Raising Notes: Parent Conversations - Danielle
Navigating middle school can be a unique phase of child development where kids are trying to find their identity. Fortunately for Harmony Project student William, he already had a solid foundation beneath him when that transition arrived.
William posing for the camera with his mother, Danielle.
William joined Harmony Project five years ago and ever since has served as an anchor for him. When the inevitable challenges of growing up arrived, William already had a positive creative outlet to channel his energy, build friendships, and maintain his footing within a supportive community at the Leimert Park site.
A Creative Community That Feels Like Family
The high-energy environment of the drumline immediately resonated with William, providing him with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and dedicated teaching artists. He had experience with some other instruments, but it was something about the snare drums that he really took a liking to. The impact of Harmony Project ignited a deep passion for music that quickly filled the Stinson household. Danielle Harvey Stinson, William’s mother, recalls how her son completely came alive and embraced the discipline of his instrument.
William (far right) with his friends at Orange County’s Black History Month parade.
"William absolutely lights up anytime he talks about his experiences with the drumline. He is always practicing at home. So, we have bought him multiple practice equipment and bells. So, at any given time, he is drumming and strumming at home."
This dedication to his craft extended far beyond his musical technique, helping him develop life skills like time management, personal responsibility, and organization. He intentionally structured his daily routine to ensure all his commitments and school assignments were completed so he would never miss a rehearsal or an upcoming community performance.
Translating Musical Discipline into Academic Success
The focus and commitment William learned through his Harmony Project experience quickly translated into commendable academic achievements. The desire to remain fully engaged with his friends in the drumline motivated him to push himself in the classroom, taking complete ownership of his education.
William at his middle school graduation ceremony.
"I definitely credit Harmony Project and his drumline with William being on the honor roll for multiple semesters,” reflected Danielle. “William was a good student. He will get things done, but he will rush through it. Like let me just get this off my to-do list. But once he got into Harmony Project, he put the effort on himself to get good grades, to stay on the honor roll, to excel in math and science."
School shifted from being an obligation to something he genuinely looked forward to each day. The program gave him tangible goals to look forward to, from neighborhood showcases to field trips to an unforgettable performance at Dodger Stadium.
Pouring Back Into Our Los Angeles Communities
For Danielle, who is an educator herself and grew up in the area, seeing her child thrive in the same neighborhood she calls home is gratifying. She views Harmony Project not just as an after-school activity, but as a pillar of community empowerment and youth development.
William smiling with his mother, Danielle.
"Leimert Park isn't just the cool influencer place for me. It really is home. I have very deep roots here. And when everyone was saying, 'You got to get yours and get out of the hood.' I was saying, 'No, we have to pour back into the hood. I don't want to get out. This is my home and I don't want to have to leave it for a better life. I want a better life right here.'"
By providing free instruments and high-quality music instruction to families, Harmony Project looks to remove financial barriers to music education and create an equitable space that children can claim. When asked what advice she would give to other parents who may be considering enrolling their children, Danielle emphasized the importance of keeping the arts alive for kids.
"I would first say do it. Do it right now. Don't hesitate. And I would say the reason why is because we don't have these types of outlets, creative outlets for our children. And as an educator myself, I know firsthand the good that having arts, arts performances, music, all of those great things, how that makes a well-rounded child and experience for our children."
William performing with his drumline at Dodger Stadium.
Through music education, William has unlocked his full potential as a student and a leader, transitioning through middle school with a bundle of confidence as a bright future awaits him.
About Harmony Project:
Harmony Project is a nonprofit that provides high-quality music instruction and social support to children year-round at no cost throughout 51 community hubs in Los Angeles. As one of Los Angeles’ largest music education organizations, Harmony Project is dedicated exclusively to serving children from low-income families and under-resourced communities. Harmony Project envisions a world in which all students have equal access to opportunities to learn how to play music and the resources needed to thrive in college and beyond. Harmony Project’s holistic approach to student success has resulted in impressive outcomes with 98 percent of the graduating high school class accepted to a college or university during the 2025-2026 academic year.