Plugged In Band Program

Creating Positive Change Through Music

Plugged In is a non-profit music program committed to creating an inclusive, loving, and diverse community empowered to change the world. We educate musicians in a non-competitive environment, and provide band and individual performance opportunities in support of community and charitable causes.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2002

Established

300

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Community

Updated

September 2023

An educational model based on compassion and empathy where the emphasis is placed on connecting students with their individuality, their souls - what makes them unique. Where success is fostered through individuality, original thinking and being connected to one's soul mission.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Our world puts a lot of pressure on youth to be perfect and be the best at everything they do - prioritizing achievement above everything. Plugged In was created to provide a non-competitive, inclusive, loving and supportive environment focusing on compassion vs. ego. The result is they self-motivate as they are acknowledged and accepted for who they are.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

In addition to weekly ensemble band classes, private lessons, digital audio productions, summer camp, songwriting workshops and community performances, five times a year Plugged In students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves.

What makes Plugged In special is our commitment to including all students. Whether a student requires financial support or extra support due to a disability, we make it possible for all students to access our programming. In this environment of compassion and acceptance, all of our students learn the power of helping others and learn to love themselves. Our students with disabilities who require extra support are placed together with volunteer students in bands. In the loving and non-competitive atmosphere at Plugged In, all differences are transcended through a shared passion for music, the teamwork involved with using music to help others and an atmosphere of compassion and fun.

How has it been spreading?

Plugged In has been spreading by word of mouth as parents and students experience the benefits of learning music in an environment of compassion, acceptance and helping others.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Send an email to info@pluggedinband.org.

Implementation steps

Identify teachers and students

Identify teachers and students who are interested in participating in Plugged In (music experience isn't necessary for students)

Collect student information

Have parents/students fill out a registration form listing the type of music they like, the instruments they play, their availability, their experience level and any other important information that would be helpful in placing them in a band, including and disabilities.

Create the bands

Group students based on their age, skill level, musical interest, personality and availability. Assign a teacher for each band. Each band will rehearse once per week of 1.5 hours with a teacher. Bands can learn cover songs and/or write original songs.

Hold a Community Engage meeting

One of the most important aspects of Plugged In is the emphasis placed on showing students how they can use music to better the world. At the beginning of each session, we hold a Community Engage Evening at which students present to each other charities and causes that are important to them. The students then vote to determine the recipient charitable organization for the end of session concert.

End of Session Benefit Concert

At the end of the 14-week session, hold a concert where each band performs a set of songs. The concert often takes place over 2-3 nights. A representative from the concert beneficiary is invited to speak to the audience and students about the work their organization does in the world. The proceeds from the concert are donated to the concert beneficiary that the students chose at Community Engage.