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Sounds of Our Stories
Ancestral Discovery, Healing Modalities, and Cultural Resonance through Sound and Music

​The Sound Of Our Stories project aims to provide a transformative and holistic experience that empowers individuals within the community to explore their ancestral heritage, embrace healing modalities, and connect deeply with their cultural roots through the medium of sound and music. By incorporating DNA analysis, primary sources, secondary sources, workshops with healing experts, and immersive retreats, this project will create a comprehensive approach to self-discovery, healing, and cultural reconnection.

Sounds of Our Stories Lead
​Jessica Ivey 
VISION 
We exist within the Institute of Public Scholarship to provide transformative, holistic experiences that empower individuals within the community to explore their ancestral heritage, embrace healing modalities, and connect deeply with their cultural roots through the medium of sound, music, and multi-sensory art.
OUR RESEARCH
Through qualitative ethnography and biodata sonification, we are looking at the origin of creative/artistic trauma and how one heals through art itself.
Sounds of Our Stories - Core Values 
ACCESS
  • Sounds of Our Stories uses methods of art accessibility where participants can engage with mediums of art/creativity and story/narrative from any starting place. Previous skill is never a requirement for participatory activity
​EMPOWERMENT
  • Community members should leave our programming with information, experiences, and connections that move them to action in their own lives.  
DISCOVERY
  • Participants should find newness through their engagement in safe trial and error. We are intentionally reframing the environments, languages and frameworks of technical mastery; challenging assumed best practices/methodology, and traditional historical narratives. 
RECLAMATION
  • Participants will have opportunities to discover themselves and in new ways, reclaim characteristics, historical narratives, and freedom of self expression that may have been lost, or nefariously stolen.
MISSION STATEMENT
We provide a community pathway to participatory art making that destigmatizes and decolonizes perspectives of what music is and who is able to access it. Our methodology and programming demystifies the history of music and the educational frameworks built around it.
AT SOUNDS OF OUR STORIES
WE BELIEVE
  • SOUND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO HEAL
  • TRAUMA (DATA) IS STORED IN OUR BODIES AND WE HAVE ACCESS TO THAT DATA, PRESENTING THE POSSIBILITY TO RESHAPE THAT DATA
  • ALL BEINGS ARE FREQUENCY AND VIBRATIONAL EMITTING ENTITIES
  • ART SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE, NOT BASED ON A COMMERCIALIZED OR MONETIZED SKILL SET
  • UNLOCKING ART ACCESSIBILITY IS A PATH TO WELLNESS
  • EVERYBODY CAN MAKE ART 
  • ANYONE CAN USE ART FOR CATHARSIS
  • THERE IS EMPOWERMENT IN CLARITY- WE ARE, IN PART WHERE WE COME FROM
  • WELLNESS AT ITS HIGHEST FORM IS MULTI SENSORY 
  • ART EXISTS IN BOTH FREEDOM AND DISCIPLINE AND THE BALANCE SHOULD BE AUTONOMOUSLY DECIDED BY THE PERSON CREATING THE ART​
​The Silent Disco hosted by Sounds of Our Stories was a vibrant, two-floor celebration of sound, movement, and community. Featuring three incredible DJs - DJ Disobedience, DJ Did That, and DJ VenusFlyTrap—the event offered an electrifying mix of genres, catering to every musical taste. Each DJ brought their unique style and energy, allowing attendees to switch between channels on their wireless headphones to curate their own personal dance experience.
With the event spanning two floors, the atmosphere was dynamic and inclusive, giving participants the freedom to explore different vibes and connect with others through music. The immersive experience also incorporated spaces for reflection and creativity, staying true to the mission of Sounds of Our Stories to promote healing and self-expression through art.
From pulsating beats to moments of quiet connection, the silent disco was a true celebration of individuality and community. It left attendees inspired, energized, and eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to dance to the rhythm of their own stories.
Decolonizing Music Education Philosophy or Event(s)
We provide an community pathway to participatory art making that destigmatizes and decolonizes perspectives of what music is and who is able to access it. Our methodology demystifies the history of music and the industry built around it. We utilize the theoretical concept of tension, release, and harmony to reveal truth. We present a liberated path to accepting the totality of the human experience in the music creation process. We empower our students to harness their authentic expression, discover their soul song and experience a cathartic, spiritually integrated relationship with music that positively effects every aspect of their lives. 
On Friday, January 17th, Legacy Tour 2025: Where There Is Wisdom, There Is Wealth brought an unforgettable evening of transformation and healing to Legacy (313 N. Burdick St.). Guided by the incredible Treneti, participants explored music therapy, somatics, and self-mastery techniques to liberate their nervous systems and embrace the power of ancestral healing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this profound experience. Together, we took a step toward creating legacies of healing, growth, and wisdom. Stay tuned for more transformative events like this!
#LegacyTour2025 #AncestralHealing #MusicTherapy #CommunityHealing

Meeting of The Minds Symposium

Meeting of the Minds Symposium: Building Bridges for Collective Impact

The Meeting of the Minds Symposium was a dynamic gathering designed to bring community members, creatives, and changemakers together to network, collaborate, and explore opportunities to partner with Sounds of Our Stories. This event was born from the belief that when we share knowledge, resources, and ideas, we can create lasting impact.
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Through open discussions and intentional connections, we aimed to strengthen our community’s creative and cultural ecosystem. Whether through music, storytelling, or advocacy, Sounds of Our Stories is committed to fostering spaces where artists and visionaries can thrive. This symposium was a step toward expanding our reach, deepening our work, and amplifying the voices that need to be heard. Thank you to everyone who showed up to build, dream, and create with us!

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