When 18-year-old Ronald’s grandmother told him about a free music program in East Kensington, the choice was simple.
“It was either in the streets and go to jail or music,” said Ronald, whose last name was withheld for privacy reasons. “So I chose music.”
Now, Ronald is channeling his energy into hip-hop and R&B. He’s one of many young people benefiting from Rock to the Future, a nonprofit youth development and economic empowerment organization in East Kensington.
Since 2010, Rock to the Future has provided community music and youth development programs to students living in underresourced neighborhoods.
According to its impact report, the organization served more than 1,100 students from 77 schools through four music programs last year. Ninety-nine percent of its students are from “high-need” ZIP codes.
The organization fosters positive youth development through programs in schools, community centers, and juvenile justice facilities during the school year and in the summer.
While Rock to the Future primarily offers hands-on music-based educational programming, it also coordinates additional initiatives, such as its juvenile justice program at the Juvenile Justice Center on Wayne Avenue in Germantown.
Through the justice program, students at risk of or transitioning out of delinquency can participate in a three-month music production class. Students who complete the program can begin a process of expunging their records, provided they maintain good behavior for another three months.
Beyond music education, Rock to the Future also donates instruments to youth across Philadelphia, expanding access to creativity and skill-building.
“It is like an amoeba,” said Jack Zaferes, a music instructor at Rock to the Future. “There are so many different things that they have going on.”
Community-focused collaboration
Among Rock to the Future’s collaborations is its partnership with As I Plant This Seed, a nonprofit based in Hunting Park. Founded by Ryan Harris, As I Plant This Seed focuses on mentorship and community development for at-risk youth.
“We’re really trying to invest in the community,” Harris said. “Not just the youth, but everybody, from the womb to the tomb.”
Harris’s family is filled with musicians. His father, a gospel singer, producer, and composer. His siblings also played pivotal roles in his musical upbringing. His oldest brother and sister were members of the renowned choir Tye Tribbett & G.A. in its early years.
“I come from a very musical family,” Harris said. “That’s where my passion for creating spaces for young artists comes from.”
Rock to the Future and As I Plant This Seed collaborated to build a fully functional music studio at As I Plant This Seed’s Hunting Park headquarters.
“The kids were spending a lot of money just to get studio time,” Harris said. “We wanted to change that by meeting them where they are and giving them access to the tools they need.”
Now, the studio gives young people the resources they need to explore their creativity.
For 14-year-old Ahmaad, Rock to the Future has been a place to refine his craft. Inspired by his father and brother, Ahmaad began making beats about a year ago and enjoys producing hip-hop and R&B.
Thirteen-year-old Saleem said the program had encouraged him to “mess around” and experiment with different genres.
On Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Rock to the Future is kicking off the holiday season with a listening party for the participants to showcase what they have made over the course of working with Zaferes at As I Plant This Seed.
“We’re inspiring kids to hold onto the tradition of music and arts,” he said
Students will also share their experiences creating and producing music.
“I think it’ll be nice to listen to everyone’s work,” Saleem said.
