From Program Participant to Teaching Artist: JayCee’s Inspiring Journey with Fresh Tracks
JayCee performs for 2023 Fresh Tracks Graduation
From participating in the Fresh Tracks program to becoming an intern upon release, and now a Teaching Artist at the C.A.P.O. Center, JayCee’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of following one’s dreams. Our Youth Programs, like Fresh Tracks, offer a positive emotional outlet through a diverse approach to the arts and music making. They also provide channels for creative expression, helping youth identify their creative talents, build self-esteem, and strengthen resilience against racial and economic injustice.
Motivation and Inspiration
Rapper and Teaching Artist JayCee shares his story at CAPO Center (Photo Credit: Rev. Dr. Dorthea)
JayCee’s motivation to pursue a career in music is deeply rooted in his dedication and hard work. As he puts it, “I’ve been doing music since 2015” and “I always wanted to be a Rapper.” Since then, he has been giving it his all, working tirelessly to hone his skills. What truly inspired him was the energy and support he received from the crowd and fellow participants. He explains, “being around my friends, freestyling, and the energy of the crowd hyping you up feels good. There’s a feeling that I like to chase.” This energy from the crowd became a driving force behind his pursuit of a creative career.
Fresh Tracks: Connecting Passion with Tools and Resources
JayCee and Luke teaching students and creating music in the studio at C.A.P.O. Center
(Photo Credit: Rev. Dr. Dorthea)
Fresh Tracks youth program is a collaborative program of Give a Beat, Jail Guitar Doors, and Street Poets that has played a significant role in JayCee’s inspiring journey as an aspiring rapper and teaching artist. The program has provided him with the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to pursue his passion for music. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I started off in Fresh Tracks in 2019, in December. I was released on house arrest in April 2020, Luke reached out and built the C.A.P.O. Center. From there, I started off as an intern.” Through Fresh Tracks, he found the support and guidance he needed to navigate his path in the music industry.
Empowering Growth
JayCee and Chaz teaching students about beat production at CAPO Center
(Photo Credit: Rev. Dr. Dorthea)
Participating in the Fresh Tracks youth program yielded numerous positive outcomes for JayCee. He experienced an increased sense of well-being, stating, “My goal in this program is to teach, inspire, and empower. I wanna teach people to follow your dreams.” Through the program’s resources and mentorship, he developed critical thinking abilities and proficiency in his artistic skill set. He shares, “I know how to work in the studio. I have been recording myself. I want to teach other people.”
Sharing Knowledge and Empowering Others
JayCee takes the lead in beat production at CAPO Center
(Photo Credit: Rev. Dr. Dorthea)
JayCee’s journey as a Teaching Artist at the C.A.P.O. Center aligns perfectly with his dream of owning his own record label. He explains, “My dream is to own my own record label… I want to help people use their talent to grow.” By utilizing the skills he has acquired throughout his journey, he aims to teach, inspire, and empower others. His goal is to encourage individuals to follow their dreams, be their best selves, and embrace their uniqueness.
As a Teaching Artist, JayCee intends to impart his knowledge of working in the studio and recording techniques. He understands firsthand the value of having access to these resources and wants others to benefit from them as well. Sharing his motivation, he states, “I want to inspire people to follow their dreams, be their best and be themselves. I want to empower people and put that spark into them that they can do this.” When given a second chance, individuals often transform their own drive into motivation, leading them to give back to the community and make a larger impact.
Photo: @slausonavejc
JayCee’s journey with the Fresh Tracks program is one filled with determination and growth. From being a program participant to becoming a Teaching Artist with Fresh Tracks, he exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams. Through Fresh Tracks, JayCee found not only the tools and resources necessary to carry out his passion but also a supportive community that believed in his potential. The program’s goal is to recruit program graduates as teaching artist’s (TAs) to strengthen pathways to employment. This is particularly significant in the nonprofit space, as individuals with lived experience can effectively support those who have gone through similar experiences.
See JayCee’s journey from the beginning with Fresh Tracks program here:
