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Life & Arts

Breaking down the creative process for local children

Non-profit Nameless Sound introduces Houston's youth to the power of music

by SHONCHELLE GRANGER
The Daily Cougar

The non-profit organization Nameless Sound is known for its memorable concerts, but its volunteers also give Houston's youth a creative place to grow. 

Formerly the Deep Listening Institute Houston, Nameless Sound has ensemble musical improvisation classes for age groups ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as adolescent through young adult. The organization also includes classes for autistic and special-needs children.

At a recent class, six children filled the room with enthusiasm and anticipation to conjure up new musical material for the day. Two teachers welcomed the children with tambourines and maracas. The parents of the children were welcomed by the duo as they took their seats in the back of the class. The atmosphere of the class allowed them to bond with their children and motivate them they as created art.

"It's affected my life in some great ways," Jason Jackson, a former youth ensemble student who's now a teacher for Nameless Sound, said. "It's really broadened my artistic perspective. I love everything about it."

David Dove, the director of Nameless Sound, is instrumental in the advancement of the organization. He not only teaches ensemble classes but has also made the organization his life's work. 

"The program introduces a creative way that emphasizes diversity and allows young people a place to deal with their vulnerability," Dove said. "It helps them to develop group awareness and self-awareness, to develop life skills." 

Nameless Sound teaches lessons that go beyond the realm of music. 

"I realized how valuable this was for kids in terms of their life skills," Dove said. "I realized, ‘Wow, I'm not just teaching music.' This is something that really offers a lot to them as human beings, as a community. This is important."

University Studies freshman Josh Hulsey said he's been enriched by his Nameless Sounds experience.

"It gives me a chance to really play music. … It's really fun, something I look forward to in the afternoon," he said.

Nameless Sound hosts about nine concerts per year featuring artists from all over the world. Genres of music vary from contemporary jazz to electronic music and experimental. Legendary artists such as multi-instrumentalist Leo Smith, jazz musician Joe McPhee and master drummer Roger Turner have participated in the organization's events. 

Coming events include two concerts. Charalambides, a Texas psychedelic group, and Tetuzi Akiyama, a guitarist from Tokyo, will perform March 11, and percussionists Lê Quan Ninh and Frédéric Blondy will play March 21.

For more information, visit www.namelesssound.org.

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