Flagship program

Vox Academy

A free summer program in Birmingham built on three core tenets: music, money, and movement. The curriculum serves any child, whether they become a musician, a doctor, or something no one has named yet. The goal is long term — break generational cycles of poverty, one student at a time.

Fund a student See the album
Music◆ Money◆ Movement◆ Free for every family◆ Music◆ Money◆ Movement◆ Free for every family◆ Music◆ Money◆ Movement◆ Free for every family◆

The curriculum

Three tenets

  • 01

    Music

    Students analyze beats and frequencies across styles, learn theory as a doorway into STEM, write their own songs, and produce music videos.

  • 02

    Money

    Financial literacy taught with partners at AMfirst Credit Union and Regions Bank, so students leave understanding earning, saving, and ownership.

  • 03

    Movement

    Dance routines and wellness practices that build stamina, confidence, and the discipline of showing up for a group.

Students playing congas and hand percussion in the band room
Percussion

2026 Summer Intensive

Three weeks, forty four students

Dates
June 15 – July 1, 2026
Location
Phillips Academy, 2316 7th Ave N, Birmingham
Students
44 students, grades 4 through 8
Cost to families
Free, always

Presentation Day closed the intensive with four group showcases: Production, Dancers, Singers, and Visual Artists. The program has grown from around 20 students in year one to 44 this year.

Summer Intensive staff

  • DJ Gap

    Music Director

  • Halo Wheeler

    Lead Counselor

  • Christina Renteria

    Operations

  • Jeremy Ervin

    Assistant Coordinator

Camp recap

Elias closes out the intensive

A look back at three weeks of rehearsals, recordings, and Presentation Day.

Photo album

See the summer

  • The full Vox Academy ensemble performing on stage at Presentation Day
    Presentation Day
  • Elias Hendricks III performing with Vox Academy students on an outdoor stage
    Live on stage
  • Students gathered around a keyboard and laptop during a songwriting session
    Songwriting lab
  • A mentor talking with students around a long table during a break
    Mentor time
  • Students playing congas and hand percussion in rehearsal
    Percussion rehearsal
  • Vox Academy students and staff with certificates after the closing ceremony
    Certificates
  • A student recording at a microphone alongside a teaching artist
    In the booth
  • Students working through an activity in the classroom
    In the classroom
  • Elias Hendricks III speaking with a guest and students in the auditorium
    A visit from the city
  • Students seated cross-legged for a wellness and sound-bowl session
    Wellness circle
Joy Craig, Vox Academy student and intern

Student story

Joy Craig

Joy joined Vox Academy in middle school and came back as a high school junior intern. With Elias guiding her, she won a full-ride scholarship to Troy University through a vocal competition while she was still in the eighth grade.

“Her story is why the program keeps growing.”

What is next

Beyond the summer

Two programs are being built on top of the Summer Intensive.

01

Vox Workforce Development

A creative workforce track for college-age and adult artists — training, EPKs, recordings, business formation, contracts, financial literacy, and paid work across performance, production, and content roles.

In development with REACH, Radical Reversal, and Flourish Alabama

02

Year-round Vox Academy

Extending Vox Academy beyond the summer — after-school sessions, studio time, and financial literacy that compounds, so students keep building skill, confidence, and community through the whole school year.

Coming next for grades 4 through 8

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