ComMUSICation

Providing equitable access to music, collaboration, and opportunity in Saint Paul There are now 70+ programs nationwide and 50+ additionally worldwide.

Partnered with the school system, we are an ensemble and community-based, time intensive program that believes every child should have access to the transformative power of music. We are inspired by the global music ensemble phenomenon El Sistema that uses music to develop a transferable set of life skills such as leadership, problem solving, and musicianship. We are an inclusive, collaborative, a

ccessible, community solution to the participation disparity in lower-income families in afterschool programs.

05/23/2026

Every year, we take a moment to recognize the high school seniors who have been a part of our community. This year, that's Daniel, a member of SOAR who has been an important part of ComMUSICation for the past three seasons. Over that time, we've had the joy of watching him grow into not just an accomplished singer, but a steady, kind presence who leads by example. We wish him success on his journey, and can't wait to see what comes next!

"ComMUSICation was the first of many things I participated in within the year of 2023, a year of which the first few months were struggling for me. My time at ComMUSICation has revealed new paths to my life... I'm grateful for these past three years, and ComMUSICation's contributions."

05/21/2026

📢 Registration for FREE SUMMER MUSIC programming is now OPEN!

Back by popular demand, ComMUSICation is once again offering our Gospel Choir Camp! Open to grades 3–12, this free program is designed to be a fun, creative space where young people can explore gospel music no matter their background or experience level.

🎶 Participants will sing alongside visiting gospel musicians, perform with a live band, and even head to a professional studio to record an original song!

Dates: July 6th – 30th
Time: Monday through Thursday, 3:30–5:30pm
Location: House of Hope, 797 Summit Ave, St. Paul
🚌 Free transportation available!
➡️ cmcmn.org/gospel

05/19/2026

On May 7th, youth from SOAR hosted their third annual Cabaret at the park next to 825 Arts, a free evening of music, food, and carnival-themed celebration to close out the year. A big thank you to Minnesota Opera, whose coaching support helped our singers shine. Organized entirely by the young people themselves, it's one of our favorite annual traditions!

05/06/2026

"When we are struggling, when we are hurting, it is music that heals our souls. It is music that connects us together. It is music that binds us all together."
We were so grateful to welcome Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her to our Lead with Love event!
Mayor Her spoke beautifully about the power of music to heal and bring people together. Thank you, Mayor Her, for showing up and for sharing your love of music with our community.

05/04/2026

THIS THURSDAY 5/7 from 6-8pm
Join us for the third annual Cabaret event organized by SOAR. An evening of music, celebration, and good vibes - organized by youth. This year’s theme is Carnival!

This year, we'll be holding it at the park next to 825 Arts. Free to attend, no tickets required, free food!

05/02/2026

If you could use a lift today, check out this clip from last week’s Spring Showcase with Melanie DeMore. In this performance of her song “Lead with Love,” Melanie is joined in song by youth from RISE, SHINE, and SOAR, spanning elementary through high school, including three youth soloists. The audience joins in as well, making it a moving end to a week-long residency with ComMUSICation.

(This activity is supported, in part, by the City of Saint Paul Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization Program.)

04/30/2026

Last Thursday, we gathered at Central Presbyterian Church for Lead with Love, a community concert with Melanie DeMore and ComMUSICation youth.

�A heartfelt thank you to Melanie DeMore for spending the week with ComMUSICation youth, sharing her music, presence, and wisdom with us. Thank you to the Mayor of Saint Paul, Kaohly Her, for attending and supporting youth, and for taking time to connect with them before the concert began (one of the photos captures that moment).��

Thank you to all of the youth from RISE, SHINE, and SOAR for showing up with commitment and courage throughout the residency and performance. Thank you to families and friends who support young people in being part of this work, and to our staff, volunteers, and partners at the venue who made the night possible behind the scenes.��And thank you to everyone in the audience. It was especially meaningful to see so many new faces alongside long-time supporters, all in the same space!��

Photo credit:

(This activity is supported, in part, by the City of Saint Paul Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization Program.)�

04/22/2026

"Are you breathing? Leave the rest to me. So when you come, be prepared to sing. We’re going to wrap you in the arms of sound." - Melanie DeMore

✨ CMC's residency with Grammy-nominated vocalist Melanie DeMore was featured on KARE 11 today in an interview with CeCe Gaines (CeCe Gaines TV)! Watch the full story on their YouTube: youtu.be/UNXRyGjnaO0

🎟️ Tomorrow, you can be part of it. Lead with Love: CMC's Spring Showcase featuring Melanie DeMore brings the residency to life with youth and audience singing together. One night only! Free tickets at cmcmn.org/leadwithlove

04/21/2026

Melanie DeMore uses her voice as a “Weapon of Mass Connection… because we are living in a time and a world where everything is set up to keep us separated from each other, and I am not about that.”

This quote comes from a recent YourClassical MPR interview, where Melanie shared more about her approach to music as a communal practice (you can listen to the full interview here: https://www.yourclassical.org/episode/2024/06/06/rhapsody-in-black-melanie-demore)

Melanie is in residency with ComMUSICation youth this week, and it all comes together Thursday, April 23. Join us for Lead with Love, our Spring Showcase, and see what we’ve been creating together!

Free tickets available at cmcmn.org/leadwithlove

04/16/2026

LEAD WITH LOVE - A Free Community Concert from ComMUSICation

Next week, we are thrilled to welcome Melanie DeMore, a three-time Grammy-nominated artist, composer, and vocal activist whose work has brought communities together around the world through song.

We also just found out that Kaohly Her, the Mayor of Saint Paul, will be joining us at the showcase to offer opening remarks, helping kick off what is shaping up to be a truly special evening!

🎟️ Reserve your free ticket for this one-night community gathering at: www.cmcmn.org/leadwithlove

Lead With Love featuring Melanie DeMore
Thursday, April 23, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Presbyterian Church

Address

PO Box 4014
Saint Paul, MN
55104

Telephone

+16512438962

Website

http://www.cmcmn.org/

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