The Power of Music in Community Healing: A Reflection on Sharp Park Academy’s Motivational Movement Concert
Last night, I had the privilege of witnessing something truly remarkable—the culmination of months of collaborative effort in the form of Sharp Park Academy’s Motivational Movement Concert. This wasn’t just a school concert; it was a celebration of resilience, kindness, and self-confidence, infused with the power of music.
This year, I’ve had the joy of serving as a contracted music therapy consultant for the integrated arts program at Sharp Park Academy, a part of the Jackson Public School system. Working alongside Jessica Leeland, the dedicated and visionary integrated arts teacher, I was able to support the creation of a music curriculum and performance program that truly served the emotional and developmental needs of these children.
Music as a Tool for Social-Emotional Growth
Jessica Leeland, the integrated arts teacher, set the stage for this concert with powerful words:
“Music influences how we feel, how we cope, and how we move. It’s important for {children} to know who they are and how music can support them in their creativity and their future.
We have seen how music impacts humans and how every note is a call to action. Whether that’s to empower self-love, friendships, emotional connections, instill confidence, make you move your body, or even sing your heart out.
Be kind and be supportive. It will prove just how much movement and music is a part of us as humans. This motivational movement includes the topics that matter to {our students} and sometimes, we all need a pep talk.”
The impact of music in elementary education—especially in today’s post-pandemic world—cannot be overstated. Children are facing higher levels of anxiety, decreased attention spans, and increased dependence on screen-based dopamine stimulation. Public schools, now more than ever, need programming that fosters resilience, emotional regulation, and connection.
This is exactly why every song in the Motivational Movement Concert was intentionally chosen—to help students develop self-esteem, perseverance, and emotional awareness. The setlist included powerful songs for social-emotional growth, such as:
- “K-I-N-D” and “I Can Do Things (Even if They Are Hard)” by Stephanie Leavell, MT-BC, written specifically for children’s social-emotional learning.
- “You’ve Got a Friend” (from Toy Story)—a timeless reminder of friendship and support.
- “Roar” by Katy Perry—a song about finding your inner strength.
- “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay—encouraging children to embrace their own light.
- “Eye of the Tiger”—performed by older students on boomwhackers, drums, and recorders, reinforcing the spirit of perseverance and determination.
Beyond singing, the students memorized motivational quotes, acts of kindness, affirmations, and collaboratively written poems, further reinforcing these critical life skills.
A Community Effort with Lasting Impact
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been seeing the ripple effect of music therapy and community music healing in action. Parents, teachers, and students alike have shared how deeply this experience has resonated with them.
Feedback from a Harmony Garden Sprouts mom who now has a child at Sharp Park Academy:
“We just wanted to thank Jaime for her contribution to Sharp Park’s music program last night! We could feel her heart and vibe throughout the evening and we appreciate all the love and goodness she gives to the community!”
Messages like this are not just affirmations of the work I’ve done—they are proof of the healing power of music in action. This is why I have been focusing so intently on community healing through music therapy. This is why we need to continue investing in these types of programs—not just for entertainment, but as a crucial tool for social-emotional development and community well-being.
The Future of Community Music Therapy in Jackson
This project aligns beautifully with my ongoing Community Healing Project and the work we have been doing with The Harmony Gardeners. The deep-rooted mission of Harmony Garden Music Therapy Services has always been to bring meaningful music experiences to people of all ages, fostering growth, healing, and joy.
What we accomplished at Sharp Park Academy wasn’t just a concert—it was a movement. The children who participated will carry these experiences forward, taking the lessons of kindness, perseverance, and emotional expression with them into their daily lives. They will remember how it felt to stand on stage, to sing their hearts out, and to receive positive reinforcement from their families, teachers, and peers.
The roots I have put down with Harmony Garden are here to stay—and they continue to blossom into something even greater.
Final Thank Yous
To Jessica Leeland, thank you for your unwavering dedication to these students and for leading this beautiful performance with passion and heart. Your ability to inspire and guide every child in this program has been incredible to witness. You created a space where they could thrive musically, emotionally, and socially, and your impact will last well beyond this concert.
To Principal Jasper Lusby, thank you for taking a chance and getting music therapy consultation put into your budget at the start of this school year. You saw a need and fought for your students, ensuring they had access to resources that support their emotional and social growth. Your dedication to your students is evident, and your willingness to navigate challenges, have hard conversations, and embrace discomfort in the name of progress is truly inspiring. Your leadership is a gift to this community.
If last night proved anything, it’s that music is not just a subject in school—it is a lifeline. And I am beyond grateful to be a part of this journey.
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