Big House Youth Jam
Before The Big House even opened its doors, it was already reaching out to economically disadvantaged children in the Macon, Georgia community with a music education program.
Big House Youth Jam, started in January 2009, was inspired by the percussion classes that are part of the successful Chicago program, Rock for Kids Youth Jam. Experienced musicians provide free hand drumming instruction to third through fifth graders in an after school program at two public elementary schools.
"The three main tenets of our program are 1) Respect, 2) Teamwork and 3) Listening. We introduce these concepts the first day and, by reviewing them regularly, reinforce structure in young lives that may otherwise have had little or no structure. Many students come from backgrounds or are currently in situations where they receive very little positive reinforcement. Our drumming program first focuses on the positive: students’ strengths, joys, ability to share. Because of this approach, the children are more receptive to learning skills such as self discipline, dealing with frustration or anger, and communicating with peers and adults."
~Big House Youth Jam Music Director Wes Stephens
Highly successful since it started at Brookdale Elementary School where 100 percent of the children are economically disadvantaged and thus considered at-risk, Big House Youth Jam expanded in the fall of 2010 to a second elementary school, L.H. Williams. Williams is located in the Pleasant Hill community where Little Richard grew up. It is one of the poorest and most crime ridden neighborhoods in Macon. Ninety-eight percent of the students at Williams are from economically disadvantaged homes.
The Big House program is designed not only to teach music skills, but also to help address the social and educational needs of at-risk children. The arts are proven to be an effective way to improve academic achievement especially of at-risk students, enhance motivation and attendance at school and self esteem. Other goals are to develop teamwork skills and discipline, boost self expression and help children learn about their heritage and discover new interests. Classes meet national and state music standards.
Performance opportunities are provided at the end of each school year to give children the opportunity to work toward a goal as well as to display the knowledge and techniques they have built over the course of their studies. Public performances can also have a positive impact on students by instilling a sense of camaraderie and pride in the students.
