This year, S'Cool Sounds (SCS) has been thrilled to reach some of NYC's youngest students through music residencies in pre-K and 3K classes at P.S. 153 in Harlem. Using SCS's United We Sing...and Move! curriculum, the students have been learning foundational skills in singing, basic percussion techniques, and the elements of music through joyful play and movement. This residency will culminate with an exciting jazz assembly for the entire school led by Teaching Artist Berta Moreno.

These classes are laying the foundation for a lifetime of community through music. As Morgan recently remarked, "music education in early childhood promotes social skills, personal expression, accessibility, cognitive skills, self-esteem, and more." In this way, the classes support not only musical skills, but also the students' holistic development.

Recently, the power of music was especially palpable for one student in particular. Since the beginning of the school year, this student had not spoken and had hardly interacted with other students and teachers. However, during his second class with Morgan, something astonishing happened: the student used his voice for the first time — through singing!

The student's classroom teacher, Brendalis Salazar, shared: "After months of believing he was mute, the student showed excitement, dancing and singing along with his friends. It was such a moment to see him show his true self. The spotlight of our day was that he spent the rest of his day singing the songs Ms. Morgan sang that morning! This music class has become a creative and enjoyable outlet for self-expression for all students in my class. Tuesdays are now the highlight of our week!"

Pre-K students smile and clap during a music assembly

Programs like this are made possible through the support we receive from our community, including a recent grant from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs’ FY2025 Cultural Development Fund (CDF)! We’re proud to be among 1,078 organizations receiving over $59 million through the CDF - the largest-ever city allocation for the program, thanks to the partnership between the NYC Mayor’s Office and the City Council.

Your contribution can help us go even further, creating more high-impact musical opportunities like those at P.S. 153. Donate today to bring the joy of community through music to even more students in NYC!

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