New Voices New Orleans

NVNO

Fostering cultural equity for young singers in New Orleans

New Voices New Orleans (NVNO) engages singers throughout the city’s public charter schools in dynamic performances that unlock creativity, embolden self-expression, and empower civic voice. Our unique approach to vocal music education prioritizes movement training and storytelling to develop singers’ literacy in music and command in performance. Through rehearsals, discussions, art-making, performances, and events, singers become members of intentional community and culture-bearers for the city of New Orleans.

2024/25 Season:
WADE IN THE WATER

This season, Wade in the Water, New Voices New Orleans (NVNO) invites singers and audiences to dive deep into the many meanings of water in our lives—its beauty, its power, its risks, and its role in shaping our city.

Across our choirs at KIPP Central City Primary, KIPP Central City Academy, Hynes UNO, and in our Festival Chorus, students will explore water through song, science, and storytelling. In partnership with the Ripple Effect Water Literacy Project, we’ll connect local music and science learning with real stories from our families and communities.

Our fall program, Rain Brings Change, pairs vibrant Louisiana repertoire with hands-on experiments to help singers understand how water moves through our city—from rain and rivers to flooding and elevation. In November and December, we’ll collect personal stories about water from our families—ranging from joyful summer memories to difficult experiences with storms.

These stories take center stage in our spring concert, Gales of Song, where music and narrative come together to reflect the emotional, cultural, and environmental impact of water in New Orleans.

In addition to school-site, “Main Stage” performances, NVNO will also present two special “Grand Stage” concerts at major venues in the city, bringing the voices of our singers and communities to even broader audiences.

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