2026 CCFY JAMMS: Journalism As Music, Multimedia, & Songwriting – Session 1 at ArtsXchange – East Point, GA

JAMMS program (Journalism As Music, Multimedia, and Songwriting) is a culturally immersive, experiential intensive for youth and adults. Rich and meaningful conversations open the door for participants to learn about each other’s backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. From these conversations, participants choose a theme to collectively write a song and create a multimedia production. In addition to their original song, participants will also have the opportunity to learn and perform during a culminating concert a couple of the more than 70 JAMMS songs have been written, recorded, and performed by hundreds from around the world. JAMMS sessions are open to musicians and non-musicians alike, and are led by professional musicians, multimedia creators, and educators trained in MIC’s unique facilitation methodology.

PROGRAM FOR AGES

11- 18

Both Session 1 and Session 2 will follow the same curriculum.

SESSION 2

DATES/ TIMES:

• Mon, June 22, 2026 | 11AM – 4PM
• Tues, June 23, 2026 | 11AM – 4PM
• Wed, June 24, 2026 | 11AM – 4PM
• Thu, June 25, 2026 | 11AM – 4PM
• Fri, June 26, 2026 | 11AM – 4PM
• Sat, June 27, 2026 | 11AM – 4PM

WHAT TO EXPECT

Students are required to attend all classes in the series.

Students will be asked to provide daily check ins/evaluations.

Light snacks will be provided.

Supplies will be provided.

WHAT TO BRING

Students will need to bring a packed lunch each day to the program (Required).

Students are also invited (but not required), to bring the following items to the program:

• Composition notebook (for writing and drawing)
• Writing utensils (pencils or pens)
• Musical instruments
• Costumes and/or props (possibly for music video)

**After Registering Parents/Guardians will be contacted via email in order to complete required paperwork and receive important updates.

ABOUT THE CLASSES / WORKSHOPS

JAMMS is informed by evidence-based social psychology and education models that help communities work through conflict. Gordon Allport’s Intergroup Contact Theory, Elliot Aronson’s Jigsaw Classroom, and 21st Century Learning’s Four C’s (communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking) are the cornerstones of our unique approach.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Students will –

• engage in facilitated conversations to find common ground across social divides
• co-write, arrange, record, and perform an original song as a band.
• learn and perform songs written in other JAMMS programs from across the globe as a band.
• co-create their own music video, learning skills in storyboarding and cinematography.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Students will develop knowledge and skills in the following fields –

• Songwriting (lyric writing)
• Composition
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Cross-cultural communication and collaboration
• Critical Thinking
• Filmmaking
• Storyboarding
• Music production & recording
• Performing & stage presence
• Social Emotional Learning (empathy)
• Diversity & inclusion

ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTIST

Music in Common (MIC), a band and nonprofit that strengthens, empowers, and connects communities through the universal language of music. For 21 years, MIC has traveled the globe curating experiences for people across social divides to find common ground through facilitated conversation and music. Grounded in two foundational principles — it is hard to hate up close and music can change the world — MIC programs and projects have directly served more than 100,000 people in over 400 communities worldwide.

Behind every great artist and excellent performance is a great song. This workshop teaches the basics of songwriting. Topics covered include: Song structure. Hooks, riffs, and melodies.

___

Arthur (Trey) Carlisle | EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y

EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y uses the power of storytelling and song to be a voice of hope and healing for our generation. A spoken word artist, singer-songwriter, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist, Trey Carlisle aka EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y is a “Neo Griot.” His calling is telling stories to help others heal, thrive, and honor our shared humanity and planet. Trey is the Program Director for Music in Common (MIC), a nonprofit that curates experiences for people across social divides to find common ground through music and facilitated conversations. He is a youth alumnus who came up through the ranks from program participant in 2016 to program director and a lead facilitator trained in MIC’s unique methodology. A 2020 Fulbright Award recipient, devoted “artivist” (artist+activist), and 2020 graduate of Soka University, his widening leadership role within MIC has led to the development of new programs, including the Black Legacy Project.

___

Brianna Nicola | Bree Soul

Bree Nicola is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from the Berkshires and a graduate of Rider University, where she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre. Raised on the stage, Bree’s roots in musical theatre have shaped her dynamic storytelling and performance style. Since 2018, she has been an active member of Music in Common, using music as a platform to advocate for equality and social change, and is now honored to join the organization’s administration as Community Engagement Coordinator. Blending artistry with activism, Bree is dedicated to creating work that resonates beyond the stage.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

This program is eligable for Scholarship.

The Southeast Community Cultural Center d/b/a ArtsXchange is pleased to offer partial and full scholarships for our youth programs and summer camps. One application for one student. If you are applying for multiple youth please submit separate forms for each youth.

Additionally, scholarships are ineligible for classes/camps/workshops that have already been paid for.

Apply today by completing the application form.

REGISTRATION

Guardians please note you can only sign up 1 student at a time. For those signing up for multiple students you will need to complete a separate registration/payment for each student.

**After Registering Parents/Guardians will be contacted via email in order to complete required paperwork and receive important updates.