On July 2, S'Cool Sounds (SCS) Founder and Artistic Director Nina Stern, Board Member Nancy Jo Snider, and Teaching Artist Ruaridh “Ru” Pattison returned to Nairobi, Kenya, to support the continued growth of the SCS music programs in Kibera. In partnership with Crossing Thresholds (CT), the SCS Kenya program has grown dramatically in both scope and scale in the past 15 years. The number of students and teachers has increased year over year, and SCS schools have had multiple top finishes at the Kenya National Music Festival.

Students and teachers dance in the streets of Kibera

Isabel Omondi, Director of the Center of Hope School, shared, "Music has become a cornerstone of our school. It's amazing how learning to play instruments has sharpened our students' minds, improved their concentration, and instilled discipline. Beyond that, it's been a wonderful outlet for their creativity and emotions. We've seen firsthand how music empowers our students to grow and reach their full potential."

Students laugh while playing recorder in Kenya

The SCS team kicked off their work in Kibera by visiting the four schools with which SCS partners. The team met with Kenya Music Director Jacob Saya, Assistant Director Julius Odhiambo, music teachers, school administrators, and other school staff. At every stop, they were greeted by exuberant and inspired musical performances from the students and their teachers.

Throughout the week, the team delivered dozens of new instruments, led professional development workshops for the music teachers, and worked directly with students and teachers to further their music education and help them prepare for upcoming performances.

Nina plays recorder with students in a Kenya classroom

Each member of the New York-based team brought their unique expertise to share with both students and staff. For instance, Ru led professional development for the teachers on how to use software to create musical scores and practice tracks, supporting preparations for the Kenya National Music Festival. Nancy worked one-on-one with teachers to develop crucial music literacy skills. In addition to teaching recorder lessons, Nina worked with Jacob and Julius on program development and strategized with Crossing Thresholds on advancing shared goals.

Throughout the trip, Nina and Nancy met with several leaders of the local business, arts, and higher education communities to promote the SCS programs and explore opportunities for future growth. "Enthusiasm for S’Cool Sounds and our Kibera programs has been tremendous," Nina said. "I’m confident that S’Cool Sounds will soon have a diverse and robust Kenya Advisory Board to further our work in Kibera and beyond."

Students and teachers smile and clap at Village Market in Nairobi

On July 10, students representing each SCS Kibera school showcased their talents at Village Market, a large shopping, recreation, and entertainment complex in one of Nairobi’s upscale neighborhoods. Jacob and Julius conducted exhilarating arrangements of Kenyan, Congolese, Mexican, and Puerto Rican songs that had audiences dancing, clapping, and singing along. Village Market's Managing Director Hamed Ehsani shared: "Village Market is a place where important and beautiful crossing of human paths create extraordinary moments every day. We believe in providing a platform to showcase and nurture talent, where people connect and art thrives."

In addition to increasing public awareness of SCS to the broader community, the students had the opportunity to experience a part of Nairobi outside their daily lives. Ms. Omondi remarked, "Performing at the Village Market was an unforgettable moment, boosting their self-esteem and public performance abilities. It was heartwarming to witness their pride as they shared their musical gifts with the community."

As their time in Kibera came to end, Nina summed it up with characteristic passion: “I speak for the whole team when I say how wonderful it was to reconnect with the Kenyan students and teachers. They are enthusiastic, committed, and incredibly talented, and their music-making is a joy to behold. They are an inspiration!”