Never underestimate the power of music.  It can entertain, inspire, uplift and educate people and we shouldn’t take this magical art for granted. Recently, I learned about a very cool songwriting competition that targets kids who often face economic and educational disparities. The 2nd Annual Mentors In Motion 2019 Songwriting Competition is an incredible opportunity for young people  enrolled in City and County High  Schools.  The contest  is just one of many activities facilitated by the Mentors in Motion (MIM) nonprofit organization.

According to MIM’s founder, Alandon Pitts, the organization, founded in 2009, aims to provide quality mentoring to at-risk children between the ages of 11 and 17 in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. MIM is successful because they introduce young people to Science, Technology, Reading, Entrepreneurship, Arts and Music aka S.T.R.E.A.M. According to their website MIM offers programs related to: Health and behavioral assessments, Assessment and program placement, Behavior modification programming, Tutoring, Mentoring, Nutrition education, Workforce Development, Physical activities and training and Cultural arts development.  WOW – It’s great to know that Mr. Pitts and his team are dedicated to providing such necessary enrichment for the youth and from what I can tell it’s a lot of FUN for everyone involved!  I just watched a video (“Important Freestyle”) from last year’s winners of the Mentors in Motion Songwriting Competition – Charles Sumner High School (aka Yung Saint Louis). I was blown away by how well executed the music was!  The production (provided by MIM) was top-notch. It was as catchy and melodic as anything on your current playlist. Proving that education doesn’t have to be boring, the kids rapped and sang with the skill and flavor that flourishes in urban communities from coast to coast and the principal, Dr. Michael Tripplett, even dropped few nice bars!  I didn’t know what to expect but I was thoroughly impressed, not just by the level of talent involved, but the fact the lyrics were overwhelmingly positive, well written, thoughtful and clever,  I liked it so much that I really want to hear what the other contestants brought to the table. I wanna hear what THIS YEAR’S HIGH SCHOOLERS create.

Alandon Pitts, Founder

Please alert all eligible Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors! All musical styles and genres are allowed.  They could have a chance to make some great music, learn a few things, represent their school and MIM awards a $5000 scholarship to the winning school. The scholarship will presented at a special GALA this summer.

The deadline for the Mentors In Motion 2019 Songwriting Competition is Feb 28th so please visit mentorsnmotion.org for more info.  ***YOU can also find out how to volunteer and assist with the program. There’s no doubt in my mind that our youth have the potential to accomplish great things.  Activating their creativity and camaraderie is just the tip of the iceberg.

Check out Last Year’s Winners here :https://youtu.be/jcOeICniJLI

Lyfestile
follow me
Latest posts by Lyfestile (see all)