“And I’ll rise up, I’ll rise like the day, I’ll rise up, I’ll rise unafraid, I’ll rise up and I’ll do it a thousand times again for you.”

Rise Up by Andra Day

YEAH! News

Join us in wishing Maria Malafronte, our previous Program Manager, success as she pursues career goals as a music therapist. YEAH! is so grateful for her talent and leadership. Listen to Ep. 25 - Maria Malafronte from Paving a Path - a podcast by Jordan Miller, from the Highway Natives band. You’ll be blown away!

Thank you to the following for benefiting YEAH! at their shows this past month:

• The Little Uglies, Colby Miller, Hennessey Margaret @ The 5 Spot
• Evergreen Entertainment and their showcase performers: @heyitshannahday, @arborband, @amber_ais, @gabrielle.graceeee @ The East Room
• A Tribute to Tina Turner, with Keshia Bailey from LadyCouch @ Riverside Revival

YEAH! Programming

Rock Block will not be held this Fall. Coming up is YEAH! Rocks Summer Camp, for ages 6 -17, next June!

Rock Block MNPS returns to Donelson Middle - in partnership with CASE and TN Arts Commission’s Arts Pathways grant award. This time around we will offer an 8 week hip-hop workshop with REM STEELE and percussion instruction program with Thomas Lee Spann, Jr.!

Know of a Title1 middle - high school interested in this program? Email programs@yeahrocks.org

YEAH! Education

In addition to our Anti-Racism resource page, we are developing advocacy pages for the LGBTQIA+ community, music education and its impact on creating social good.

Send your suggestions for books, articles, movies, podcasts, videos or other resources on these topics to director@yeahrocks.org!

YEAH! Youth Voices

These testimonials demonstrate the power of your support...

From our young musicians:

“*John* has relied on music to help him find confidence to make friends.”

“Making music allows me to tackle all challenges both mentally and even physically.”

“[songs and their stories] help me through a lot, like bullying, grief, and loneliness.”

From their caregivers:

“I know that this [camp] would be a game changer for her, to collaborate with others, gain confidence in her art form, and see where music can take her... This outlet is extremely important to her because being in middle school is rough and she has shared with me that with her learning disability the only time she really feels inspired or safe to write is when it is about music or in the form of her own personal lyrics.”

“We are struggling to make ends meet every month, and having this scholarship is a great opportunity for her to join such an interesting and amazing program.”

“Inclusivity is important to me because I’m black and white, and because my dads are a part of the LGBT community.”

“We appreciate you offering this opportunity to her to be in a safe environment where she can learn something positive, develop her musical skills, and feel accepted.”

YEAH! Support

Thank you to all our monthly and new donors. We would like to recognize you in our monthly newsletters. Please let us know if you prefer to remain anonymous.

We appreciate The McMullan Family for supporting our mission through a donation in memory of Anne Lauren Fletcher, Nashville based songwritter, singer and photographer, who recently departed our community enriched it with her songwriting, singing and photography talents. With deepest sympathy, may the Fletchers, their families and friends, find comfort and peace during this time of great loss.

Calling experienced musicians; music educators; youth development, marketing or fundraising professionals; representatives from the many underserved or marginalized communities we serve - join our next Marketing/Fundraising Committee Meeting Thurs., Sep. 7, 5:30-6:30pm or Programming Committee Meeting Tues., Sep. 12, 5:30-6:30pm

These YEAH! scholarships fund 45% of our program participants:

The Crisi Manley Inclusivity Scholarship, in honor of one of our most dedicated teachers, is for students from LaVergne and Rutherford County students, Since its December 2022 launch, 61 individuals have donated over $9,000 in celebration of the impact of her service at YEAH!

The Claire and Vic’s Chrysalis Cohort Scholarship, created by two alumni teachers, one also being a camper, is a celebration and an opportunity for trans/nonbinary youth.

The Ain’t Afraid Scholarship, by Jezzi Zazu, Inc, in memory of the talent and bravery of our longest serving camper-turned volunteer.

And in honor of our co-founders:

The Kelley Anderson Gear Scholarship

The Courtney Vickers Education Scholarship

The Anna Fitzgerald Community Scholarship

On average, 80% of arts grants in Tennessee are funded by the purchase of state specialty license plates.

More information about purchasing a specialty license plate and supporting TN arts HERE!