Our Mission
MAPS in Action!
The Program
Music and Poetry Synchronized (MAPS) teaches middle and high school students of differing race, class, culture and gender to write music and poetry and create visual art in preparation for a public concert at the end of the program spring term. Each MAPS class takes place through a partnership with two different schools in two different states and runs throughout a full year. In the fall semester, English students from one school create poetry from their life stories. In the winter/spring, those poems are then sent to the partner school, where music students spend the semester turning them into heartfelt original pieces of music. Both schools participate in creating visual art throughout the year inspired by the poetry and music.
Youth Voices
Elevated
In our increasingly hectic and driven world, it’s challenging for youth to feel heard and to find ways to express themselves. MAPS helps by giving them a voice through poetry, music, visual arts and a shared experience. We hope to spark creativity and ignite a passion for human connection through artistic expression.
Eliminating
Barriers
By sharing our stories and creating a common artistic expression —MAPS strives to bring people together in an effort to heal the historical narratives that divide us by race, class, gender, sexuality and so much more.
The language, culture, and lived experiences of each student group is enhanced by the other through the marriage of poetry, music and visual arts. With this, they forge bonds that are long-lasting, educational and deeply moving for all involved.
Let’s Rock The
World
When I think about how best to make the world a better place, I think about our students and opportunities for them. How can we bring them together to share their deepest feelings; joy, sadness, anger, love, fear, happiness, insecurity, loneliness, etc. without fear of retribution or judgement? There are three art forms that allow for total freedom of expression: Poetry, Music and Visual Art! They allow our students to create whatever they feel and share those feelings with each other and the world. When writing either poetry or music or creating visual art, a student can fly – fly wherever they want. There are no bounds to conform to other than of their own making. Putting the three art forms together through the MAPS program leads to a magical student convening of creativity, collaboration, community and learning.
-Tom Willits
Executive Director
Testimonials