TP's Story

Teen Pulse provides teens with a positive, nurturing environment where they can discover and stretch their talents as they experience the importance of teamwork, dedication, discipline, and collaboration through the performing arts.

A mentor of mine once told me, "If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he had some help getting there."  I have had so many people help me become who I am today and it's my passion to share what what I've learned with others to help them achieve their dreams, too.  That's why I started Teen Pulse, a performing arts youth organization.  Our mission is to give it all back by teaching social responsibility through the arts.

Music is a part of our world's cultural fabric.  At TP, we believe that children don't lack capacity, only teachers.  That is why we provide endless opportunities to cultivate ownership and give our students every chance to shine.

The kind of students I work with have a huge desire to make a difference through the arts.  Most drumlines I work with are typically lacking much previous musical direction and support, and as we work together, they learn to deliver a more powerful message to their audience through performance, and more importantly, grow as individuals and a team.

Our Idea

With your support, Teen Pulse can partner with Eisenhower High School's Drumline (Ike's DL) from Rialto, CA.

Ike's DL kids have one extremely valuable thing going for them: their contagious positive attitudes and intense drive to succeed.

Unfortunately, Ike's DL has been playing on equipment that is literally older than they are.  They have limited resources and do not have the opportunity to buy new equipment or pay qualified instructors for specialized instruction.  I've had a few opportunities to give the DL some clinics and have found that the students there crave instruction and soak it up like a sponge when given the opportunity to learn.

The area that these students live in is unsafe to say the least.  A member of the DL actually got beat up on the home from practice this past marching band season.  A lot of the student's home lives are unstable and unsafe as well.

This campaign will expose students to excellence in the arts.  In the past, Eisenhower's Band Program was top notch, but deteriorated due to lack of funding, support, and instruction.  Six years ago, a new band director was hired and has been rebuilding the band program from scratch.  With an extreme lack of funding, his time is spent being the band director, repairing instruments, driving equipment to performances, writing field show music and drill because they can't afford to buy it, and numerous other tasks usually handled by a parent booster organization (which Eisenhower's band program does not have).  Not only can he can't afford to hire a specialist or two like most other high schools do, he is left with little time to give instruction to the DL himself, either.

Students will be equipped with the opportunity to start rebuilding the program that once had a stellar reputation by developing skills necessary to become capable and intelligent performers, creators, and consumers of music.

The school is supportive and the band director applied for this Teen Pulse opportunity.  The only element missing is funding.  Along with increasing the students' musical knowledge, this project will develop community interest, spark a newfound sense of pride at Eisenhower High School, and support of Eisenhower's music program as will as further promote music education.

Awesome. That's a really great idea.  How can I help?

You can help make this happen for Ike's Drumline in two ways:

1.  Support the project financially.  

We need at least $55,000 to make this happen.

2.  Spread the word.  

The easiest (but not the only) way is by using the "Share With Friends" tools shown above.  Use Facebook, use your blog, use your email, use your voice.

What's the money going to be used for?

Here's the $55,000 breakdown:

• Instruction & Upgraded Equipment $50,000+
• Indie GoGo Fees $4,500?

We promise that every dollar raised will go directly to equipment and support for Ike's DL.

What if we raise less than our $55,000 goal?

What's the difference between ordinary and extraordinary?  That little EXTRA.  If we do not reach our entire goal, the full potential of the project will not be achieved.  Help us be EXTRAordinary and donate that little EXTRA amount needed to reach our goal!

And what if we receive way more than $55,000?

If we pass the goal, Ike's DL will be able to get even more equipment so more people at the high school can benefit.  Also, with more equipment, we will be able to start a High School & Middle School buddy system that will equip Ike's DL to learn to teach by mentoring middle schoolers in town on a regular basis!  Beyond that?  The Eisenhower Marching Band will be able to purchase music and drill for a field show next year!

OK.  I'm in.  What do I get for making a contribution?

Besides knowing that you are a part of something BIG?

We promise you REWARDS!  The rewards are listed on the right.  They are labeled according to what your donation could buy for Ike's DL.  When you donate, be sure to email us the necessary information (such as your email and personal link of choice) at teenpulse@gmail.com.  Regardless of the reward, Ike's DL and Teen Pulse will send you a heartfelt Thank You.

I'm so in.  When will the DL renovation be complete and when will I get my perks?

The renovation will be be completed in December 2012.  We will be working with Ike's DL for the entire 2012 year, including summer.

You'll receive some rewards within a week of receiving the contribution (like the Thank You's, desktop images, and apparel).  Other perks will take a little longer to prepare (like the DVD, mallet bouquet, drum heads, and cadence).

Is there a deadline on the contributions?

Yes!  We have until February 1, 2012 to raise the money.  After that, we'll be committed to the resources that the raised funds will allow us to invest in.

Remember!

A little EXTRA People = A little EXTRA Support = little EXTRA $$ = An EXTRAordinary Drumline!

Pass it on!  Use the share buttons to share it on your Facebook, Twitter, etc.  If you're really passionate about the arts like we are, send your a personal email asking them to donate and send them our way!

And if you can, help these students drum out a future that could change their world.

Are you doing all this by yourself?

In the words of Walt Disney, "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world.  But it takes people to make the dream a reality."

Teen Pulse has had so much support from so many people since I first came up with this idea.  My mom.  My mentors.  My friends across the country.  Plus, our growing number of Facebook fans.

Not to mention the rest of the awesome Teen Pulse staff: Susana, Kaya, Tyler, & Nathan!

And of course...

THANK YOU!