All of the Above
Hip Hop Academy
Monthly Newsletter: January 2024
01 - Prima - The Beginning
To quote Fraulein Maria or Julie Andrews, "Let's go back to the very beginning, it's a very good place to start..."
We don't mean the beginning as in the start of AOTA like this picture above, one of our first-ever Instagram posts from 2013. Camera phone quality sure has changed since then, am I right?!
No, we mean the beginning of this year. Whether you set a resolution or not, it's still the start of a new season for all. A "do re mi" of sorts...a place to start.
Individually, a few of our team members are on a 30-day yoga practice/journey, some went on a trip or vacation, a few more began the year with poetry and DJing gigs, and another with the declaration of finding joy moments within each day. (I think we could all take on that last one, for sure.)
Although all different in practicality, "intention" resonates for our team as we dive into these next 12 months both personally and for AOTA as a whole.
What does that look like for the organization, you may ask?
Read on for three ways AOTA plans to intentionally roll into 2024:
AYO
Program Approach
Safety
Program Updates
1. AYO: Multiplies by 3
As of January 5th, the new format of AYO (All of the Above Youth Organization) commenced:
I: Fellows
II: Craftsman
III: Griots
Watch these clips from the AYO Fellows first meeting plus, the special speeches from our AYO GRIOT graduates:
Watch Graduate, Derrick Jones' Speech
Watch graduate, Jaylon Ford's speech
The intentionality in this shift is three years of focus from high school sophomores through senior year.
Each year builds upon the previous one with a focus on artistic, personal, academic, and professional growth.
You can read more about each year of the program here.
2. New Year = New Approach for Youth Programs
Classes resumed this week for the Winter Season.
Youth B.A.R.S opens up with a whole new game plan as Lead Teacher, James Gardin has some incredible weeks planned out for his returning and new students including awards, and honing in on style, techniques, and culture.
Intro to DJing breaks up into two age brackets. 9-13 and 14-19. This new structure/idea was the brainchild of Yz Council. He hopes to keep the synergy of the older students yet allow younger students to learn in a format that serves their age group.
Breaking starts the year with a new lead teacher, Tabor Vits. A new teacher means a unique perspective and initiative. And if you don't know Tabor, one of the first things that comes to mind when describing him is "intentional." We're looking forward to what he has planned for 101 and 102.
The Cook Up will resume in March first at Eastern, then at Everett.
3. Safety / Trainings
2023 was a year of 20% student growth!
With growth comes the important need for revised structures and procedures.
Our team started this year going over our safety protocols and epi-pen training.
Making sure our students and families are cared for in this way is the primary intention desired by our entire team this year
We're all thrilled there will be more training opportunities as the year progresses.
Highlights
Supporter Highlight
How are YOU rolling into 2024? Hit reply if you're interested in sharing, we'd love to hear from you!
We do know that we can answer that question in one way. Just by opening and reading this newsletter, you've started the year out with curiosity, wonder, and support.
Thank you, partners, family, and friends, for your continued generosity in support of AOTA!
We could not do any of what we listed above and beyond, without you.
Staff Highlight
Ozay Moore // Executive Director
Ozay was highlighted in The People Issue 2024 of Lansing City Pulse!
Read the full article online here.
#Build517
Thank you for continuing to #build517 together with three ways to give:
Volunteer: Fill out the volunteer form and get involved with events in the community.
Spread the Word: Hit forward on this email and send it to a friend who'd like to know about what we're doing.
Donate: Give a one-time gift or become a monthly donor. From $5 to $100, every monthly donor makes a great impact!
Old school appreciation, new school application.
#EachOneTeachOne
#Build517
