ALL CITY MUSIC

EST. 2021 • MINNEAPOLIS, MN

More Than Marching Band. A Pathway to Purpose.

Every foundation begins with a seed. Help us plant the next one.

At All City Music (ACM), we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover who they are, envision who they can become, and access the resources to get there.

Music and dance are our tools. Youth development is our purpose.

Through culturally rooted music education, HBCU-style marching arts, dance, leadership development, and mentorship, we're building more than talented performers. We're developing independent, thoughtful, and disciplined young people who understand the power of their identity, their community, and their future.

And we're just getting started.

Our story

All City Music was founded in 2021 with a vision: to create the kind of transformative music and dance experiences that young people deserve, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

As a music educator and HBCU graduate, I've experienced firsthand how the marching arts can shape a young person's confidence, discipline, identity, and sense of belonging.

I wanted to bring that same experience to young people in our communities—not simply to teach them how to play an instrument or perform an eight-count, but to create an environment where they could discover their potential.

Today, ACM is growing into a youth development ecosystem that connects music, movement, mentorship, leadership, and cultural connection.

Our work is rooted in three pillars: Identity. Vision. Access.

We validate who our students are, affirm what they bring to the table, build their skills and confidence, and bridge them to opportunities beyond our programs.

Your investment makes a difference

OUR 2025 IMPACT

Behind every number is a young person discovering their abilities, a family finding community, and an educator investing in the next generation.

Through our summer band camp, after-school programs, school residencies, and HBCU Arts Experience, students receive opportunities to grow as musicians, dancers, leaders, and individuals.

What your gift supports

Your contribution helps us sustain and expand accessible, high-quality programming, including:

• Access to the arts: Instruments, instructional materials, dance supplies, and affordable participation.

• Exceptional educators: Fair compensation for teaching artists and mentors who invest in our students.

• Leadership pathways: Paid opportunities for youth leaders and alumni to develop their voices and contribute to ACM's future.

• Experiences beyond the classroom: Performances, college exposure, HBCU experiences, and connections to future opportunities.

• Building an institution: The staffing, infrastructure, and systems that will allow ACM to serve generations of young people.

Help us plant the next seed

We are not simply asking you to fund another program. We're inviting you to invest in what All City Music is becoming.

An foundation where young people are seen, supported, challenged, and connected to their futures.

Whether you give $10, $100, or $1,000, your investment helps us build something that lasts.

Every institution begins with a seed. Thank you for planting yours.

With gratitude,

D'Shonte Carter | Founder & Executive Director, All City Music

All City Music is a fiscally sponsored project of Springboard for the Arts. To give to Springboard: https://givemn.org/organization/Springboard-For-The-Arts