Pass the Mic

Pass the Mic is a free program that provides youth with immigrant backgrounds a high-quality, culturally responsive music education with mentorship by experienced Portland musicians.

Pass the Mic offers music enrichment opportunities to immigrant and refugee youth in the form of ongoing or series-based classes in schools, community centers, libraries, or other relevant locations. Pass the Mic classes are geared toward amplifying youth voices, fostering a safe space for community music-making, and providing music education opportunities without cost or transportation barriers. Similar to Music Corps, Pass the Mic classes are designed with the needs and interests of the participants in mind. Ethos aims to hire bilingual/multilingual instructors, whenever possible, but may not be able to provide instruction in all student languages. Ethos provides all instruments and equipment necessary for Pass the Mic classes and, whenever possible, will provide rentals or donations of instruments to students, free of charge.

Group Classes Offered

Ethos teachers shape each Pass the Mic class curriculum to the needs and interests of students. Examples of class topics include:

  • Choir/Music Theatre

  • Guitar

  • Piano

  • Music and singing games

  • Rock bands

  • Dance

  • Drumming

  • Beatmaking and Music Technology

  • Storytelling

  • Music Exploration

  • Songwriting

  • Music and Movement

  • Bilingual/Spanish Music Class

For more information and to establish a Pass the Mic class at your school, fill out our Ethos Outreach Inquiry Form or email info@ethos.org.

Inquiry form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsMDPqck88qsy9Kxjphn7rKb46WFQjEAOsbW_wloK3xiNU4Q/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117704828964383883911

Pass the Mic Supporters & Partners

Bleeding Hearts Ball

Hacienda CDC

David Douglas High School

Morrison Family Services

Pass the Mic on OPB

Our 2nd annual summer camp in 2019 featured youth from around the world. To learn more, listen to or read the original piece by Donald Orr of Oregon Public Radio