The performance this night was the end result of a newer non-profit helping the children of Pontiac, Michigan. Accent Pontiac, the brainchild of and spin-off of Kirk In The Woods Presbyterian Church of Bloomfield Hills, brings music into the lives of youth who may not otherwise have access to instrument and instruction.
Barbara Littleton of Orchard Lake, Board President of Accent Pontiac, tells of the creation of Accent Pontiac in 2015 from a 1 million dollar capital campaign for local outreach from Kirk In The Woods.
“The Kirk” as it is known in South-East Michigan, has a long tradition of partnering with Pontiac. The faithful congregation always had a love of music in their souls, and group is based on the idea that “music is “transformative. …It crosses all boundaries- whatever divisions- music can cross them” said Littleton.
The Kirk based the model of Accent Pontiac, which eventually became it’s own Non-Profit & totally non-religious separate entity within 6 months, on El Sistema, a South American Music Idea of social change through Music. “It’s such a joy- once you know the children you are hooked and cannot but love them” she says with a smile.
“Accent Pontiac is social change through Music” say Executive Director Sommer Dawson of Pontiac. The Program currently helps 270 Kids. Brass, Woodwind & Percussion Instruments are taught in their Programs. Specialized training includes Beat-Making, Composition of Songs/Music & Music-Production Classes. Since their 2016 launch the Program has seen definitive results from Parents & Surveys within the Pontiac School System.
Latoya Sturges of Pontiac has two Elementary-aged kids in the program.
“This Program has opened them to new things- the experiences they get to do, the places they get to play. I’m very grateful.” They both play the Trumpet.
Latoya has noticed the boost in confidence for the kids alongside the obvious musical skills. “They have confidence in tackling everything outside of school” she said. The younger child’s shyness has decreased too. “He doesn’t mind meeting new friends now,” she said.
Accent Pontiac augments the general music education in partnership with Pontiac Schools. This includes:
(1) An Elementary School-Level “Bucket Band”
(2) After School Program for 2nd Grade-10th Grade Students
(3) Transportation is provided by M1 Mobility, a partner of Accent Pontiac
“The real aim of our classes is social change and we want our students to be viewed as leaders. What we want is when folks see kids from Pontiac they will automatically think ‘they are a leader- that’s a creative person” says Sommer. She says she loves helping to build community through music, learning and leadership.
The initial group of youngsters are now in high school. The Accent Pontiac students’ grades and attendance are above the averages for non-Accent Students. Surveys in the seven partner schools have shown teachers like having Accent Kids in their classes. Accent Pontiac even offers the older kids internships. They get to participate and are paid. Surveys show that 88% of the students in the program feel like they belong- helping relationships, trust and the kids’ healthy growth. 82% of the Students also felt their opinions matter, which helps them feel safe to start conversations.
“In our Program we intentionally find ways to put our students in leadership positions” says Sommer. With a full-time staff of four, with part-time staff too, they strive to enrich the kids lives with strength, leadership, kindness and self-worth.
Accent has been successful in getting grant partners, corporate support, foundation funders, and individual supporters from the public. This performance was helped by The Crofoot, Genisys Credit Union, the School District of Pontiac & M1 Mobility. Accent Pontiac also holds several events a year- including their Winter Showcase, A 5k and the “Music For The Soul” event.
Ebony Simms, both an Employee of Accent Pontiac & Mother has had a child in the Program for 7 years. “I’ve noticed tremendous growth in my daughter and seeing how she is adapting to working with others and helping out- she is more mature than children her age” She says. When she sees the kids practicing, performing and getting through a whole song it is “heart-warming”
On the teaching side of the program- a lot of talented teachers including Rolando Ybarra, Lead Percussion Elementary Teacher/Music Production Teacher for Accent Pontiac, who is there for his kids.
“It is going along great. In the two years I have been here we continue to grow” From Porch lessons during the Pandemic to now having a partner School System seems to show the success of this Organization. One can see the love Rolando and the other Accent Pontiac Staff show while leading the Program at the Crofoot this evening- the smiles, comradery and skill in music was reflected in the fun and beautiful performance.
For more information on Accent Pontiac go here:
https://www.accentpontiac.org/
