The NO FEAR Ambassadors Program is an open-genre, non-talent-based music ensemble that welcomes all student instrumentalists, singers, rappers, songwriters, digital music programmers, and more to participate.
The group takes part in multiple public performances throughout the school year and embarks upon cultural exchange and community outreach experiences in New Orleans and beyond, with the intention of bridging cultural divides, broadening participants’ perspectives, and cultivating community.
Student musicians in grades 6-12 who reside in Greater New Orleans are eligible to apply.
NO FEAR Ambassadors performing at French Quarter Fest 2025
Applications
Open Until
Sunday,
Sept. 21
What do the
Ambassadors do?
The Ambassadors Program invites student musicians to become authors of their own artmaking during their weekly after school rehearsals, where they learn to compose original music, arrange music relevant and meaningful to their personal interests, draw inspiration from New Orleans’ rich history of participatory artmaking, and much more.
Once their music is workshopped, participants become ambassadors for Experiential Arts through their participatory performances, community outreach, and cultural exchange experiences, with students learning firsthand how their artmaking can 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 "Jot" Gellman (Age 14). who grew up in Asbury Park, NJ, Springsteen’s adopted hometown. This marks Jake's singing and saxophone debut!