Arts
Enrichment
Program
PeerPositivePOWER
CREATING SAFE SPACES THROUGH ARTS
About Us…
The success of The Music in Me Foundation International’s (TMIMFI) PeerPositivePOWER Initiative is based on the statistic that BULLYING STOPS when peers intervene on behalf of the bullied student. Because of the foundation’s unique approach to bullying, TMIMFI is the most widely used provider for the Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS) in Maryland.
For over seven years, PeerPositivePOWER is transforming the lives of students in 14 schools across the county, inspiring a sense of community, leadership, team building and self-esteem to become positive thinkers and doers – using music and the performing arts as tools to discover inner strengths (or superpowers) to achieve immediate and long lasting brighter futures.
The Solution…
PeerPositivePOWER After School Initiative
Leadership + Team Building + Empowerment
The 3 “P”s create safe, accepting and engaging learning environments—free from violence, abuse and bullying. Scholars mature and develop academically, socially, emotionally and physically, ensuring they are ready for college, career and citizenship to become positive members of their community.
The Music in Me Foundation International provides in school and after school programs, performance events, community events, professional development training services and curriculum integration strategies. Although creative arts are our foundational mediums, we also aim to target success in the academic community through tutoring and mentorship. All of our programs are designed holistically to develop the mind, body and spirit of youth from the ages of 3 to 21 years old. Our approach is distinctive, utilizing a combination of multimodality approaches through the arts, social emotional wellness checks from trained staff & social workers and mentoring to help prepare for college, career & citizenship.
PeerPositivePOWER
After School Enrichment Programs
Here’s How We Do It…
1. Nutrition
Research has shown that students are able to learn better when they're well nourished, and eating healthy meals has been linked to higher grades, better memory and alertness, and faster information processing. Therefore, as part of the PeerPositivePOWER CommUNITY, scholars enjoy sharing communal meals that are both nutritious and delicious, giving them a chance to decompress, socialize have fun and succeed.
2. Mentorship & Academic Support
TMIMFI works hand in hand with teachers who are currently working in schools and are certified to teach math, science and English language arts.
We set high standards for our students in regards to academic success. With a “can do” attitude, these standards are shared with the foundation’s arts department. Providing academic support, builds confidence and a sense of belonging, which helps youth to reach their full potential talents. Most of all, we are building a positive image and self-worth, as well as respect and compassion for others.
Various well known artists and professionals in the community serve as mentors from different fields and trades to give presentations on a monthly basis to scholars.
3. Dance Department
The Dance Department trains self-expression through movement, and aims to build discipline and confidence. Scholars will have opportunities to audition for on and off campus productions, including further experiences with our affiliates from prestigious dance academies, arts institutions, television and radio, as well as workshops with professionals in music recording, theater arts, dance, finance, health and various businesses and trades.
The different dance styles include:
Ballet, Modern Contemporary, African Dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Musical Theater, Street Dances, Stepping, Pantomime and Cheering. This is a platform for young talent to be valued.
Note: Additional areas of focus will soon be available, including theater, music, visual arts, video, photography, health, conditioning and fitness. Although students will be required to audition for dance and tryout for basketball, each scholar will automatically receive admission to the program overall. This allows for deep recognition of the importance of “belonging” to a valued community.
“Dance
is the hidden language of the
soul. The body says what words cannot.” –Martha Graham
For this reason PeerPositiveOWER focuses on nonverbal communications, which is 93% of language interactions. Learning how to effectively communicate and understand others, gives our scholars vital life skills.
The Breakdown…
PeerPositivePOWER Arts Enrichment Program
Duration: 45 minutes (2x’s) for eating and instructional time
15 minutes in between for transitions and additional programming
2 hours total after school per day Tuesday through Thursday
Audience: Middle & High School
Contract: 6 Months to 1 year
Performances, Sporting Events & Workshops Off Campus
UNLEASH YOUR SUPERPOWERS!
Our foundation is committed to building lasting bridges that support and uplift our youth communities in order to achieve academic and artistic success. Utilizing the power of creative arts, we are passionate about creating safe spaces that are inclusive for all youth to create new and progressive experiences.
Overcoming COVID Obstacles…
TMIMFI's PeerPositivePOWER Initiative has been a welcomed solution to squelch inevitable complications of students returning back to school after distance learning in terms of their mental wellness, academic growth and healthy socialization. Schools reported positive outcomes in performance, attendance and behavior through TMIMFI’s after school programs, integrating music, drum circles, dance, leadership & team building activities, health, fitness and sports. Furthermore, we’ve utilized the world of film to keep the culture of theater alive.
