New Voices New Orleans

About NVNO

New Voices New Orleans (NVNO) engages singers in New Orleans' public 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, performances, and events, singers become members of intentional community and culture-bearers for the city of New Orleans.

Only 31% of New Orleans schools offer vocal music programs, compared to 56%, nationally. As a proud partner to public schools-including KIPP Central City Primary, KIPP Central City Academy, KIPP Believe Primary, and Hynes UNO-we bring rigorous vocal music education to over 200 students every week. Our partnerships include two full-length concert series at each school, plus special holiday performances at venues like The Roosevelt New Orleans and Canal Place. 

With your help, we aim to grow our impact by serving more singers at two additional school programs in the 2026/27 school year, totaling 250+ singers in eight programs across six partner schools. Please invest in our future by making a generous donation today!

Season Finale Concert on GiveNOLA Day!

All NVNO programs will unite for a season finale concert: "Wade in the Water" on GiveNOLA Day (May 5, 2026) for 5:00pm at the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market (see our events page for info). Our singers will perform an exciting variety of repertoire that explores New Orleans' unique relationship to water, including: Bessie Smith's "Backwater Blues," Zachary Richard's "Big River," and the Free Agents Brass Band's "We Made it Through That Water." Please mark your calendars and join us!

Event: NVNO Season Finale Concert: "Wade in the Water"
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:00pm (doors open at 4:30pm; seating is first-come-first-served)
Location: New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market
Address: 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113
Admission: FREE (but we suggest a $10 donation per attendee through this GiveNOLA Day portal)

Testimonials

"My son joined New Voices New Orleans for the first time this Spring. He looks forward to rehearsal every week and routinely asks for the music he is learning to be played in the car and at home. I cannot tell you how incredible it is to see the joy on his face when he is performing with this group. He has had some relatively minor struggles over the past couple of years so to witness him dedicate himself to something that obviously brings him so much joy is truly a blessing. He so clearly feels unabashedly himself dancing and singing with his friends. This experience for him is a precious gift to a mom trying to figure out how to raise a kid in this crazy world."

~mother of NVNO Singer