Creating a joyful sound!
Professional bassoonist Dantes Rameau moved to Atlanta in 2010 after earning a post graduate certificate from the New England Conservatory of Music on leading youth music programs for under-resourced communities. “I had the training; I had a program design. But I lacked students,” he says.
Fortunately, the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation needed music programs at its recreation centers and had plenty of students. In addition to music education, it provided services like transportation, instruments, snacks and homework assistance at the Coan Park Recreation Center and 20-30 elementary school kids participated. “Today, we serve about 1,000 a year from elementary through high school in orchestra, band and choir,” he says. The organization is housed at the Atlanta Music Project Center for Performance and Education in the Capital View neighborhood.
With a staff of salaried, degreed musicians, the focus is on helping students achieve proficiency, feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging, and set goals. If they stay with the AMP, they perform at their center, as well as venues throughout Atlanta, including numerous Buckhead churches. Every other year, select groups participate in international competitions in countries ranging from Canada to New Zealand.
Elementary kids are chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once they enter middle and high school, students are required to audition. Scholarships and mentoring are offered to college-bound students.
THE ATLANTA MUSIC PROJECT
atlantamusicproject.org
@atlmusicproject
