaami spent four years as a volunteer homework helper at MusiCore, where she helped students to "train their brains," and trained her own as well!
After four years of volunteering, Ms. Kaami was the first Academic Coordinator at the MusiCore Germantown after school location. She'll be spending her sixth year with Rock to the Future as the MusiCore Germantown Site Director for the upcoming school year! Ms. Kaami is looking forward to seeing all of the returning students, and meeting new rockstars.
ROCKSTARS OF THE MONTH
Join us in celebrating October’s Rockstar of the Month, Nylah W! She exhibits all of the qualities we look for in a rockstar- she’s helpful, has a great attitude, and works hard to improve on the keyboard. You rock Nylah!
Congratulations to November’s Rockstar of the Month, 6th grader Mekane A! Mekane might be a quiet soul but he is a joy to have in program. He always pulls out his homework and comes ready to play the drums. Plus, he's one of the few kids we know who checks to see how the adults are doing!
FOUNDING FOOTSTEPS SPONSORS COLLEGE VISITS
Philadelphia tour company Founding Footsteps donated a trolley to take Rock to the Future middle and high school students on a college tour in style. Students visited Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Harcum College, and Cabrini College (where their tour guide was current Cabrini student and Rock to the Future alum Alex M).
It was great to see Rock to the Future students so excited about college tours, especially since the tour left at 8:30 am on a Monday off from school! At Rock to the Future, we build leaders through music. Thank you to Founding Footsteps, and to all supporters who help our students to rock.
Thank you everyone who rocked with us last year.
This year, 2020, marks Rock to the Future's ten year anniversary. We're looking forward to another ten years of providing innovative music programs for amazing students from all over Philadelphia.
If you'd like to stay up-to-date on all of the amazing people in our spotlight, please consider signing up for our email newsletter. Every month, we send out an update on all the news, opportunities, and performances going on at Rock to the Future.