The NO FEAR Ambassadors Program is an open-genre, student-centered music ensemble that welcomes all student instrumentalists, singers, rappers, songwriters, digital music programmers, and more to participate.
Available to Greater New Orleans students in grades 6-12, the Ambassadors take part in multiple public performances, community outreach initiatives, and cultural exchange experiences throughout the year -- introducing audiences to the wonderful world of Experiential Arts everywhere they go.
NO FEAR Ambassadors performing at French Quarter Fest 2025
Rehearsals
Begin
October 8,
2025
What do
participants do?
In the NO FEAR Ambassadors Program, students learn by doing and work cooperatively to compose original music, arrange music relevant and meaningful to their personal interests, play by ear, develop confidence as performers and improvisers, acquire music theory and literacy skills, and much more -- all with the aim of producing communal and participatory arts experiences that empower artists and audiences alike.
Participants then become ambassadors for Experiential Arts and Learning through their participatory performances, community outreach, and cultural exchange experiences, with students learning firsthand how their artmaking can serve communities and act as a force for social good.
Ambassadors
Media
“Yes We Can” composed by Allen Toussaint and featuring Ambassador Devon “The Rev” Waterfield (Age 18). One of the funkiest young electric bass players in the Gulf South, what we didn’t know until three months ago, is that “Rev” can sing!
"In My City” composed by the NO FEAR Ambassadors and featuring Ambassador John “JR“ Rhodes (Age 18) who wrote the lyrics, took on the lead vocals with gusto, and paid homage to New Orleans participatory artmaking traditions.
“The Bird” composed by Morris Day and the Time and featuring Ambassador Elijah "Kid Exotik" Robinson (Age 19). Eli loves Soul and Funk music and tackled both the singing and rocking guitar for this performance: “Hallelujah!"
“My City of Ruins” composed by Bruce Springsteen and featuring Ambassador Jake "Lil’ Big Man" Gellman (Age 14). who grew up in Asbury Park, NJ, Springsteen’s adopted hometown. This marks Jake's singing and saxophone debut!