Many factors contribute to the creation of a nonprofit organization, be it an idea, a call to service or simply seeing a need in the community. For Kidznotes, which connects children with music, it was a television show.
In August 2008, CBS’ “60 Minutes” aired a segment on El Sistema, a music education program for poor, marginalized children that originated in Venezuela in the 1970s. El Sistema, whose motto is “Tocar y Luchar,” or play and fight, spread throughout Venezuela and inspired youth orchestras around the world, so children could learn and grow through music.
After seeing the show, North Carolina resident Lucia Peel Powe was inspired to bring a similar program to Durham. She enlisted her friend Kathie Morrison, and the two women created Kidznotes. The nonprofit’s mission is to change lives through participation in youth orchestras, bands and choirs.
“Thousands of scientific and academic studies have shown that music education improves academic achievement, builds communication skills, fosters creativity, develops teamwork and increases engagement in school,” said Rashad Hayward, Kidznotes’ assistant artistic director.
The nonprofit is in its 10th year of operation, serving children in grades pre-K through 12 with free instruction ranging from music theory and history to group lessons and vocal ensembles.
The program operates eight hours per week, 35 weeks a year and offers a two-or-three-week camp in the summer.
“Our ultimate goal is to train our musicians to be contributing citizens to our society,” Hayward said. “We use music to teach life skills, so the idea is that kids can take the skills they’ve learned through musical training and apply it to their everyday lives, throughout their lives.”
The nonprofit partners with elementary schools in low-income communities, and all participants qualify for free and reduced lunch. In 2019-2020, Kidznotes served over 500 kids in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, according to Karen Kalafatas, director of development and communications.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Kidznotes launched online classes for students and support materials for parents and teachers. The nonprofit also hosted virtual performances by teachers and professional musicians on Facebook.
“Our work doesn’t start and stop in the classroom with our kids; rather, we aim to engage families, our school partners, volunteers, and community leaders and members in creating important social change through music,” Kalafatas said.
The eight-person staff and over 50 teaching artists, who are all experienced educators and performers, serve as mentors and role models to the children.
“Nucleos,” or main sites for the music centers, are located in elementary schools and serve as hubs for the music community. Families are encouraged to attend sessions and performances, to volunteer with the program, or to gather and enjoy time with one another.
“Kidznotes is about empowering children through musical learning — and building stronger communities,” Kalafatas said.
Twice a year, the nonprofit puts on a show for the public. The winter show is free, and every student gets to perform. The end-of-year show, usually held in the spring, often revolves around a theme of social justice. Thousands come to see the Kidznotes ensembles from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill perform. In 2019, the theme was “Be the Change.”
The annual Kidznotes Grow Gala, held at the Umstead Hotel and Spa, is the organization’s biggest fundraiser. The 2020 event, held Feb. 15, raised more than $100,000 to support students and the program. Kalafatas says the event is also a great opportunity to connect young musicians with professional mentors.
“We’re so lucky to have the support of individuals, foundations, corporations and community partners — all of whom believe in our mission, and ultimately make music education — and real social change — possible for so many kids,” she said.
