Accent Pontiac: Three Years of Social Change Through Music
What began as an investment in music education has grown into something much bigger—creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, leadership skills, meaningful relationships, and a lasting connection to music.
With an $82,000 grant from Impact100 Oakland County, Accent Pontiac launched and developed its Social Change Through Music: Pontiac High School program over three years. The funding helped support teaching artists, program assistants, administrative staff, musical instruments and supplies, meals, events, summer programming, and other expenses necessary to build a strong and sustainable high school program.
Three Years of Growth
Over the grant period, Accent Pontiac successfully piloted three years of programming for high school students and established a formal partnership with Pontiac High School. Enrollment, initially one of the program’s biggest challenges, steadily grew. The program began with just 10 high school students and ultimately reached capacity, serving as many as 23 students in its third year while achieving strong attendance and retention.
Students were given opportunities that extended well beyond weekly music instruction. During the three-year grant period, they participated in 35 performances, nine field trips, and 10 guest artist events. Experiences included workshops at Oakland University, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University, as well as visits to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Summer opportunities included an overnight music retreat and support for students to attend programs such as the Detroit Jazz Workshop and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
The program also exceeded expectations in creating paid leadership opportunities. Accent Pontiac originally projected supporting two student interns but ultimately expanded from four paid interns in year one to seven in year three.
Music That Builds Confidence
The impact can be measured not only in performances and participation, but also in student growth.
During the 2024–2025 school year, 97% of participating high school students demonstrated musical growth and 95% demonstrated musical proficiency. Accent Pontiac also reported meaningful social-emotional gains, with 93% of participating students in grades 6–12 showing growth in at least one essential capacity. Students exceeded national benchmarks for academic self-efficacy and social skills.
That growth has created a ripple effect throughout Accent Pontiac. High school musicians have become role models and mentors for younger students, helping them learn their instruments and supporting teaching artists in elementary classes.
From Students to Leaders
Perhaps some of the most meaningful examples of the grant’s impact can be seen in the individual students who have grown with the program.
Three teenage musicians—a euphonium player, percussionist, and flute player—have demonstrated remarkable musical and personal growth. Two were supported in attending Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in both 2025 and 2026. One earned first chair in the Wind Ensemble as a euphonium player and was subsequently invited to apply for Blue Lake’s 2027 International Program. Another expanded his musical experience through Oakland University’s Youth Percussion Ensembles.
But their accomplishments extend beyond their own music.
All three became paid Student Teachers with Accent Pontiac, spending several hours each week assisting elementary music classes. They help younger students assemble instruments, lead warm-ups, organize materials, serve dinner, and—perhaps most importantly—serve as mentors and examples of what younger musicians can become.
Accent Pontiac has seen their confidence and maturity grow alongside their musical abilities, while younger students have gained mentors they can relate to and admire.
Building Community Through Music
Another highlight came during Accent Pontiac’s 2025 overnight summer camp. Nineteen middle and high school students and nine staff members spent a week together on the shore of Lake Huron at Camp Stapleton in Lexington, Michigan—the largest group Accent Pontiac had ever brought to the experience.
Students participated in percussion, brass and woodwind instruction, chamber and ensemble work, outdoor activities, and intentional community-building experiences. Staff saw students develop deeper friendships and stronger connections with one another.
Those connections translated into both social and musical growth, culminating in a community performance back in Pontiac at Goldner Walsh Garden and Home.
Creating a Sustainable Future
Impact100 Oakland County’s funding provided the foundation Accent Pontiac needed to launch the high school expansion, refine its curriculum, build partnerships, and—critically—collect data demonstrating the program’s impact.
That foundation has helped Accent Pontiac attract additional support, including multi-year funding and a gift from the Russell Family Foundation. The organization also plans to build long-term sustainability through diversified fundraising and a public campaign for a quasi-endowment fund connected to its 10-year anniversary.
After three years, the results extend far beyond an $82,000 investment.
Students are becoming stronger musicians. Teenagers are becoming teachers and mentors. Young people are discovering confidence, community, and leadership through music.
And a program that began with seed funding from Impact100 Oakland County now has a foundation from which to continue growing—creating opportunities for Pontiac students for years to come.