HAMPTON ROADS, VA — Soundscapes is proud to welcome Sentara Health as its Community Wellbeing Partner for the 2026–2027 program year, bringing together two organizations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve. Sentara’s mission is to improve health every day. But community health extends beyond the walls of a healthcare facility. It… Read more »
For Soundscapes Performance Ensemble Coach Mateo Ayala, the answer is deeply personal.
Growing up in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, Mateo discovered music through a community that came together to build something that didn’t exist. There were no instruments, no music program and no dedicated music room. Students, families and teachers worked together to change that.
Today, Mateo sees that same power in his work with Soundscapes students.
In this conversation, Mateo shares what happens behind the scenes in the Performance Ensemble, how music becomes a foundation for communication, leadership and collaboration, and why one of his favorite moments is watching a student go from “I don’t know if I can do that” to “I did it.”
He also reflects on the adults who supported him along the way and what it means to now be that supporter for a new generation of young musicians.
For Mateo, music is more than something students learn. It is a way to build confidence, create community, and connect with other people.
And perhaps most importantly, it is something worth giving forward.
“Just always remember what music gave you, just try to give it forward to somebody else.”
How String Thing Helped Soundscapes Musicians Discover What’s Possible For four Soundscapes student employees, attending JMU’s String Thing this summer was more than an opportunity to spend several days immersed in music. It was a chance to challenge themselves, learn from new teachers and musicians, and discover what they were capable of. Thanks to the… Read more »
Carol and Jeremiah were on ABC 8News – WRIC’s Showcase to talk about our newest program in Chesterfield County and the benefits of learning music. Check out the video below!
✨ We’re shining a light on Roberta Lea!On February 20, 2027, we’ll present Roberta Lea with the inaugural Soundscapes Luminary Award at our For the Love of Music Gala.As our first Soundscapes Luminary, Roberta is spending this year connecting with our students through mentorship, performance, and creative collaboration, giving young musicians a glimpse into what’s possible.Plan to join us to honor Roberta for all she has accomplished and all she has done for our community! ...
🏆 Help us honor Christopher Newport University!At our For the Love of Music Gala on February 20, 2027, we will present CNU with our Community Partner Award. For more than 15 years CNU has supported Soundscapes through access to incredible performance opportunities and spaces, mentorship and collaboration from collegiate student musicians, and leadership from university staff.We're grateful for a partnership that helps create opportunities for young musicians to learn, perform, and see what's possible. 🎶💙We can’t wait to celebrate CNU and all that we've accomplished together! ...
✨ SAVE THE DATE! ✨Join us for our For the Love of Music Gala on February 20, 2027 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center!It’ll be a night of live music, celebration, and plenty of reasons to believe in what’s possible when young people have the opportunity to learn, create, and grow through music. 🎶📅 February 20, 2027📍 Newport Marriott at City Center ...
After the school bell rings, the opportunities to learn, grow, and belong shouldn’t stop. 💛For Afterschool Alliance's Lights On Afterschool, we’re celebrating the importance of giving young people meaningful things to do during those crucial after-school hours. Whether it’s making music, discovering a new passion, or building friendships, what happens after school can make a lasting difference.The school day ends. The possibilities don’t. ...
What happens when something that changed your life becomes something you can give to someone else?For Mateo Ayala, music gave him community, support, and people who believed in him. Today, he gets to be that person for the next generation.His advice to young musicians is simple:“Just always remember what music gave you, just try to give it forward to somebody else.”That’s the heart of what happens at Soundscapes. Music is the vehicle. What students build with it can last a lifetime.#Soundscapes #MusicChangesLives #MusicEducation #YouthDevelopment #GiveItForward...
