Roots and Wings
Taking Music Where It's Needed Most

Small beginnings. Big Dreams

Our Roots and Wings program is founded on the belief that music is transformative. We believe that music and access to music education can change the course of a life, a neighborhood, and communities as a whole.

children are our future.

Roots & Wings is The Front Porch’s comprehensive free music education program designed to build musicians from the inside out. We partner with organizations committed to serving children in challenging circumstances to offer group music classes and individualized musical mentorships in locations throughout the community. Roots & Wings focuses on the importance of creating trusting relationships in order to open the creative musical potential of children.

Roots & Wings is designed to be responsive to student interest; we observe and support initiative, passion, and enthusiasm, sparking creative juices through inspiring musical experiences.

Current Programs

Music Exploration

Creativity and Collaboration

Learn More

Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention

Something Special

Learn More

Music Mentors

Meaningful Relationships

Learn More

see what other folks have to say:

“(Roots & Wings) has boosted her confidence. Lila’s love language is music and dance, but she claims to have stage fright in front of an audience. Hometown Choir exposed her to new genres of music, introduced her to new friends, and boosted her confidence. Roots and Wings gave her the opportunity to overcome that fear of performing.”
-Karol Lester Kozak

“I believe in the power of music, not only on the mind, but as an outlet for expression. The students look forward to learning different instruments, working with Matt on music composition, and creating their own collaborative jam sessions. This has been a vital addition to our program and I hope it continues to grow so students have different outlets of expression and the chance to build positive friendships through music.
-Tanner Boyle, Principal, Blue Ridge Detention Center

“We are so grateful. Hometown choir brought our family together with families that we don’t always have the chance to get to know. We are so grateful for the beautiful music our kids learned and performed, as well as for the friendships we built and relationships we forged with people from different backgrounds and cultures.”
– Kristin Clarens

Like what we do? Donate now.

Roots and Wings Locations

Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention -195 Peregory Ln, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Walker Upper Elementary – 1564 Dairy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Southwood Boys and Girls Club – 387 Hickory St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Westhaven Community Center -803 Hardy Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Burnley Moran Elementary – 1300 Long St, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Greenbrier Elementary – 2228 Greenbrier Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Venable Elementary (Leadership Club) – 406 14th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Mountain View Elementary – 1757 Avon Street Ext, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Friendship Court Community Center – 418 Garrett St Charlottesville, VA 22902

Students

Teachers

Performing Artists Hired

Stronger Community

A few of the boys come to music class bubbling over with musical experience and drive, so excited to release their creativity and knowledge and make some truly excellent noise. One student played drums with his church, another grew up singing at his uncle’s recording studio. We write chord progressions and the boys with musical experience help the newer musicians learn the basics to play along.

Being part of the choir was enormously valuable for my three children and for myself. It brought our family together with families that we don’t always have the chance to get to know informally. We are so grateful for the beautiful music our kids learned and performed, as well as for the friendships we built and relationships we forged with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
-Kristen Clarens