Kelli Pierson is a high school music teacher at George C. Marshall High School, a part of Virginia’s Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Her specialty is choir, typically teaching five choir groups every year ranging from 120 to 155 students. As was the case in many schools nationwide, COVID restrictions dramatically affected her ability to lead ...

By Rowena Atkins Music is central to youth culture. One of the key questions that young people ask when they first meet is “what music do you listen to?” It matters to them because it’s part of defining who they are. It is also well-researched that music-making develops creativity, confidence, mental agility and mental health ...