↑ parent cluster · ·
research dossier →

Desert Sounds Performing Arts Inc

Mesa, AZ · EIN 352343558 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE A25 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Small ($100K-$1M) · www.desertsounds.org
revenue
$189K
expenses
$184K
net assets
$84K
employees
2
volunteers
6
program ratio
57%
filing since
2019
mission · from form 990

We help underserved children explore and experience the musical arts by lending instruments and providing ancillary supplies, lessons and performance opportunities.

profile · synthesized from sources

Desert Sounds Performing Arts Inc. provides accessible music education and instruments to children in Arizona, particularly those facing financial barriers. The organization offers individual and group music programs, including instrument lending, one-on-one lessons, and mariachi ensembles. They aim to empower children with hope and confidence through music, fostering skills like self-discipline and teamwork.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $0
    Jeremy ProjectThe Jeremy Project gave 296 children from 57 schools from Coolidge, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, San Tan Valley, and Glendale, Arizona, the opportunity to learn and play a band or orchestral instrument of their choice, enabling them to participate in their respective school band or orchestral programs. The Jeremy Project underscores the communitys dedication to fostering musical education while enhancing the school experience for low-income, at-risk children.
  2. #2 $0
    Musical MentorsThe Musical Mentors program served 19% more students this year. The program helps students hone their musical abilities, offers support in navigating everyday challenges, and celebrated student achievement during the winter and summer recitals. Our approach to learning enhanced the students musical skills and imparted versatile life skills that extend beyond the realm of music. The Musical Mentors program continues to bridge the gap between musical education and personal growth, as its impact is felt in the students flourishing talents, the communitys support, and the nurturing of well-rounded individuals.
named programs · 5 · from sources

what they call their work

Electrifying Sounds
Teaches the basics of music using pop charts and contemporary selections, encouraging kids to play music they love.
Mariachi Sones del Desierto
A multi-level program for K-12 students to learn traditional Mariachi music on authentic instruments, performing throughout the valley.
Musical Mentors
Offers one-on-one weekly lessons with an instructor for students to learn music at their own pace and interact with positive role models.
Strings for Little Fingers
Provides fun music education tailored for younger children, teaching them music in a playful environment alongside their parents.
The Jeremy Project
Provides affordable access to musical instruments for students to use in school bands, orchestras, lessons, or Desert Sounds programs, through a small monthly fee.
activities · 29

