Free youth development program to serve students at Beulah Recreation Center
Chesterfield, VA — Soundscapes, a nationally recognized after-school youth development program that teaches transformational life skills through music, is expanding to Chesterfield County this winter. In partnership with Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation, Soundscapes will launch its first program in the Greater Richmond area at the Beulah Recreation Center beginning January 12.
Serving 25 students in second and third grade, the pilot program will meet three days per week during the crucial after-school hours. Students will learn the fundamentals of rhythm, note reading, and ensemble playing through hands-on instruction using bucket drums, recorders, keyboards, and electronic drum pads. In addition, the program will provide a safe, enriching environment where young people can build confidence, leadership, and positive behavior through the study of music and ensemble performance. The entire program, including instruction, instruments, and materials, will be offered at no cost to families. The County will also provide a snack each day to ensure students are nourished and ready to learn. Participants will showcase their progress in two public concerts during the semester.
The idea for this program started with local philanthropist and musician Elizabeth King, and her belief that every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and opportunity that music can bring. Starting in 2023, King gathered a group of community leaders and passionate neighbors to explore how a music education program like Soundscapes could take root in Greater Richmond. She pulled in consultant John Dougherty to assist, and he ran a successful feasibility study in 2024 that helped the team identify the Beulah Recreation Center as a possible location. Even after the study, Dougherty has stayed involved and joined King as a leader in the effort to bring Soundscapes to the community. After two years of dreaming and planning, that vision is becoming a reality.
Since 2009, Soundscapes has helped students on the Virginia Peninsula develop essential life skills, succeed academically, and become engaged, confident citizens. The organization started with a small after-school program and has since grown to serve hundreds of students each year from elementary school through early adulthood. Today Soundscapes offers after-school programs, community ensembles, summer camps, and many performance opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to offer Soundscapes’ signature after-school program to families in Chesterfield, in partnership with the Beulah Recreation Center,” shared Soundscapes Executive Director Carol Minter. “For more than 15 years, we’ve seen the power of music to transform how young people see themselves and their futures. We can’t wait to welcome our first group of Chesterfield students, and to watch the students and the program grow in years to come.”
Registration opens at Chesterfield.org/Parks on December 15, and the class is expected to fill quickly. Families and community members can learn more at soundscapes.org/beulah.
