Program areas at Department of Sound
Our Sound Mind Initiative featured a comprehensive curriculum designed to bolster youth mental health alongside our existing music and podcast production programs. Through a range of topics and lessons, we provide support, techniques, and creative therapy, addressing the pressing mental health crisis among youth while offering a safe space for learning and expression. Select students are expected to participate in a Sound Mind Workshop at Shattered Records Studio to learn about professional music recording and engage in discussion on mental health and music creation.
Department of Sound's Valley Producer Program impacted 1050 students across 4 school districts. Sacramento City Unified School District Trimester/Summer Program at 14 schools had 360 students in total, Esparto Unified School District with one site, 100 Students, Washington Unified School District with 4 sites, Trimester/Summer Program, 420 students and Twin Rivers Unified School District 4 sites, 170 Students. Through music and podcast production programs, we are able to enrich students' lives, fostering creativity and self-expression in both day and after-school settings. Our program not only supports the mental wellbeing of participants, but also provides jobs for local music artists as instructors, supporting the local creative community.
Department of Sound continues to work along with Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Community Fund to develop creative, authentic and culturally relevant projects to highlight and center the native community experiences. We are privileged to be developing a new series on a Native Family, showcasing the strength and creativity through traditional song and dance in the form of a short film, in partnership with Shattered Records.
The Department of Sound partnered with the Sacramento Municipal Utility Department to launch the Building Sustainable Communities Podcast Series. This collaborative effort showcased insightful discussions between 7 SMUD Board Members and 7 Local Business Executives, highlighting the significance of their collective endeavors in fortifying community and national development. By amplifying the voices of youth, this initiative aimed to build a brighter future. The podcast episodes were produced and disseminated across all social media platforms and streaming sites, jointly promoted by the Department of Sound and SMUD.