Music One an innovative program designed to educate and empower inner-city youth to become leaders of character, vision and action in their communities by challenging their creativity with "The Power of Positivity" through music - writing, performing, and recording of original materials.
Was conceptualized, created and housed in the Davey Lopes Recreation Center 227 Dudley Street on Providence's South Side in the spring of 2001 by concerned community members (Terrell Osborne, George Lindsey and Darryl Walker) that realized that our youth were looking for a voice to express themselves in a positive manner and they see music as one of those vehicles that can present them with that opportunity.
Music One is focused on helping inner-city youth of all ages (throughout Providence and its neighboring communities) to overcome the many activities they're surrounded by (that place them at high risk for contact with the justice system) and to explore and honor their musical talents. We want to establish their presence as viable contributors in their schools, faith based organization and communities with "The Power of Positivity".
Music One believes that developing their musical talents, will not only enhance a student's educational interest and achievements, but also develops self-confidence, self-esteem and greater pride in community and family relationships.
By participating in Music One not only do youth learn to set and reach goals, but build strong, lasting relationships between responsible, caring adults. As a consequence of working side by side with responsible, caring adults to complete projects, the young people learn critical thinking, oral and written communication, and discipline. They also get to share the results of their work with family, friends, community and the rest of the world.
"Music One" instills the knowledge and confidence required to have young inner-city artists positively effect the environment from which he or she comes. We believe that not only does art imitate life but many times life imitates art. Thus, if in art you can create a harmonious union amongst artists, then in life you can create harmonious unions in and amongst communities.
The conclusion of staff and those involved agree on the positive effect Music One has on youth and that the programs, and services offered reduce the pressure placed on youth to join gangs, sell drugs, use weapons and commit theft. They also agree that early exposure to effective programs such as Music One which address the fundamental areas of education and empowerment. Produces youth who can positively impact and profit the economy with the results of which benefits society as a whole.
Currently Music One has satellite programs at Hope High School, The Met School, Samuel Slater Junior High School, Goff Junior High School, Sackett Street Elementary School, Providence After School Alliance Program, Providence Recreational Centers, and by way of it's partnership with The Music School of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and the CSI program conduct classes at Prospect Heights, Galego Courts and the Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club. Students participating in these programs also help produce the Award Winning Music One Television program featured on Cox Cable channel 13 and 18 along with helping with the Music One Radio program featured every Sunday night 9-11pm on 88.1 FM www.bsrlive.com and Sunday mornings 9 -10 AM on WBRU 95.5 FM www.wbru.com
