Standing Room Only Crowd Celebrates Composer-in-Residence Johnaye Kendrick, Student Achievement, and the Power of Belonging
Johnaye Kendrick leads Key to Change’s entire student community in a performance of her new song, “We Hold the Key”
Families, supporters, students, and community members packed the Key to Change studio for an unforgettable evening of music, inspiration, and celebration during the organization’s annual New Music Concert featuring Composer-in-Residence Johnaye Kendrick. Kendrick is a three-time GRAMMY-award winning artist and composer.
With every seat filled and standing room only throughout the venue, the concert showcased the remarkable growth of Key to Change students while highlighting the organization’s ongoing commitment to connecting young musicians with some of today’s most accomplished artists and composers.
A centerpiece of the evening was the performance of several original works composed by Kendrick specifically for Key to Change students. These performances marked the world premieres of the compositions, giving students the rare opportunity to bring brand new music to life for the very first time. Students also performed repertoire by previous Key to Change Composers-in-Residence, including acclaimed pianist and composer Patrice Rushen, violinist and composer Curtis Stewart, and composer Caleb Vaughn-Jones.
The program reflected the organization’s growing legacy of introducing students to diverse voices in contemporary classical music while creating meaningful opportunities for young musicians to collaborate with living composers and contribute to the creation of new artistic work.
The concert also featured a special performance by Kendrick and her band, bringing a vibrant energy to the stage and allowing students and audience members to experience her artistry firsthand. The evening culminated in the world premiere of “We Hold the Key,” a new work composed by Kendrick as the official anthem of Key to Change. Performed as the concert’s finale, the piece captured the spirit of the organization and served as a musical reflection of its mission to inspire underserved youth through world-class music instruction and leadership development.
Following the performance, guests remained to meet Kendrick, share reflections from the evening, and celebrate the students whose hard work made the concert possible. The event also included several meaningful moments of recognition and gratitude.
Key to Change proudly awarded a $2,500 scholarship to Sid Siravara, a graduating senior whose musical achievements have inspired students throughout the organization. This new multi-year scholarship award is generously provided by Federal Way Customer Jewelers to a graduating Key to Change student who will continue their artistic studies. This fall, Sid will attend the University of Washington, where he plans to study engineering. During his time at Key to Change, Sid distinguished himself as both an accomplished musician and a dedicated leader, demonstrating the same curiosity, discipline, and determination that will undoubtedly serve him well in his future studies.
Graduating senior and violinist, Sid Siravara, accepts a $2500 scholarship on behalf of Federal Way Custom Jewelers
The evening also marked a heartfelt farewell to Analisa Ruiz, whose final day as a Key to Change employee was celebrated by students, families, staff, and supporters.
Analisa’s journey embodies the very mission of Key to Change. She first joined the organization as a high school student, spending four years studying music and developing her leadership skills. Following graduation, she continued giving back as a volunteer before becoming an intern and eventually joining the staff as an employee.
As staff members reflected on her impact and growth over the years, there was not a dry eye in the room. Addressing the audience, Analisa shared an emotional message of gratitude, thanking the community for believing in her, investing in her growth, and helping shape the person she has become.
Her story stands as a powerful example of what can happen when young people are given access to opportunity, mentorship, and a community that believes in their potential.
“Analisa represents the full promise of our mission,” said Dr. Quinton Morris, Founder and Executive Director of Key to Change. “She arrived as a student, grew into a leader, and ultimately became a valued member of our team. Her journey reminds us that when we invest in young people, we are investing in the future of our communities.”
The Key to Change staff and community honored Analisa Ruiz, an alumni and longtime staff member, on her last day
As the final notes of the evening faded and guests lingered in conversation, one thing was clear: the New Music Concert was about far more than a performance. It was a celebration of artistic excellence, meaningful mentorship, and the transformative power of community.
From students premiering new works by a nationally recognized composer, to the debut of a new anthem that will help define the organization’s future, to honoring graduates and alumni whose lives have been shaped by music and opportunity, the evening reflected what has become the hallmark of Key to Change: creating pathways for young people to discover their voices, pursue their dreams, and hold the key to their own futures.
As Key to Change approaches its tenth anniversary, the concert served as a powerful reminder that its greatest legacy is not only the music being performed today, but the lives being transformed through music for generations to come.
The current Key to Change cohort of viola and violin students pose with their music instructors
Viola student Jake Lee (left) and his family pictured with their raffle prize winnings thanks to Renton-based sponsors: Macadons Cafe and the Melrose Grill
