Chords of Courage

03/13/2026

Today we had the opportunity to attend the 12-to-24 Collaborative: Professional Development & Workgroup Formation.

Grateful for spaces where community leaders come together to learn, share ideas, and work toward better outcomes for our youth.

Conversations like these remind me how powerful collaboration can be when we all step up and bring our gifts to the table.
Excited for what’s ahead an d the impact we can make together. 💜

03/18/2025

Fellow Marylanders and carers of our communities, we are so proud to give you Senator Cheryl Kagan!

I had the privilege of meeting an inspiring middle schooler, Roman Jackson. This marks his second consecutive year as a finalist in the "Chords of Courage" a...

03/11/2025

Exciting News! 🎶✨

We are proud to announce that these students will have their songs performed or awarded at the STEP UP! Frederick Student Songwriting Contest Awards Concert!

High School contenders: Breanna Brea, Ryan Franko, Aaron Henry, Kastle Smith, Abhi Tammana, Mila Vasudevan

Middle School contenders: Aiwan Abels, Aixin Abels, Leigh Emory, Amelia Griffin, Roman Jackson, Lakshmi Somisetty

📅 THIS Sunday, March 16
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 JBK Theater, Frederick Community College
Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketor.com/stepupfrederick

These songs are more than just music—they are powerful stories of courage written by middle and high school students inspired by someone who took bold action in the face of adversity.

Let’s show up and support Kastle and the other talented students, as their songs inspire us all! 💜🎤

03/08/2025

Happy to all the women near and far!

03/03/2025

🌟Calling All County Residents🌟

SUNDAY, March 16 - STEP UP! Frederick Student Songwriting Contest Awards Concert IS BACK IN PERSON! Come out, support and enjoy these creative, Frederick County middle and high school students.

Finalist songs presented by the amazing: Heather Aubrey Lloyd, Mike Ryan and Jillian Matundan. The incomparable journalist Derek McGinty returns as our emcee.

Bring your family. Bring your friends. So much fun and good energy in store!

Sunday, March 16, 7:00 PM, JBK Theater, Frederick Community College.

Tickets only $20/adult, $5/child 18 and under: https://www.ticketor.com/stepupfrederick

02/25/2025

🎶 Join Us for the 7th Annual STEP UP! Frederick Student Songwriting Awards Concert 🎶

Celebrate the talents of Frederick County's middle and high school students at the STEP UP! Frederick Student Songwriting Awards Concert! Witness the live performances of winning songs by the acclaimed musicians

📅 Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Venue: JBK Theater, Frederick Community College

💰 Tickets: 🎟 Get your tickets here: www.ticketor.com/stepupfrederick
$20 per adult
$5 per student

Students have competed for amazing prizes, including cash awards, FCC scholarships, guitars, YMCA memberships, and more! This event is a celebration of their dedication to using music as a catalyst for change.

🎤 Don't miss this inspiring night of music and empowerment! 🎶

02/21/2025

Introducing the Judges for the 7th Rendition of STEPUP! Frederick

We’re honored to have an incredible panel of judges for the 2025 STEPUP! Frederick Student Songwriting Contest!

Amazing musicians Scott Ambush, Howard Burns, Doug Alan Wilcox, and STEP UP! Frederick Music Director Tomy Wright brought their expertise and passion to evaluate every song submitted this year. Their insights and experience helped shape this year’s competition, and we can’t wait for you to hear the results!

Join us for the 2025 STEPUP! Frederick Awards Concert on Sunday, March 16, where these talented judges will help celebrate the next generation of songwriters.

🎟 Get your tickets now!
👉 www.ticketor.com/stepupfrederick
💲 $20/adult, $5/student

Come experience an unforgettable night of music, talent, and celebration! 🎶✨

02/21/2025

🎶✨ SAVE THE DATE! ✨🎶

Chords of Courage is back for its 7th edition, and you won’t want to miss this powerful night of music!

📅 Sunday, March 16, 2025
📍 Jack B. Kussmaul Theater at Frederick Community College
⏰ 7:00 PM

Join us as we celebrate Frederick’s own middle and high school students, who have written original songs that inspire, uplift, and spark change. These young songwriters use their talents to tell meaningful stories and share messages of courage, hope, and action. 🎤🎶

This, is more than a concert—it’s a movement. Be there to support these incredible young artists and witness the power of music to make a difference!

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and stay tuned for ticket information; I'd love to see you there! 💙🎵

Enjoy Ryan Franco's song "Keep on walking strong" about Gaby Pacheco's story

02/10/2025

🚨 Final Call for Song Submissions! 🚨

Young songwriters, this is it! The deadline to submit your original songs for our 7th Annual Teen Songwriting Contest is TONIGHT by MIDNIGHT! Don’t miss your chance to share your talent with our Frederick Community and the world.

We are beyond grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey—our contestants, judges, mentors, and supporters. This contest wouldn’t be possible without the passion and dedication of our incredible community.

As you put the finishing touches on your songs, remember these powerful words from Bob Dylan:

"A song is anything that can walk by itself. If it inspires people to act, to think, or to feel something they hadn’t before, then it’s done its job."

Music has the power to change lives, lift others in their most challenging moments, and turn personal struggles into something that fuels hope. Keep writing, keep believing, and keep sharing your truth.

Visit chordsofcourage.org and submit your song before the clock runs out! 🎶✨

02/09/2025

Just saw two Frederick Mites hockey teams play against each other during the first intermission of the Washington Capitals game here in DC. So much fun!! 

02/04/2025

ONLY 5 DAYS TO THE LAST DAY FOR SONG SUBMISSIONS! YOUNG WRITERS, SUBMIT YOUR SONGS ... HURRY!

Some songs are more than just melodies; they are stories, legacies, and echoes of those who paved the way for justice and love.

Gabriela Pavón’s song about the Daughters of Bilitis isn’t just a tribute to a forgotten past—it’s a reminder of resilience, courage, and the fight for equality. The Daughters of Bilitis, the first le***an civil rights organization in the U.S., stood firm when the world tried to silence them. Through their magazine, The Ladder, they gave voice to those who were unseen and unheard, creating a lifeline for a community seeking connection and change.

And at the heart of this story? Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon—partners in life, love, and activism. Their journey wasn’t just about being together; it was about creating a world where others could, too. They fought for rights many take for granted today, reminding us that love is worth fighting for, no matter the opposition.

In the season we are in as a country, where history is debated, and rights are challenged, this song holds even more weight. It’s a call to remember, honor, and continue the work of those who came before us. Because the fight for love, dignity, and equality is never over—it just takes on new forms.

May we listen, learn, and never forget.

01/31/2025

REMINDER! Song submissions are due February 9th. Let me share one of last year's songs.

Hate Won’t Win – A Song with Heart and Courage

Sometimes, the most powerful messages come from the youngest voices. 7th grader Laney Remsberg has written a song that carries deep meaning—one that reminds us of the strength it takes to choose love over hate. Her song, "Hate Won’t Win," is inspired by the incredible courage of Alana Simmons, who lost her grandfather in the tragic South Carolina church shooting yet chose forgiveness instead of anger.

Laney’s lyrics reflect a truth we all need to hold onto: even in the face of unimaginable pain, love can rise above. Her song is more than just words and melody—it’s a reminder that we all have a choice in how we respond to darkness.

We are so proud of Laney for pouring her heart into this song and sharing a message the world needs to hear. Hate won’t win—not today, not ever.