Student CoLab is National Sawdust’s flagship education program for middle school composers. This free culminating concert brings together original works created and performed by the students, spanning voice, guitar, piano, violin, electronics, and visual art—all written and designed by the participants.
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Led by National Sawdust’s lead teaching artist Juana Luna—cantora, songwriter, and teaching artist with Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project and Big Note Little Note—alongside teaching artists Willerm Delisfort, Tomoko Omura, and Gisella Fullà Silvestre, the program celebrates each student’s journey of discovery and self-expression, grounded in a strong commitment to accessibility, creativity, and community.
A defining part of Student CoLab is its interdisciplinary approach. Students create musical pieces—whether spoken word, lyrical, or instrumental—while simultaneously developing a visual collage, allowing both forms to grow side by side. This intertwined process helps each student shape a voice that exists across sound and image. The visual component is led by artist Sofia Quirno, who supports students in bringing their ideas to life visually.
This year, Student CoLab partners with El Puente Beacon’s Young Leadership Program in Williamsburg and John Ericsson Middle School 126 in Greenpoint, with students from both communities sharing their work at the final performance.
Through music and interdisciplinary art-making, Student CoLab invites young people to explore who they are, express what matters to them, and connect with the world around them. The program also offers students the opportunity to perform their original pieces alongside professional musicians—nurturing their confidence, creativity, and sense of artistic possibility.
Teaching Artists:
Juana Luna, National Sawdust Lead Teaching Artist, Vocalist and Guitarist
Tomoko Omura, Teaching Artist and Violinist
Willerm Delisfort, Teaching Artist and Pianist
Gisella Fullá-Silvestre, Teaching Artist, Vocalist and Electronic Production
Sofia Quirno, Teaching Artist and Visual Artist
Xufian Lumbi, El Puente Teaching Artist
Nicolas Vasquez, John Ericsson Teaching Artist
This is a seated performance. If you require accessibility accommodations, please email boxoffice@nationalsawdust.org.