Donda’s House, Inc. seeks to fill in the gap for students who have experienced unprecedented cuts in arts and music funding. Private arts instruction can be expensive, and Donda’s House, Inc. wants to provide access to students who would otherwise not have the opportunity. The fact that Donda’s House, Inc. has Grammy-award winning artists and practicing professionals proves that the youth are truly learning from the best in the industry.
“At Donda’s House our mottos are to ‘tell your truth’ and ‘give before you have.’ Our participants are not only enrolled in our program, but we become family,” said Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Creative Director and Creative Writing Instructor.
Participants range in age from 15 – 24 with varying degrees of music writing, performing and recording experiences. Participants compose original music starting from initial idea building up to recording tracks followed by the final performance showcase featuring their new portfolio of original songs. Once participants successfully complete the program, they become “lifetime” members of Donda’s House, Inc., allowing them a platform for promotion, continuing education and access to all future events. The Got Bars Vol. 1 created by the Fall 2013 Cohort is available on Soundcloud here: http://soundcloud.com/dondas-house-inc
Got Bars received over 500 applications last fall and selected 30 students to participate. Applicants in the Chicagoland area between the ages of 15 – 24 are invited to apply. There will be 70 applicants selected to audition and interview for the program with the final 30 invited to participate. The program will run from March-June of 2014. The deadline for applying is February 21st, 2014.
“We chose our target audience ages 15-24, because those are the peak ages for criminal activity. By taking the youth off of the streets and giving them a safe space and creative outlet, we are able to encourage positive behavior and inspire them to really control the narrative of their future,” said Donnie Smith, Executive Director of Donda’s House, Inc.
Applications can be found & submitted online http://www.dondashouseinc.org as well as in person at The ARK of St. Sabina located at 7800 S. Racine in Chicago, IL. Please e-mail us at dondashouseinc@gmail.com for more information.