what they do

direct service · 26
  • Accept in-kind donations of musical instruments and supplies Music Instrument Donation for Therapy & Youth Programs
    Receives donated musical instruments and materials to support and expand youth music programming.
  • Accept in-kind donations to support programming Music Instrument Donation for Therapy & Youth Programs
    Receives donations of musical instruments and supplies to sustain and expand youth music education initiatives.
  • After-School Music Education
    Offers after-school music education programming in a physical location, helping hundreds of children access music and education.
  • Deliver after-school music education programs
    Provides structured after-school music programming at a physical location since 2011, including group classes and ensemble participation for K-12 students.
  • Deliver early childhood music education through Strings for Little Fingers Early Childhood Music Education
    Provides age-appropriate music classes for young children and their parents, focusing on foundational music skills. The program is tailored specifically for early learners.
  • Distribute monthly newsletter on programs and community impact Member Newsletter & Magazine Distribution
    Produces and distributes a monthly newsletter sharing updates on youth music programs, events, and community outcomes.
  • Distribute musical instruments and supplies Instrument Loan Programs
    Provides musical instruments to students through loan and distribution programs, including initial instrument distribution and ongoing support for youth programming.
  • Early Childhood Music Education ("Strings for Little Fingers") Early Childhood Music Education
    Provides "Strings for Little Fingers," a music education program tailored for young children and their parents, offering music classes.
  • Empower youth through music and culture
    Uses music, community engagement, and cultural programming to build hope and leadership skills in children.
  • Host annual fundraising gala Themed Fundraising Events with Auctions & Raffles
    Organizes an annual gala event to raise funds in support of music programs for children.
  • Host annual gala event to support children's music programs Themed Fundraising Events with Auctions & Raffles
    Organizes an annual fundraising gala to generate support for music education initiatives for children.
  • Instrument Lending Program ("The Jeremy Project") Instrument Loan Programs
    Operates "The Jeremy Project" which loans over 500 musical instruments to students in over 87 schools, providing affordable access to instruments for a small monthly fee for use throughout elementary and high school.
  • Mariachi Music Education Program Mariachi Music Education Program
    Offers "Mariachi Sones del Desierto," a multi-level program for K-12 students to learn traditional Mariachi music on authentic instruments, with ensembles performing throughout the valley.
  • Modern/Contemporary Music Education ("Electrifying Sounds") Early Childhood Music Education
    Offers "Electrifying Sounds" program where children learn music basics through modern and contemporary pop music performances.
  • Musical Mentorship Program
    Operates "Musical Mentors," matching professional musicians with students for one-on-one weekly music lessons and mentorship to encourage continued musical learning.
  • Offer Electrifying Sounds music program Early Childhood Music Education
    Teaches children music fundamentals through modern and contemporary pop music performances, engaging students with current musical styles.
  • Operate Mariachi Sones del Desierto program Mariachi Music Education Program
    Provides multi-level instruction in traditional Mariachi music on authentic instruments for K-12 students, with ensembles that perform publicly across the valley.
  • Operate The Jeremy Project for instrument access
    Loans over 500 musical instruments to students across more than 87 schools, providing affordable access through a small monthly fee. The program supports underserved children from elementary through high school.
  • Operate The Jeremy Project instrument loan program Instrument Loan Programs
    Loans over 500 musical instruments to students across more than 87 schools, providing affordable access through a small monthly fee to underserved children from elementary through high school.
  • Produce monthly community newsletter Member Newsletter & Magazine Distribution
    Distributes a monthly newsletter with updates on programs, events, and community impact to engage stakeholders.
  • Provide after-school music education programs Youth Choral Education & Performance Programs
    Offers structured after-school music programming at a physical location, including classes and ensemble opportunities for children. Programming began in 2011 and includes multiple specialized initiatives.
  • Provide one-on-one music mentorship through Musical Mentors
    Matches professional musicians with students for weekly, one-on-one lessons and mentorship to support ongoing musical development and engagement.
  • Provide one-on-one music mentorship through Musical Mentors
    Matches professional musicians with students for weekly, personalized music lessons and mentorship to support ongoing musical development.
  • Run Mariachi Sones del Desierto program Mariachi Music Education Program
    Offers a multi-level mariachi music program for K–12 students to learn traditional Mariachi music on authentic instruments, including performance ensembles that perform throughout the valley.
  • Run the "Electrifying Sounds" contemporary music program Early Childhood Music Education
    Teaches children music fundamentals through modern and pop music performances, engaging students with contemporary styles.
  • Run the "Strings for Little Fingers" early childhood music program Early Childhood Music Education
    Offers age-appropriate music education for young children and their parents, focusing on foundational music skills through interactive classes.
capacity building · 3
strategies · 16

how they think

Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any approach shared with other orgs to see the full field.

