Join us as we escape into Austin Soundwaves! 🎙️
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Hermes Camacho, Deputy Director at Austin Soundwaves, to the conversation.
Before diving into the incredible work they’re doing in music education, we explore this week’s Topics That Matter: The Psychology of Giving — Are we more generous when others are watching? And how does seeing someone else donate influence our own behavior?
Austin Soundwaves is breaking down barriers to music education by making it accessible and equitable for students across the Austin community. Through more than 40 school and community programs, they serve over 1,400 musicians each year—from K–12 students to adults participating in intergenerational ensembles like Mariachi Para Todos.
This youth-centered music movement provides school-day orchestra, band, and mariachi programs, as well as after-school opportunities that build confidence, creativity, and connection through music.
Ways Austin Soundwaves Makes an Impact:
🎶 Equity Through Music – Free, high-quality music education for students in underserved Austin communities
🎻 Intergenerational Connection – Community ensembles like Mariachi Para Todos bring together students, families, and neighbors
🌟 Youth Empowerment – Leadership programs like the Draylen Mason Fellows inspire student-led innovation and social impact
How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights:
💸 Donate – Support their campaign to move into a new, inspiring space: https://www.austinsoundwaves.org/donate
🙌 Volunteer – Join a local event and connect with students: https://www.austinsoundwaves.org/volunteer
🎶 Don’t miss these events:
– Season Finale Performance: May 8 at 7pm, Austin ISD PAC
– Draylen Mason Fellows Capstone: May 20 at 7pm
How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚
Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you’ve volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets!
Follow along:
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Thank you Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to Yellow Bike. A big thanks to Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.
