Music has a remarkable way of transcending boundaries, connecting people across cultures, and touching emotions that words often fail to capture. This truth resonated deeply during the most recent Be the Voice of Girls virtual session. In partnership with A Tribe for Jazz, a Columbus-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of jazz, we explored how music, particularly jazz, can serve as a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and emotional expression.
The session began with a warm welcome from Stephanie Matthews, the Executive Director of A Tribe for Jazz. She shared the rich history of jazz, tracing its roots back to New Orleans, where African and Caribbean influences gave rise to this uniquely American art form. Stephanie painted a vivid picture of jazz’s evolution, highlighting its improvisational nature and emotional depth. She explained how the genre has always been a reflection of resilience and creativity—qualities deeply embedded in its origins.
To bring this history to life, the girls were treated to a video performance produced by A Tribe for Jazz. The featured musicians demonstrated the dynamic interplay that defines jazz, where each note is a conversation and every melody tells a story. For some participants, the music felt chaotic yet structured, a metaphor for navigating life’s complexities. For others, it evoked feelings of calm or brought to mind cinematic imagery. The varied reactions underscored jazz’s ability to connect with people on an intensely personal level, revealing its universal appeal.
Building on this foundation, Sydney Zupnick, a certified music therapist, introduced the concept of music therapy. With warmth and passion, Sydney shared how music can be a profound resource for emotional wellness. She spoke about her work with children and women, illustrating how music helps people process emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with themselves. Her insights were both enlightening and inspiring, particularly for those who hadn’t previously considered music as a tool for self-care.
The session took a meditative turn as Sydney guided the girls through a mindfulness exercise. Deep breathing, she explained, can help anchor the mind and body, creating space for reflection and emotional grounding. This simple yet powerful practice resonated with the participants, many of whom expressed feeling more relaxed and present by the end of the exercise.
One of the most impactful moments came when Sydney encouraged the girls to explore their own voices through a somatic singing activity. She reminded them that their voices are unique instruments—tools they’ve carried since birth. This exercise was about more than singing; it was an invitation to reclaim their sense of identity and empowerment. For some, the activity was a new experience, a bit daunting at first but ultimately liberating. As one participant shared, “I felt relaxed, and it made me forget my worries for a while.” Others found the exercise grounding, helping them feel more connected to themselves after a long day.
Throughout the session, the girls reflected on their personal relationships with music. They shared how music accompanies their daily routines, whether it’s playing softly in the background as they study or serving as a motivating force during chores or workouts. For many, music is a source of comfort, helping them navigate emotions and find solace during challenging times. Sydney emphasized that these small, everyday interactions with music are themselves therapeutic, illustrating the subtle yet powerful ways music enriches our lives.
Jazz, as Stephanie reminded the group, holds a special place in the realm of emotional wellness. Its improvisational patterns, while seemingly chaotic, stimulate the brain, reduce stress, and foster creativity. Even those unfamiliar with the genre were encouraged to embrace its nuances, exploring its potential to inspire and uplift.
This transformative session was made possible through the dedication of A Tribe for Jazz. Their commitment to advancing the future of jazz provided a unique opportunity for the girls to engage with this art form in a meaningful way. From its historical roots to its therapeutic applications, jazz became more than just music—it became a bridge for connection, a tool for self-discovery, and a source of inspiration.
As the session concluded, the girls expressed gratitude for the experience, their voices echoing the themes of healing and empowerment that had defined the evening. The collaboration with A Tribe for Jazz was a reminder of what the Be the Voice of Girls initiative strives to achieve: creating spaces where young women can connect, grow, and find their voices.
For those inspired by this journey, we invite you to join us in supporting the Be the Voice of Girls initiative. Together, we can continue to amplify the voices of girls everywhere, using creativity and connection to shape a brighter future.
