Rise Up Community Arts

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Rise Up Community Arts Inspiring good. Changing lives. Building Community. We are a community arts organization whose purpose is to enrich lives through experiences in the arts.

We are an inclusive Community that nurtures meaningful connections and human interaction. Rise Up Community Arts, Inc. was originally founded in 2016 as Rise Up Chorus Inc in order to bring our Community together through singing. Our organization came about after a lot of soul-searching and thinking about the importance of music in our own lives. Why is music important? What is its purpose? Rise Up Community Arts was created to fill a void. It was developed to serve a purpose. It was constructed with love to serve others. The arts are more than just things that we "do"; they are a deep part of who we are. The arts are personal, yet communal. They bring people together in a way that nothing else on earth can do. Yet, so many artistic experiences fall short of building community. So often, the arts are not done in a way where there is a place for everyone and all are welcome. The name "Rise Up Community Arts" came from the idea of a phoenix "rising from the ashes". We reimagined the traditional arts program and have developed an artistic experience with a focus on our Community.

Today, Rise Up Community Arts is thrilled to celebrate October 10th as our 10th Anniversary! 10th anniversary on 10-10!!...
10/11/2026

Today, Rise Up Community Arts is thrilled to celebrate October 10th as our 10th Anniversary! 10th anniversary on 10-10!!

Our mission is to enrich lives through education and experiences in the arts - making our choral programs free and accessible through our Youth Chorus, Teen Chorus, and Adult Chorus. We are an inclusive community that nurtures meaningful connections and human interaction. We are inspiring good, changing lives, and building COMMUNITY. Help us spread the word!

We’re only able to sustain operations through donations and grants.

We'd be so grateful if you would help us celebrate with a $10 or more donation in honor of our anniversary!! Or better yet, any denomination of 10. Or you can set up a monthly repeating donation for the next 10 months!

Message us with any questions. Visit our website to see how you can support us with a donation or attend one of our upcoming concerts! https://www.riseuparts.org/support

Our Rise Up Community Arts Youth Chorus not only builds musical skills, but also creates lasting friendships through soc...
10/09/2026

Our Rise Up Community Arts Youth Chorus not only builds musical skills, but also creates lasting friendships through socialization and fun and creative activities. Last week, thanks to Ms. Kernizan, the Rise Up Youth Chorus decorated cupcakes at the end of rehearsal! Yummy! Here are some of the highlights!

Highlights below from the recent Rise Up Community Arts concert featuring the world premiere concert with acclaimed comp...
09/07/2026

Highlights below from the recent Rise Up Community Arts concert featuring the world premiere concert with acclaimed composer Trevor Weston- bringing Ignacio Sancho’s powerful prose directly to life in "Reflections," a captivating new song cycle. These original works were performed by The Raritan Players featuring soprano Sonya Headlam and keyboardist and musicologist Rebecca Cypess who performed on a rare square piano built in 1780.

This performance was presented in joint sponsorship with the Middlesex County NJ Government Board of Commissioners and the Friends of Metuchen Arts.

Today’s the world premiere concert! Acclaimed composer Trevor Weston brings Ignacio Sancho’s powerful prose directly to ...
08/30/2026

Today’s the world premiere concert! Acclaimed composer Trevor Weston brings Ignacio Sancho’s powerful prose directly to life in "Reflections," a captivating new song cycle. These original works will be performed by The Raritan Players, featuring soprano Sonya Headlam and keyboardist and musicologist Rebecca Cypess who will perform on the rare square piano built in 1780.

In partnership between Rise Up Community Arts and the American Musicological Society, soprano Sonya Headlam and historical keyboardist Rebecca Cypess present the world-premiere performance of Reflections, a song cycle for voice and historical piano by New Jersey-based composer Trevor Weston.

This performance is part of AMS's Many Musics of America project in conjunction with America 250. Additional sponsorship for this performance is from the Middlesex County NJ Government Board of Commissioners and the Friends of Metuchen Arts.
DATE: Sunday. August 30
TIME: 4pm -6pm
LOCATION: 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen at Neve Shalom

Save time with tickets online or get them at the door: https://www.riseuparts.org/event-details/reflections-a-world-premiere-performance-of-songs-by-trevor-weston-with-words-and-music-by-ignatius-sancho-2?fbclid=IwY2xjawUBL-ZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTg2NXRVUE93R3p2THBHYVRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7N-Mr3EGc9mbMkWzWSebErnSU1bQ2yAZiaUFo7bUxOnc1gAKOXFLCH8G6UM_aem_Qtosn1qMtmSCZvD8uKgDOA

What does a 240-year-old square piano sound like when paired with a brand-new masterpiece? This Sunday, come see and hea...
08/28/2026

What does a 240-year-old square piano sound like when paired with a brand-new masterpiece? This Sunday, come see and hear this rare historical treasure.

Rise Up Community Arts invites you to experience the world premier of "Reflections” - an unforgettable concert bridging centuries of storytelling, brilliant music, and living history.

DATE: Sunday. August 30
TIME: 4pm -6pm
LOCATION: 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen at Neve Shalom

At the center of this performance is Ignatius Sancho: an 18th-century composer, writer, and former enslaved man who became the first known Black Briton to vote in a parliamentary election. His vibrant music and letters captured the spirit of an era—and now.

