mission
To provide programming and support for inner city students interested in instrumental music and; to expand their skills and to link accessibility to instrumental music opportunities beyond high school.
purpose
Music Through The Streets (MTTS) is a 501 (C) (3) organization established
to promote instrumental music as a vehicle to higher education for students
in the Greater Cleveland community, specifically students at public schools in underserved school districts. MTTS guides and supports student development
and utilization of instrumental music talents while also providing post secondary opportunities within collegiate music programs. MTTS was born out of the percussionist and founder Donshon Wilson’s desire to bring a traditional HBCU experience to the inner cities of Cleveland and expose youth to the opportunities provided by music and higher education.
Today, MTTS provides support for high school students, specifically juniors
and seniors, in the form of college application and testing preparation, transportation to and from college, funds for instruments and text books, personal hygiene products, food, and more. These resources are funded
by the organization’s most successful program, the Annual Battle of the Bands Weekend Extravaganza. In 2000, the founder of MTTS organized the 1st Annual Battle of the Bands (BOTB) as a small fundraiser for a local marching band
n East Cleveland, OH.
vision
" Music Through The Streets will work with inner city school districts to promote and encourage student participation in instrumental music programs; and to introduce opportunities for collegiate advancement in fine arts. "