It is shocking that approximately 160,000 students miss school everyday in fear of being terrorized at school in America. About 4,440 young people commit suicide every year due to bullying, making suicide the second leading cause of death of youth between 10 to 24 years. According to recent research, bullying affects everyone. Youth violence costs the US economy $158 billion every year. And now, more than ever, PeerPositivePOWER is vital in helping create safe and inspiring learning spaces!
The Problem…
Exposing the effects of bullying between peers and students, highlights the power they have to positively impact these situations, building stronger relationships within the community.
THE MUSIC IN ME FOUNDATION
INTERNATIONAL
HIGHLIGHTS
PeerPositivePOWER Pep Rallies (in school) and Unleash Your Superpowers: A PeerPositivePOWER Presentation (The Kennedy Center) are powerful blends of anti-bullying through hip-hop, drum circle, American Sign Language, dance, mime and multimedia. These interactive presentations have been seen by hundreds of thousands of people, taking audiences on a journey to discover their inner special gifts, or what we at The Music in Me Foundation International refer to as, "superpowers." It’s a celebration of individuality that inspires unity, because everyone has a unique story to tell and be heard. The theme song of the show, "Unleash Your Superpowers!" was co-produced by multi-Grammy Award winning
& legendary producer, Chucky Thompson.
We highlighted the music and story of Nigerian musician and political activist, Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, as we guided our community on how to unleash their superpowers against bullying. It was an honor to present this uplifting story at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts through unique workshop experiences that included original cast members from the highly acclaimed Broadway show, Fela! On Broadway.
TMIMFI believes that everyone possesses their own special gifts or “superpowers.” It’s just a matter of discovering and using them.
THE KENNEDY CENTER
REHEARSAL
MEET OUR TEAM…
Jane Pinczuk is the Founder & CEO The Music in Me
Foundation International and Author of the “Rap” on Reading Book Series, which are endorsed by Big Sean (hip hop superstar), Bobby McFerrin (10 time Grammy Award winner) and Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens placekicker). The film of her book, The Music in Me, won Best Children’s Pick at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, the largest annual festival of films for children (ages 2-16) in the world. Her books, empowerment, educational, anti-bullying and literacy programs are inspired by her children’s enormous learning challenges and their tremendous victories in overcoming them, while discovering their gifts (a.k.a. superpowers) through their passions. She is a professional communicator and writer with 40 years of experience in newspapers, magazines, books and television. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post and The New York Times, among other publications. Her performances have been seen at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Wolf Trap Center, public/private schools throughout the Nation and other public venues. Jane’s dedication to successfully create and implement safe spaces for children to learn, develop and express themselves creatively birthed TMIMFI’s PeerPositivePOWER Initiative, which is supported by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and lead to yearly performances at The Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts and a television show on DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment .
As lead Dance Teacher for Kipp DC, he has produced programs for a wide range of students from SouthEast DC to specialized art schools and intensive artistic programs throughout the DMV.
Daniel Soto is the foundation's Artistic Director. He had a prominent role in the original cast of "FELA! on Broadway" as a performer and dance captain. Beyond his distinguished dancing career in various productions, he is dedicated to education and artistic integrity and producing work that enriches the culture and the community. By exposing scholar dancers to artistic opportunities and validating their abilities, he has created many platforms to voice young talent. Seattle Theater Group (Dance This), Brooklyn Academy of Music (Dance Africa), and Hola (Teatro Sea) are some of the many organizations present in his movement for youth enrichment.
KANJA Muchoki is poised to be one of the most sought-after artists in the music industry. Born in London to a Kenyan family and raised in the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) area, where he developed his sound, KANJA has been touring the world since the age of 15 sharing his unique sound. Known for blending hip-hop, R & B, reggae and African polyrhythmic music, KANJA infuses his native languages of Kikuyu and Swahili into his lyrics. This signature sound has garnered fans from as far as the continent of Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout in United States. Both an entertainer and scholar, KANJA has thoroughly entertained audiences during appearance on BET’s Blaze the Stage and at the prestigious Hampton University, where he was featured on a separate occasions, alongside neo-soul recording artists, Raheem Devaughn, J. Holiday, Slim (from Legendary R & B group 112), Jeremiah, Latoya Luckett, Fabolous, & 2 city show in Virginia/Maryland opening up for Reggae/dancehall legend Beenie Man. KANJA founded Red Touch
Entertainment, alongside Emukule Ekirapa, former MTV base Africa VJ in Kenya, Africa. The proceeds of earnings go to aid the HIV/AIDS campaign in East Africa. In October 2009, his infectious music and versatile performances led to his coveted win on BET’s 106 & Park Wild Out Wednesdays. In June 2010, he was invited back to BET for an encore performance in the all-star segment of 106 & Park.