"Even those of us who are very little have a big fire inside."

CitySongs is a creative arts based individual and community youth development program for young people in the 4th-8th grades.  Through diverse music participation and strength based social work/education, we help inner city youth identify and reach their individual potential and strengthen the community. 

                                    Program Goals:
                                    1. Healthy Youth Development
                                    2. Artistic Achievement
                                    3. Community Impact                  

CitySongs accepts all interested youth in 4th-8th grades.  Unlike other performance programs, we do not audition participants on the basis of already developed talent.  Nor do we charge any fees for participation.  Through our 12 years of experience we have learned that any child who is willing to work hard and attend the program regularly can learn to sing well enough to make a positive contribution.

"I like that I’ve tried my hardest."

"When I say I can’t, they make me feel better so then I can."

"They encourage me to try new things without forcing
me to do something I don’t want to do."

"Mistakes are something you can learn from."

CitySongs draws on young people's shared interest in popular music to create a space where diverse kids work together toward common goals.  Youth from diverse racial, cultural, and emotional backgrounds “play on the same team,” at a level of equality and camaraderie they rarely experience elsewhere. Performing publicly, CitySongs Kids present messages of pride, aspiration, respect, and achievement, and they challenge audience members to join them on their journey.  The lessons they learn through learning to sing well as a group are relevant to their success in their schools, their communities, and on into their adulthood.

"I don’t think about how you look or your style; You should just be the best you can."

"The songs we sing can teach other kids that there should be peace on earth."

"Music can help you be happy when you are sad."

Since 1992, roughly 85 young people per year have sung with CitySongs, from the whole metro area – primarily St. Paul. Family members have attended concerts, chaperoned performances, served on the Board, and provided support in rehearsals and behind the scenes. We have reached tens of thousands of audience members through over 280 live performances, three studio-recorded products, and print and audiovisual media.

"They are learning to care about a bigger world."

"Every one of these children is making a difference."

"They leave a big impact."

“You are not a color, And a color is not you.”