The Power of Music: upstArt’s LPS World Music Tour

Under Lincoln Arts’ upstArt Arts Access program, Daniel Martinez and his band Jarana have made waves—and music—through their epic Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) World Music Tour. With 18 stops under their belt and counting, Daniel brings each school he visits a celebration of humanity, diversity, and the power of music by way of a schoolwide assembly. Last month’s LPS World Music assembly at Humann Elementary led to a moment of particular poignancy.

At Humann, the strength and purpose of music to reach neurodivergent children was crystalized more than ever when a 4th-grade teacher emotionally approached Daniel after the assembly. She told him how a mostly nonverbal student of hers had started dancing during the performance, and, remarkably, turned to her after a song and told her how great it was. It was a profound and moving moment for both her and the student, and for Daniel as well. Having three of his own children with autism spectrum disorder and having taught many music classes to students with autism, this experience was especially meaningful to him.

Lincoln Arts wholeheartedly believes that the arts transform lives. We are pushed forward by stories such as these, and all the stories and moments that we know lie ahead. They drive our mission to bring the empowerment, healing, and joy of the arts to all communities and populations.

This upstArt project was funded in part by the Nebraska Arts Council.