In the summer of 2020 most if not all summer youth programs were cancelled due to the pandemic. Many children were left stuck at home without anything to do, without financial means to pay for the few remaining summer learning options, most of which were outside of the city.
The 5pm Porch Concerts youth program was created in response to this need. The program gives Brooklyn tweens and teens the opportunity to create and perform original music and poetry alongside professional musicians.
Our program intends to bring music instruction and performance back to the streets, making music communal and joyful, emphasizing performance, spontaneity and accessibility. In our teaching, we emphasize creative ensemble playing, learning by ear, improvisation and composition, as well as writing poetry and creating songs. We also collaborate with neighborhood organizations including the Flatbush Development Corporation and Arts & Democracy to put on monthly concerts for the community.