Black youth and other marginalized groups have historically encountered barriers to accessing creative expression, a vital outlet for expressing individuality and exploring self-identity. For some, a lack of structured guidance, ample information and access to opportunities can lead to hindered professional or creative growth. Without assistance, some young people may struggle to develop their talents or pursue their interests independently.
One Denver-based organization has merged music, mentorship and community support in an effort to change that.
Youth on Record (YoR) has bridged the gap between accessibility and arts education for Denver’s youth for the past 15 years.
“We really try to meet young people where they’re at,” says Stephen Smith-Contreras, the organization’s director of programs, emphasizing that young people with zero musical experience are encouraged to participate.
On That Note…
YoR organization focuses on arts education, community building and workforce development for young people ages 11 to 24. Its Youth Media Studio is located in the Mariposa complex in the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood in Denver.
Many students who visit the Youth Media Studio attend Denver Public Schools’ Intensive Pathways Schools, which serve youth who’ve faced significant challenges in traditional school settings. In addition to serving those students, YoR has in-school partnerships including Aurora West Middle School, Gateway High School, Colorado High School Charter, Compass Academy and the Third Way Center. At these schools, artists lead courses in music production, music technology, instrumental music and beat making. Their course Identity, “Power and Music” explores how each of those themes relates to students’ lived experiences.
Rhythm for All
According to Smith-Contreras, YoR recently received support from the NBA Foundation, which will help expand their workforce development efforts within marginalized communities.
The organization hosts multiple programs that meet the needs of different age groups.
“Open Lab is a program that takes place three days a week,” says Smith-Contreras. “It’s a drop-in program where young people can come in and access our recording studio for free.”
The Open Lab program is open to high school-age students and offers access to a beat lab, professional music production software and singer-songwriter workshops.
Additionally, a monthly, all-ages community open mic is hosted on the first Friday of each month. Smith-Contreras describes it as a “safe, brave space” for people to perform in front of a supportive audience.
The Fellowship and Media Arts programs emphasize artistic and workforce development for youth ages 18 to 24, with both offering stipends to interns. According to Smith-Contreras, participants learn about the business side of the music industry, including forming LLCs, filing taxes, managing music careers and creating multiple streams of income through their music.
“Our podcast internship really explores audio and narrative storytelling,” he says, referring to the Media Arts program where interns get hands-on experience recording their own projects.
“Many of them become part of our podcast, which is called ‘Youth on Rewind,’” he adds. The award-winning podcast has received both a Gracie Award and a Top of the Rockies award, and is available locally and on streaming platforms.
Melodies in Motion
Moses Graytower, 24, initially joined Youth on Record through open mic events, and has completed both the Fellowship and Media Arts internship.
“I remember I walked into the building as a poet and a rapper. I was like, I want to be the greatest rapper all time,” he laughs. His goal began to evolve during the fellowship where he met his two current bandmates and formed their band The American Spirit.
“Being able to expand my skill set based on the inspiration I received from those around
me, I thought was really cool,” he says, adding that the band has two upcoming
album releases – one punk and one jazz – and are planning a tour in mid-June.
Recalling the resources he found most useful, he says, “There’s every instrument you could imagine; instruments I haven’t even heard of.”
“I think the most important thing is just the people, you know, just knowing that they were really there to walk me through it and help me out.”
He says that participating in the Media Arts Program and working with mentors such as Anne Marie Awad gave him the skills and the tools to be able to say that journalism is a possibility in his future.
“There is a career path for me just being able to tell my story eloquently and, you know, not put to a beat.”
Keeping the Tempo
YoR isn’t just teaching musical skills, according to Smith-Contreras.
“There’s so many jobs behind the scenes, and a lot of those jobs are attainable, but it requires a relationship.”
His hope is that graduates are prepared to take on creative careers. By giving youth the guidance and support they need, the organization is helping to guide the next generation of creatives and helping people discover their talents.
YoR will host its annual Block Party on Sept. 14, allowing youth to perform among their community and peers.
“We have community booths, food trucks. It’s all ages, super friendly, and we shut down the intersection of 10th to Navajo, so it’s right in there – right in the community,” says Smith-Contreras.
With an abundance of mentorship and resources, young people are finding new ways to express themselves and build meaningful connections for now, and for the rest of their lives.
Editor’s note: For more information and program details, visit www.youthonrecord.org/programs.
