The non-profit Zumix was founded in April of 1991 after the city of Boston recorded over 150 homicides the year before. Their mission was to help get teens off the streets and to help them find something to be passionate about. Zumix empowers youth through music, encouraging young people to make strong positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world. Since its founding, the organization has grown from 24 students to over a hundred.
The programs offered at Zumix do not stop with instruments however. They have voice lessons, songwriting, music technology, and even a radio program where teens can host their own radio show. Eighteen-year-old Douglas Santos has studied and worked with Zumix since 2004, and took part in its singing program. What he likes most about Zumix is that he gets to meet new people through teaching a program called "Audio Fix-It,” where kids learn how to fix microphone cables and other instruments. "[Zumix] has found me job opportunities” said Douglas, "and it has taught me to be responsible.”
Zumix is currently aspiring to expand their program. They were chosen in 2005 by the City of Boston's Department of Neighborhood Development to develop an old, abandoned firehouse, not far from their current location. This new building will help not only expand its variety of programs but will also allow more students to participate in them. As someone who participates in the programs offered by Zumix, I recommend it to everybody I know. It is a great place to make friends, start new hobbies, and build valuable artistic skills.
Christina DiPietro is a senior at Boston Latin School.
The Zumix DiverCity youth-pop cover band performing at TeenLife Boston’s Annual Community Service Fair held February 8th, 2008 at the Mall at Chestnut Hill. Photo courtesy of Jackie Schon
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The non-profit Zumix was founded in April of 1991 after the city of Boston recorded over 150 homicides the year before. Their mission was to help get teens off the streets and to help them find something to be passionate about. Zumix empowers youth through music, encouraging young people to make strong positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world. Since its founding, the organization has grown from 24 students to over a hundred.
