Expanding Horizons:
The After School Music Program

​The After School Program is rooted in the heart of Sussex County, Delaware.  Each site serves as a welcoming haven for students, offering a safe and engaging environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. Most participants are Latino and African American, reflecting the rich cultural diversity that defines these communities. By centering the program in these areas, the First State Community Agency ensures that its resources are accessible to the families and students who can benefit most.

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The Genesis of the Music Program: Collaboration and Community Insights
The music classes that have enhanced the After School Program came into being through active listening and partnership. CoCo, recognizing the power of music to transform young lives, approached leaders from the First State Community Agency to ask a simple yet profound question: What do your students need? The response was clear and urgent. The students, predominantly from communities of color, had experienced very limited access to music education and musical instruments. This gap meant that many children had never discovered the joy of exploring a drum, violin or guitar, nor had they been exposed to the wide array of musical genres that the world has to offer.

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Rather than imposing a pre-existing curriculum, CoCo worked hand-in-hand with First State leaders to design a program that would be relevant, accessible and inspiring. By centering the voices of community members, the music classes became not just an add-on, but an integral part of the After School Program’s mission to serve the whole child.

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Philosophy and Goals: Music for Every Child
Unlike traditional music instruction that focuses primarily on instrumental proficiency or performance, the music classes in the After School Program are designed with a broader vision. The goal is not to turn every student into a musician, but to awaken curiosity, appreciation and joy. Students are invited to embark on a journey through the world of sound, exploring everything from classical symphonies to jazz improvisations, from Afro-Caribbean rhythms to pop melodies.  One of the program’s central philosophies is that music is for everyone and that all students deserve to see themselves reflected in the world of music. Through a carefully curated curriculum, students learn about musicians and composers from diverse backgrounds, including those who share their own cultural identities. Representation matters, and the program ensures that students can imagine themselves not just as listeners, but as creators and participants in the musical conversation.  

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Program Structure
A typical afternoon in the After School Program is filled with laughter, exploration and discovery. Students arrive after their school day and are greeted by Richard Scalenghe, staff and volunteers. The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed and supportive, with opportunities for recreation, homework help, snacks and community-building activities.

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Rather than focusing on the technical aspects of playing an instrument, the class is experiential and interactive. Children might listen to recordings of different musical styles, engage in movement and rhythm activities or participate in group discussions about what they hear and how it makes them feel. Hands-on opportunities with a variety of instruments — drums, shakers, keyboards, and more — allow students to experiment and express themselves without pressure or judgment.

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Broadening Appreciation and Building Confidence
One of the most powerful outcomes of the program is the expansion of students’ musical horizons. For many, this is the first time they have encountered genres such as jazz, blues, salsa or world music. By learning that there are musicians of all backgrounds and identities, students are empowered to envision themselves as part of a global and inclusive community of music lovers and creators.  The program also emphasizes the importance of having fun. By removing the pressure to master an instrument, the focus remains on joy, exploration and personal growth. This approach builds confidence and a sense of belonging, encouraging students to take creative risks and embrace new experiences.

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Community Impact and Future Aspirations
Since the introduction of CoCo’s music classes in 2023, leaders and families of the students attending, have reported increased student engagement and excitement. Parents note that their children are more likely to talk about music at home, seek out new sounds and express interest in joining school bands, choirs or other music-related activities.

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Looking ahead, the First State Community Agency envisions expanding the music program to reach even more students and deepen its offerings. Plans include inviting guest musicians from the community, organizing field trips to concerts and performances, and developing partnerships with local music organizations. The hope is that every child who participates will not only develop a lifelong appreciation for music but will also gain the confidence to pursue their interests and dreams — whatever they may be.

