Students at Kenneth E. Adum K-8 Magnet School are using music to make a difference through a unique Music Ambassadors Program focused on advocacy.
TAMPA, Fla. — At Kenneth E. Adum K-8 Magnet School in Hillsborough County, students are discovering that music can do much more than entertain, but bring people together and create meaningful change.
Through the school’s Music Ambassadors Program, students are combining music education with community service, leadership and advocacy. The student-led initiative encourages children to use their passion for music to help others across Tampa Bay.
“A central theme is to have students understand their role, not just as students, but connect with the greater community,” music teacher Jonathan Casanas said. “Figure out not just what they can do here, but how they can extend their knowledge outside of these walls.”
The program goes beyond traditional music instruction. Students research community needs, organize outreach projects and partner with local organizations to expand access to music education.
“We research what we can help, and then we set up a drive,” third grader Jackson Mesmer said. “And then we give the donations to the people we are helping.”
One of the group’s biggest partnerships this year has been with the Out of Zion project, which provides fine arts programming for students with exceptional medical needs and cognitive disabilities.
Casanas says students wanted to help provide adaptive musical instruments and supplies that allow more children to participate in music programs.
“Students with exceptional medical needs, kids who might struggle to find their way into music, we wanted to provide them with an opportunity to have the materials they rely on,” he said.
For many students involved in the program, the experience has changed the way they see their role in the community.
“I didn’t think kids could make such a big impact with other organizations,” fifth grader Ellie Gordon said. “And I’m just so glad I did this.”
Students say music has become a way to connect with others while building confidence, leadership skills and empathy.
“Music brings people together,” fifth grader Lucia Bunker said. “It doesn’t matter who you are — it just brings people together.”
The Music Ambassadors Program is now in its second year, and organizers say interest continues to grow as other schools look at creating similar programs of their own.
“We take for granted that music is in our schools,” Casanas said. “But the truth is, it’s only there because people advocate for it.”
For these students, music is becoming more than a class or extracurricular activity; it’s a way to serve others and strengthen their community one note at a time.