Acclaimed composer Trevor Weston brings Sancho’s powerful prose directly to life in "Reflections," a captivating new song cycle written specifically for this program. These original works will be performed by The The Raritan Players, featuring soprano Sonya Headlam and keyboardist and musicologist Rebecca Cypess who will perform on the rare square piano built in 1780.

Additional sponsorship for this performance is from the Middlesex County NJ Government Board of Commissioners and the Friends of Metuchen Arts.

Get your tickets at the door or ideally in advance at: https://www.riseuparts.org/event-details/reflections-a-world-premiere-performance-of-songs-by-trevor-weston-with-words-and-music-by-ignatius-sancho-2

What does a rare square piano from 1780 sound like? Join us this Sunday in Metuchen for the world-premiere of Reflection...
08/26/2026

What does a rare square piano from 1780 sound like? Join us this Sunday in Metuchen for the world-premiere of Reflections.

In a partnership between Rise Up Community Arts and the American Musicological Society, this world-premiere performance is part of AMS’s “Many Musics of America” project in conjunction with America 250. Additional sponsorship is from the Middlesex County NJ Government Board of Commissioners and the Friends of Metuchen Arts.

Details below, and ticket information at: https://www.riseuparts.org/event-details/reflections-a-world-premiere-performance-of-songs-by-trevor-weston-with-words-and-music-by-ignatius-sancho-2

The world premiere is 1 week away! Join us!Composer Trevor Weston said: "I have always gravitated to music that mesmeriz...
08/22/2026

The world premiere is 1 week away! Join us!
Composer Trevor Weston said: "I have always gravitated to music that mesmerizes and entrances its listeners by creating a sense of suspended reality...Music allows us to retreat from the mundane to reflect more proudly on our existence."

Next up as part of our Rise Up Presents Series!! In partnership between Rise Up Community Arts and the American Musicological Society , soprano Sonya Headlam and historical keyboardist Rebecca Cypess present the world-premiere performance of Reflections, a song cycle for voice and historical piano by New Jersey-based composer Trevor Weston.

This performance is part of AMS's Many Musics of America project in conjunction with America 250. Additional sponsorship for this performance is from the Middlesex County NJ Government Board of Commissioners and the Friends of Metuchen Arts.

DATE: Sunday. August 30
TIME: 4pm -6pm
LOCATION: 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen at Neve Shalom
EARLY BIRD TICKET RATES available through August 15th.
Get yours today!
https://www.riseuparts.org/

3 day left for Early Bird priced tickets! Composer Trevor Weston said: "I have always gravitated to music that mesmerize...
08/12/2026

3 day left for Early Bird priced tickets! Composer Trevor Weston said: "I have always gravitated to music that mesmerizes and entrances its listeners by creating a sense of suspended reality...Music allows us to retreat from the mundane to reflect more proudly on our existence."

Next up as part of our Rise Up Presents Series!! In partnership between Rise Up Community Arts and the American Musicological Society, soprano Sonya Headlam and historical keyboardist Rebecca Cypess present the world-premiere performance of Reflections, a song cycle for voice and historical piano by New Jersey-based composer Trevor Weston.

This performance is part of AMS's Many Musics of America project in conjunction with America 250. Additional sponsorship for this performance is from the Middlesex County NJ Government Board of Commissioners and the Friends of Metuchen Arts.

DATE: Sunday. August 30
TIME: 4pm -6pm
LOCATION: 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen at Neve Shalom
EARLY BIRD TICKET RATES available through August 15th.
Get yours today!
https://www.riseuparts.org/

A Friday riddle! What conclusion would you make from seeing these two Rise Up Community Arts board of directors twinnin...
08/07/2026

A Friday riddle! What conclusion would you make from seeing these two Rise Up Community Arts board of directors twinning (unexpectedly)?

That engineers and musicians both appreciate good conductors!! (...especially Matthew LaPine!)

Pre-eminent Composer Trevor Weston said: "I have always gravitated to music that mesmerizes and entrances its listeners ...
08/07/2026

Pre-eminent Composer Trevor Weston said: "I have always gravitated to music that mesmerizes and entrances its listeners by creating a sense of suspended reality...Music allows us to retreat from the mundane to reflect more proudly on our existence."

Next up as part of our Rise Up Presents Series!! In partnership between Rise Up Community Arts and the American Musicological Society, soprano Sonya Headlam and historical keyboardist Rebecca Cypess present the world-premiere performance of Reflections, a song cycle for voice and historical piano by New Jersey-based composer Trevor Weston.

This performance is part of AMS's Many Musics of America project in conjunction with America 250.
DATE: Sunday. August 30
TIME: 4pm -6pm
LOCATION: 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen at Neve Shalom

EARLY BIRD TICKET RATES available through August 15th.
Get yours today!
https://www.riseuparts.org/event-details/reflections-a-world-premiere-performance-of-songs-by-trevor-weston-with-words-and-music-by-ignatius-sancho-2

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17 Oak Avenue
Metuchen, NJ
08840

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