The Sunnyside Music Festival Youth Music Grant Program
Our small grants program aims to support organizations that help North Denver’s youth participate in arts programs, emphasizing programs that get young people playing music. We’re proud to have been able to award over $7,000 to youth music and arts programs across North Denver in 2024.
2024 YOUTH ARTS & MUSIC GRANTS RECIPIENTS:
Academia Ana Marie Sandoval Sandoval Elementary School
Academia Ana Maria Sandoval combines Montessori best practices with a Dual Language model to provide a learning environment that promotes high achievement for each student, especially students from our Hispanic community helping them to succeed in our changing world regardless of race, gender, or family income while also supporting them socially and emotionally. Funds will be used to support 6 classes field trip to a musical performance.
Beach Court After-School Arts Program
Beach Court Elementary helps students grow not only artistically and academically, but also to develop life skills such as perseverance, responsibility and how to work with a team. Funds will be used to purchase supplies and materials for all arts classes as well as instrument repairs. It also will be used for guest artists and artist workshops for students.
Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestras
Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestras provides access to musical understanding, fostering social growth, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of music for all aspiring musicians. Funds will be used to attend and demonstrate instruments at the Sunnyside Music Festival petting zoo. Grant funding will cover the expense of instruments used at the petting zoo with the goal of educating very young students on the joy of playing an instrument.
Denver Montessori Junior/High School
Denver Montessori High School combines Montessori best practices with current research on adolescent brain development to provide a learning environment that promotes high achievement for each student while also supporting them socially and emotionally. Funds will be used to purchase instruments and equipment that will allow students to engage in a dynamic and top-notch music program that will enrich their experience in DPS to the fullest. With many students hoping to pursue careers in music, this grant will help fund quality instruments the students can use for decades to come!
With a focus on transforming the lives of at-risk youth living in low-income public housing, The Sun Valley Youth Center empowers youth, families and community to reach their greatest potential. Funds will be used to take families to special musical experiences. Last year through The Sunnyside Music Festival the Sun Valley Youth Center was able to help several families attend performances at the DCPA. Oftentimes, youth can attend with a school group, but not as a family. It was a special opportunity to be able to allow a family to attend together creating attachment bonds as well as lived experiences as a family.
Trevista at Horace Mann exists to serve the unique academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of students. Funds will be used to purchase the show kit, license, and professional set for their 4th musical: Frozen Jr.!
Previous Sunnyside Music Festival Grantees include:
Elizabeth High School Marching Band
Lake Middle School
North High School Music Department
Northside Black Masque Theatre (North High School)
Skinner Middle School Band and Orchestra
STRIVE Prep Excel HS Vocal Music
Valdez Elementary School
Swallow Hill, Little Swallows Youth Program
Columbian Elementary - An Arts Infusion School
