New Hope Baptist Church ABC Orchestra (Anything But Classical) Summer Music and Arts Program

The New Hope Baptist Church ABC Orchestra Summer Music and Arts Program located at the New Hope Baptist Church of Ann Arbor aims to inspire under-funded and under-served children in the Southeastern Michigan region to think outside of the box. They are able to find and hone into their interests as early as five years old, in order to identify what they do and do not like. We want children to flourish and be exposed to many different career and artistic avenues. As they grow older, there should be no concern or confusion as to what possibilities and opportunities are at their disposal. We are looking for funding to help us during the operation of our summer program, as well as other events and activities we may hold under the Huron Valley Baptist District Association. 

The ABC Orchestra supports youth by providing many artistic and career-influencing outlets. The benefits are access to opportunities that are unavailable in their school districts, skills to advance their career trajectory, and an increased sense of self. 

• We believe that music and the arts are an integral part of a child’s development.

• We believe that life skills are essential to career searching.

• We believe in meeting our children ”where they are at” and customizing assistance accordingly.

In addition to music education, we provide many other activities for children to choose from including culinary arts, media and filmmaking, sports, fashion design, leadership development and job readiness.

Examples: 

• Worked with retired AAPS teachers and volunteers.

• Introducing campers to instruments, music theory, and instrument care.

• Created a faith-based podcast entitled, ” What Do We Think”

• Youth were taught the basics of sound engineering.

• Exposed youth ages 14-17 to verbal de-escalation tactics, job readiness training, and interview protocol.

• Full use of a commercial kitchen to expose participants to ServSafe protocols (proper hand washing, knife skills, kitchen etiquette). 

• Partnered with Green Couture Supply to teach recycling, repurposing, and reuse of textiles. 

The list could go on and is not limited to what we are looking to do. We are truly looking to provide an effective community-based service for youth who would otherwise not be able to experience these opportunities. 

We’re looking forward to hearing from you and welcoming you into the ABC community.

Thank You!

Jaydaka Lightfoot

Founder & Director, New Hope Baptist Church ABC Orchestra (Anything But Classical) Summer Music Program

Youth Auxiliary Director, Huron Valley Baptist District Association