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Highlights from Recent Classroom Experiences
In several recent music sessions, students were immersed in a vibrant exploration of instruments, musical styles and the foundational elements of rhythm. One memorable session featured a special visit from a flutist with the Rehoboth Concert Band, who brought a selection of her flutes. She captivated students as she played several pieces, weaving in stories about the history of the flute, the materials from which it is crafted, and the techniques she uses to create beautiful sounds. Sharing her personal perspective, she described what draws her to the flute and the joys of performing. The session became even more dynamic when Richard joined her with his clarinet; together, they performed a clarinet and flute duet, demonstrating the unique blend and dialogue between the instruments. To further enrich the experience, Richard presented YouTube videos featuring Latino and African American flutists performing across genres such as classical, popular and jazz music, offering students a broader and more inclusive vision of the instrument’s potential.

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Another focus of the music programming is educating students about a variety of musical genres; jazz, hip-hop, folk, classical, soul, funk, and more. Using multimedia tools, Richard sometimes curates YouTube performances showcasing musicians representing each style, giving students a rich audio-visual experience. These sessions are interactive, involving games like “Name That Song,” “Name That Style” and “Name That Musician,” which encourages students to listen actively, analyze what they heard and make connections with different musical traditions. Lively discussions follow, as students share their reactions to the music, reflect on what resonated with them, and learn from each other’s preferences.

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Another approach delves deeply into the concept of rhythm — what rhythm means in music and how it plays an essential role in our daily lives, such as the beating of our hearts, the changing of seasons and the cycle of day and night. Through a PowerPoint presentation illustrated with images of rhythm instruments and YouTube clips of Latino and African American percussionists, students gain insight into the universality of rhythm. Richard also introduces interactive rhythm games that has everyone clapping along to different patterns, making the learning process both engaging and collaborative. The hands-on portion of these sessions allow students to play a variety of rhythm instruments, as they internalize the concepts discussed and experience firsthand the joy of making music together.

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These thoughtfully crafted music sessions have not only expanded students’ musical knowledge but also fostered creativity, appreciation for diversity and a sense of community. By blending live demonstrations, multimedia resources and interactive participation, the programs continue to inspire and ignite a passion for music in every student.

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In addition to stringed instruments, Richard uses his clarinet to demonstrate its unique qualities. While it isn’t possible for students to play the clarinet for hygienic reasons, they are still able to handle the instrument and press the keys as Richard plays. This gives them valuable insight into how a clarinet works, and a related YouTube video showcased the full family of clarinets and various performance styles, opening the students’ eyes (and ears) to the instrument’s versatility.

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Richard also dedicates a session to the orchestra, explaining the different families of instruments, the typical structure of orchestral music including movements and the evolution of styles from the baroque and classical eras to the 20th century, and how orchestral music is featured in many familiar films. Students enjoyed watching selected YouTube clips from movies they recognized, making connections between what they heard and what they’ve experienced outside the classroom.

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No session would be complete without a sing-along, a favorite part of Richard’s visits. Students join in singing, accompanied by Richard on guitar or through YouTube videos, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.  Every so often, the group livens things up with a spirited game of Musical Chairs, reinforcing the idea that learning about music can be both educational and fun. Through these dynamic sessions, Richard continues to inspire a lasting love of music in every student.

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Looking Ahead: What’s Next 
Richard plans to continue to lead our popular music sessions, fostering an environment where creativity and musical exploration thrive. Moving forward, he will invite more musicians to participate, encouraging them to bring their instruments to share with the group. These sessions will offer a hands-on experience, allowing everyone to see the instruments up close, hear them played and, when possible, try them out for themselves  Through these engaging interactions, Richard hopes to deepen our collective appreciation for music and inspire others to discover their own musical talents.

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Conclusion
The After School Program by the First State Community Agency exemplifies the transformative power of listening, collaboration, and creativity. By meeting students where they are and responding to their needs, the program opens doors to new worlds of possibility. Through CoCo’s music classes, young people are discovering that music belongs to everyone, and that their voices, experiences and dreams matter. In doing so, the program is not only enriching individual lives, but also strengthening the bonds of community for years to come.