Sound Impact

Musicians dedicated to serving communities and igniting change through live performance. www.soundimpact.org

05/28/2026

We were excited to return to Richmond this May as Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) Touring
Artists!

We performed Time Travel through Music for two elementary schools and Music Tells a Story at
the Franklin Military Academy, reaching hundreds of students thanks to the generous support of VCA and
the Moore Street School Foundation.

Up, Up and Away!

05/24/2026

Sahit, Diego, Isaac, and Karol—four musicians from the Sound Impact Cultural Exchange Program —brought a unique “Time Travel” concert to the students of Funsincopa in San Miguelito, taking them on a journey across musical rhythms and stories.

Beyond the stage, they connected directly with students through group and private lessons, sharing not only their knowledge but also their experiences as Sound Impact CEP artists. Their message was clear: with discipline, passion, and consistent practice, musical dreams are within reach. — up, up, and away!🚀

05/13/2026

🪈 Meet CEP flautist Karol Almanza, traveling to Tennessee this summer to attend the Sewanee Summer Music Festival!

Karol Seleny Almanza Santamaría is a Panamanian flutist, daughter of hardworking and kind parents. Through music, she has built a path shaped by perseverance, discipline, and a constantly growing love for the arts. She has always valued artistic expression in all its forms and considers it a privilege to develop herself through music — a space where she finds sensitivity, integrity, and deep passion.

She first encountered the flute in 2018. In 2022, she became part of the university flute studio under the guidance of Dafne Guevara. This opportunity has held great significance for her, as she had not previously received specialized instruction or studied with a permanent teacher.

Her artistic journey can be described as one of both discipline and self-discovery. Each step forward has deepened her understanding of what can be achieved through proper guidance, consistency, and a genuine connection between the mind, body, and music.

We’re proud to support Karol as a CEP Artist heading to Sewanee Summer Music Festival!

05/11/2026

Happy Birthday to our amazing board member and team member, Keisha! 🎉♉️✨

Keisha brings 100% energy to everything she does, and honestly, there’s nothing she can’t do. From leading spoken word during our residencies at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center, to making sure every single detail at our annual Soirée is flawless, to supporting and uplifting our CEP students during our Panama trip, she pours her heart into everything and everyone around her.

A true Ta**us, Keisha is always showing up for her community with strength, purpose and style. And of course, no Sound Impact program is complete without the selfie master herself making sure we capture every moment.

Wishing you the happiest birthday, Keisha! 💛

05/08/2026

We are thrilled to be collaborating with Wordsmith at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center for a 3-day Use Your Voice residency.

Wordsmith is a multidisciplinary artist and philanthropist from Baltimore, Maryland, known for blending the raw energy of hip-hop with the elegance of classical orchestration and the soul of jazz and spoken word. A storyteller and educator, he transforms music into a force for social impact — connecting generations, cultures, and communities through purpose-driven art.

Over the course of three days, the youth will explore positive ways to express themselves through music, storytelling and creative expression. This year’s theme is HOME — what it means, what it feels like, and how we create it within ourselves and our communities.

We are honored to continue this important work and can’t wait to share more from the residency.

05/06/2026

Meet CEP clarinetist Sahit Sandoya, traveling to Miami this summer to attend the Miami Music Festival.

His musical journey began in community bands, where he discovered that music is not only heard, but also has the power to transform lives. Coming from a community facing significant social challenges, marked by crime and limited opportunities, he has experienced difficult situations, including being a victim of armed robbery, and has grown up in an environment where violence is a constant reality.

Despite this, music became his refuge and the tool that allowed him to move forward. He has performed as a soloist in competitions and was nationally selected to be part of the Ibero-American Youth Symphony Orchestra 2025 as the only clarinetist. These experiences have strengthened his commitment and passion for music.

We’re proud to support Sahit as a CEP Artist heading to Miami Music Festival!

05/05/2026

We’re thrilled to announce a collaboration this week at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center (NVJDC) with Baltimore-based multidisciplinary artist Wordsmith

Blending hip-hop, classical, jazz, and spoken word, Wordsmith uses music as a force for connection and social impact. A Grammy Voting Member and 2025 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Award winner, his work spans global stages and collaborations with institutions like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

During this residency, students will explore storytelling, music, and self-expression—amplifying their voices through art.

From international performances to powerful works like Network to Freedom, his artistry reflects purpose, resilience, and community.

We can’t wait to see the impact of this week’s work and the voices that will rise from it. 🎤✨

04/30/2026

🎉 We’re thrilled to share that Sound Impact has been awarded a 2026 Ross Roberts Fund for the Arts Grant through the Foundation for Northern Virginia.

This support will help us continue deepening our work with teens impacted by the justice system at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center. In this photo, one of our former participants, Sam, took center stage at the 2025 CFNova Gala, performing alongside Sound Impact musicians—a powerful example of what’s possible.

Thank you to the Community Foundation for believing in our work! 💛

04/29/2026

Meet CEP trumpetist Angel Samaniego, traveling to Miami this summer to attend the Miami Music Festival.

Angel is currently studying at the University of Panama and is a member of the Republican Band. He has performed with several ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Panama, the Panama Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Municipal Band of Panama, gaining experience in high-level musical settings.

We’re proud to support Angel as a CEP Artist heading to Miami Music Festival!

04/23/2026

The energy is building at Hammond Middle School! 🎶 The 6th grade after-school musicians are hard at work preparing for their very first competition, and we love being part of their journey.

Each workshop begins with a live performance from our musicians, and last week we were excited to welcome husband-and-wife duo Ashley Vandiver and Alastair Eng. Afterward, students dive into coaching sessions—applying what they’ve heard and continuing to grow together.

So proud of their dedication and teamwork. Thank you to Alexandria City Public Schools for making these opportunities possible! 💙

04/22/2026

Meet CEP cellist Diego Lara, traveling to Washington DC this summer to attend the NSO Summer Music Institute.

Diego Lara is a 17-year-old cellist whose musical journey began at the age of four as part of Venezuela’s renowned national orchestra system. After moving to Panama at six, music became not only an artistic language, but also a space for adaptation, growth, and purpose. In 2020, he was able to formally resume his studies thanks to the Fundación Sinfonía Concertante de Panamá, marking the beginning of a period of rapid and deeply meaningful development.

His discipline, artistic sensitivity, and commitment to excellence have led him to represent Panama on both national and international stages. For Diego, carrying the name of Panama—his second home—is both a source of pride and a responsibility he honors with every performance.

We’re proud to support Diego as a CEP Artist heading to NSO SMI—an inspiring young musician with tremendous promise!

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200 S. Whiting ST.
Alexandria, VA
22304

Website

https://www.soundimpact.org/

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