Inspiration Through Music:

• This program is open to Cleveland youth in rising grades 3–8. No prior music experience is required.

• Youth who are also participating in the Inspiration Through Music (ITM) Summer Camp 2026 are welcome to join the University Circle Police Department Community Ensemble, as this program begins after camp concludes on June 9 and June 16 (please scroll to next section to view program dates & times).

• Transportation Notes:

  • For youth attending ITM summer camp: Transportation to the program on June 9 and June 16 will be provided.

  • Transportation home after the program ends at 5:30 PM is not available, so parents or guardians are responsible for picking up their child.

  • For youth not attending ITM summer camp: Families are responsible for both drop-off and pick-up for all program sessions. No transportation is provided.

Each week, participants will:

• Explore instruments and music fundamentals

• Work in small ensembles alongside peers and officers

• Practice collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving

• Prepare for a culminating community performance

No prior music experience is required.

Officers join as mentors and ensemble members, participating alongside youth rather than serving as authority figures. They model respect, active listening, and teamwork, helping foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

For the first four weeks, officers will wear street clothes to encourage approachability and comfort for participants.

Your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priority. This program is carefully designed to provide a structured, supervised, and welcoming environment:

• Experienced Teaching Artists: All sessions are led by professional teaching artists from the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning with over 70 years of experience working with youth.

• Background-Checked Staff & Officers: All teaching artists, program staff, and participating officers have undergone thorough background checks.

• Safe, Welcoming Space: Studio 105 is an accessible and youth-centered environment where participants can explore music and creativity freely.

• Structured, Supervised Sessions: Every activity is carefully planned to balance skill-building, teamwork, and fun while ensuring positive engagement.

• Youth-Centered Officer Involvement: Officers participate as peers and mentors, not authority figures. They wear street clothes for the first four weeks to encourage approachability and relationship-building. Firearms are never present during program sessions.

• Clear Expectations & Positive Environment: Participants are guided by consistent rules, mutual respect, and opportunities to practice communication, empathy, and teamwork.

• Ongoing Monitoring: Teaching artists and program staff monitor all activities and interactions to maintain safety, provide support, and respond immediately to any concerns.

• Emergency & Health Policies: CAL has clear procedures for illness, injury, and emergencies to ensure every participant is cared for appropriately. Families are notified immediately if any health or safety concerns arise.

The program concludes with a public performance celebrating participants’ musical growth and collaborative achievements with family, friends, and the community.

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026

• Time & Location: Exact time and venue are to be determined, and families will be notified in advance.

• What to Expect: Participants will showcase the skills, teamwork, and creativity they developed over the eight-week program. This event is a joyful celebration of their hard work and the positive connections built between youth and officers.