Music That Changes Lives: Celebrating Another Incredible Year at Accent Pontiac
Music has the power to inspire confidence, create community, and change lives. At Accent Pontiac, we see that transformation every day through our Social Change Through Music program, where high school students discover their talents, build meaningful relationships, and develop skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Thanks to the generous support of Impact100 Oakland County and our many community partners, the 2025–2026 school year was filled with exciting milestones, unforgettable performances, and remarkable growth.
Growing Musicians, Leaders, and Confidence
This year, 23 high school students participated in Accent Pontiac’s after-school music program, receiving instruction in brass, woodwind, percussion, music production, and music theory. Beyond developing musical skills, students strengthened their confidence, teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
We also expanded our paid student internship program from four interns last year to seven this year, giving more young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while serving as mentors and leaders within the program.
Throughout the school year, students participated in musical assessments and youth development surveys that help us measure growth not only in musicianship but also in social-emotional development. Academic data from Pontiac School District will also help us better understand the program’s long-term impact.
Bringing Music to the Community
One of the highlights of the year was watching students share their talents with the community through a variety of performances.
Students performed during the Pontiac Tree Lighting celebration, the Rhythm and Rolls bowling event, the Webster Community Center Grand Opening, the Pontiac School District Art & Music Showcase, Solo & Ensemble, and several school concerts. The year concluded with a spectacular End of Year Showcase at the Flagstar Strand Theatre in downtown Pontiac.
These performances gave students the opportunity to celebrate their hard work while sharing their musical accomplishments with family, friends, and the broader community.
The excitement was evident after the final showcase, when several high school students shared how proud they were to invite friends to watch them perform—a meaningful reminder of the confidence they’ve gained throughout the program.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Music education extends well beyond rehearsals.
During the year, students explored new artistic experiences through field trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts and performances by the Royal Oak Symphony. They also learned from accomplished guest artists, including jazz drummer Sean Dobbins and vocalist Dr. Amanda Ross, who inspired students through workshops and live performances.
Looking ahead, students will continue their musical journeys this summer through an overnight music retreat, scholarships to attend the Detroit Jazz Workshop and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and other enrichment opportunities.
A Program That Keeps Growing
One of this year’s biggest successes has been student engagement.
After reaching enrollment capacity last year for the first time, Accent Pontiac introduced a new attendance incentive program. The results exceeded expectations, leading to the strongest attendance and student retention the high school program has experienced since launching three years ago.
Students are not only joining the program—they’re staying engaged, growing their skills, and becoming leaders within the Accent Pontiac community.
Facing Challenges Together
Like many after-school programs, Accent Pontiac continues to navigate scheduling conflicts during the busy spring sports season. Fortunately, students have done an outstanding job balancing athletics and music, demonstrating their commitment to both activities.
The organization also adapted to uncertainty surrounding Pontiac School District’s recent restructuring and school closures. While these changes created challenges in planning for the future, Accent Pontiac remains committed to working alongside district leaders to ensure students continue to have access to high-quality music education.
The Impact of Community Support
Support from Impact100 Oakland County has provided the foundation for the continued success of the Social Change Through Music program.
Grant funding has helped support teaching artists, musical instruments, supplies, and the resources needed to provide students with exceptional educational experiences.
Perhaps the program’s growth is best reflected in the words of one of Accent Pontiac’s founding board members after attending this year’s End of Year Showcase:
“You and the entire AP team are to be congratulated for the amazing growth and talent you’ve encouraged and nurtured among the students. I was at one of the very first Accent Pontiac performances nearly ten years ago. The performance this year was simply splendid. I can’t say enough about how proud we are of our students.”
That reflection captures just how far the program has come. What began as a small group of aspiring young musicians has grown into a thriving community where students develop their talents, discover their voices, and build confidence that will serve them for years to come.
Looking Toward the Future
As Accent Pontiac prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the organization continues to invest in the future of its students. Through new funding opportunities, expanded partnerships, annual fundraising efforts, and plans to establish a quasi-endowment fund, Accent Pontiac is building a sustainable future for music education in Pontiac.
Every rehearsal, every performance, and every student success story reinforces the organization’s mission: using music as a catalyst for personal growth, educational achievement, and positive social change.
Together with our supporters, we’re not just teaching music—we’re helping young people discover what’s possible.