High Voltage Music Inc.

A nonprofit organization

"Inspiring the youth in our community to enrich their lives through the culture of music."

High Voltage Music, Inc. is a leading after-school on-campus music
program for teens in grades 7-12 in San Antonio, Texas. The program focuses on
schools with little to no funding for arts and humanities. Since its inception in
2016, High Voltage has taught free music lessons in guitar, bass and drums to students in underserved communities, predominantly in the Southside
of San Antonio. The High Voltage Music Program understands that the cost of extracurricular
activities can financially burden
families or limit a student from joining which is why the program is entirely free, including instruction, the use of an instruments, equipment and an afterschool nutritional snack. Students start by learning the
fundamentals of their chosen instrument twice a week during an on-campus 2-hour
after-school class in which they are later grouped into bands.

Developed by Bell Solloa, a single mother whose son, a self-taught
musician, was entering a high school which had no music classes and knowing
there were no music academies in their area, she saw that there was
a need to do something. She recognized there was a lack of funding in his school and initiated a music
program by reaching out to the Principal for permission to use a classroom. She also reached out to local working musicians and music stores who donated instruments. From day one, the
program was a success and quickly went from one class to two.
Within a month, the program was a full-fledged business which her son helped
name, High Voltage Music, which as of 2022 is officially a 501c3 Non-Profit.

Teens on a Mission...

Once the students are organically grouped in bands and have learned their choice of songs, they play fundraisers and community events at local venues, including
Teens on a Mission, a High Voltage Music produced showcase. Teens on a Mission brings together High
Voltage student bands and invites local San Antonio teen musicians, artists and vendors to showcase their work during this unique collaborative youth and teen event.

The future is bright...

High Voltage Music Inc. had contracts with 5 area schools within it's first four years and had produced up to 12 teen bands when the 2020
Pandemic hit. The program restarted virtually in 2020 and returned back in-person in 2021. High Voltage has been building back up with the support of private donors and is determined to expand to
other schools once again in the future.

"Find Your People"....

We are excited to Launch a new ongoing video series entitled, Find Your People during the Big Give! This campaign is not only initiated as a look into why music programs are needed, but also to show a variety of musicians of all ages and backgrounds speak to our three questions. Were you in a music program? If yes, what did it do for you? If no, what could it have done to enhance your learning experience as a musician. We're kicking it off with our youngest honorary student Darrel, who was invited to join our program after accompanying his his older brother for 2 years sitting quietly doing homework, waiting, observing and learning which made us ask him if he'd like to join the program. We knew he belonged with us, although he was outside of the age and grade range we serve, when we realized he was upset that since his brother was graduating he wouldn't be coming to classes anymore. We believe that Darrel definitely found his people! Video linked above.

Special Thanks to Jim Mendiola and Faith Radle for the production.

Please support us during the Big Give starting Sept 18 @6pm-ending Sept 19 @6pm