The NO FEAR Ambassadors program is an open-genre, student-centered music ensemble that welcomes all instrumentalists, singers, rappers, songwriters, digital music programmers, and more to participate.
Available to Greater New Orleans students ages 8-18, participants take part in weekly rehearsals, group and individual lessons, music theory and piano instruction, public performances, community outreach initiatives, social gathering experiences, and more.
NO FEAR Ambassadors performing at French Quarter Fest 2025
What do
participants do?
Participants in the NO FEAR Ambassadors program are invited to become authors of their own artmaking. As a result, students learn to:
Compose original music.
Re-interpret music relevant and meaningful to their personal interests.
Let go of illusory fears of performing and improvising.
Develop musical skills and understanding reflective to their times.
Work cooperatively with others.
Practice empathy and kindness.
Become ambassadors of their communities, and so much more — all with the aim of producing communal and participatory arts experiences that engage artists and audiences alike.
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!