Music coming to children: New Salvation Army OC program brings the joy
Music is an important part of the Salvation Army’s existence. Due to the lack of music in most Orange County schools and the benefits of music instruction, Major Nesan Kistan, a musician himself, envisioned a music program that would bring the joy of music to children in Orange County.
Meet Alisa Hopper, The Salvation Army’s Director of Creative Arts and Music of OC who is spearheading this joyful program. Alisa has a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a concentration in vocal performance and a minor in piano. And she plays beautifully.
Short term goals
Alisa is currently working on a music program at our after-school program at Henley Youth Center at the Tustin Ranch location. I’m searching for teams of volunteers to build this program.
She is also excited to be starting a music therapy program and music classes for our Anti-Trafficking Services (also in the works).
For the HYC summer camps, she plans to not only continue the existing music classes, but add tables for making process art, along with cooking and baking classes. Each of these classes will correspond to either a Bible verse, a Bible story, or lyrics to worship songs. It’s shaping up to be a great time over there with the students.
Long-term, Alisa will meet with the principals and superintendents of the elementary and junior high schools in the surrounding areas, find out which schools are lacking arts and music programs, and again build teams to start programs, either after school or during school hours, so no child is without the knowledge and experience of music and art during their upbringing.
She is currently searching for donations of instruments for the classes, which will most likely include keyboard, acoustic and electric guitar, drums, bass, and vocal, as well as music theory to start. Depending on teachers, we would love to add brass and Ukulele, too.
Why is music so important?
Multiple studies have shown that children with music education are more successful in school (language, acquisition, reading, and math), graduation, college, and careers than their non-musical counterparts. Their brains are even different! The way they view life, their future jobs, the amount of money they make, and their overall happiness.
But academic achievement isn’t the only benefit of music education and exposure. Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. For children and adults, music helps strengthen memory skills.*
*An excerpt from Bright Horizons published in April, 2022
More about Alisa and her family
She tells us,
“I have been in some form of ministry – full-time, part-time, or volunteer – since the age of 10, leading worship, traveling with bands, preaching and speaking as a music pastor, women’s pastor, and even in communications.
My husband David and I have been married for 20 years and our kids are 18, 17, and 13.
David is a pastor in the Yosemite area and commutes on weekends (yes, it’s definitely a drive). We moved back to Orange County in July after being in the mountains for a year.
I was looking for a position in ministry, or at least ministry related, or in communications since I have experience in both fields. I spent quite a bit of time praying God would bring me to the people or organization that could use my skills, and where I would love to be used.
When I visited the Tustin Ranch location and interviewed with Major Neson Kistan and Caleb Danielson, I felt instantly at home, as if I was chatting and dreaming of ideas with friends. It was such a warm environment and nothing like I’d felt anywhere else. This role is an answer to prayer for me and I am thrilled to be here.”
And we are thrilled to have you, Alisa.