  • Accessible and Inclusive Music Programming accessible_music_education unique to this org
    The organization strives to make music education accessible to all children, regardless of their economic status or background, by providing affordable programming and addressing financial barriers. This approach aims to foster a love of music and ensure equitable participation.
  • Accessible and equitable music education accessible_music_education unique to this org
    The organization strives to remove financial and social barriers to music education, ensuring that all children, regardless of economic status or background, have access to performing arts programs. This includes providing affordable programming, utilizing in-kind donations for instruments, and leveraging volunteer support to keep costs down and expand reach.
  • Character and responsibility through musical commitment character_development_through_music unique to this org
    Builds self-discipline, resilience, and responsibility in children by requiring sustained effort, goal achievement, and fulfillment of basic requirements to participate in music programs.
  • Community-Driven Support and Empowerment community_empowerment unique to this org
    The organization leverages community involvement, including volunteers and in-kind donations, to support its programs and empower participants. This model provides resources and opportunities while fostering a sense of collective responsibility and offering a "hand up" rather than just handouts.
  • Culturally Responsive and Empathy-Building Arts Education culturally_responsive_arts_education unique to this org
    The organization uses culturally relevant music, such as Mariachi, to provide interactive learning experiences that connect children to their heritage and history. This approach also promotes empathy by encouraging collaborative music-making and understanding diverse perspectives.
  • Culturally responsive music education culturally_responsive_education unique to this org
    The organization integrates culturally significant music, such as Mariachi, into its curriculum to provide interactive learning experiences that connect children with their cultural heritage and storytelling traditions.
  • Culturally responsive music education culturally-responsive education unique to this org
    Uses culturally rooted music, such as Mariachi, to create an immersive and meaningful learning experience that connects children to Mexican history and storytelling traditions.
  • Empowerment through accessible and affordable programming affordable music programming unique to this org
    Provides affordable music programming and removes financial barriers to participation, offering a "hand up, not a handout" by ensuring access regardless of economic status and supporting non-financial forms of involvement.
  • In-kind support to sustain programming in-kind_support_model unique to this org
    Relies on in-kind donations of instruments and supplies to equip youth participants, enabling program delivery and accessibility.
  • Mentorship and positive role modeling mentorship unique to this org
    Supports youth development by connecting students with positive adult role models through a dedicated Musical Mentors program.
  • Mentorship for Positive Role Models mentorship unique to this org
    The organization provides students with positive role models through its Musical Mentors program, recognizing the importance of guidance and inspiration in youth development.
  • Mentorship for positive role modeling mentorship unique to this org
    The organization provides students with positive role models through its Musical Mentors program, recognizing the impact of guidance and support on youth development.
  • Music as a holistic youth development tool music_for_youth_development unique to this org
    The organization uses music education and engagement as a primary mechanism to foster leadership, self-discipline, resilience, collaboration, empathy, and overall well-being in children. This approach leverages the inherent structure and collaborative nature of music to build essential life skills and support emotional development.
  • Music as a transformative tool for youth development music-for-youth-development unique to this org
    Uses music education to support child development, emotional well-being, and academic skills, particularly helping children with learning disabilities access language and reading through structured musical engagement.
  • Stakeholder communication for engagement and transparency stakeholder_communication unique to this org
    Uses regular communication, such as a monthly newsletter, to share program updates, events, and community impact with stakeholders to maintain engagement and support.
  • Youth Development Through Music Education youth_development_through_music unique to this org
    The organization uses music education as a transformative tool to foster leadership, self-discipline, resilience, collaboration, and emotional well-being in children. By emphasizing commitment and sustained effort in music, children develop essential life skills and character traits.
financials · form 990 · fy2022

the money

revenue
Total revenue$189K
Contributions & grants$113K60%
Program service revenue$60K32%
Investment income$2770%
Other revenue$15K
expenses
Total expenses$184K
Program expenses57%
Admin / overhead43%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$55K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$85K
Cash$68K
Investments$0
Liabilities$1K
Net assets$84K
Liquid reserves4.4 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2022 · YoY revenue +114.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
Jennifer Crews President & CEO 40 $15K
board members · 1
  • Lorah Neville — Chairperson
relationships · 6

who they work with

  • ABC15 Partner — Media partner; emcee is a journalist and co-host of ABC15’s Sonoran Living
  • Chilled Haven Partner — Sponsor of the gala event
  • Doubletree by Hilton Partner — Host venue for the annual gala event
  • Kendra Scott Partner — Provides jewelry for the gala's silent auction and fundraising activities
  • local organizations Funder — Provide financial support for programs.
  • national organizations Funder — Provide financial support for programs.