Youth Arts Academy
Great Musicians Start Here.
Our Youth Arts Academy (YAA) provides young students access to a myriad of quality programs designed to stimulate their GROWTH, CREATIVITY, and SELF-EXPRESSION through the arts. YAA provides private instrumental and vocal music lessons, youth rock and jazz bands, community outreach to BGC afterschool programs, group music classes, performance training and opportunities, school break camps, and more.
BGC Theme Song Competition
Calling all student singers, songwriters, and bands! We’re launching an epic Songwriting Contest—and your music could become the sound of the Club!
The Challenge
Write and produce a song that captures the spirit of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego. Your song should feel inspiring, authentic, and full of heart.
Entries Due by March 31, 2026
Email your final MP3 to: YAA@bgcGreaterTogether.org
The winner receives gift card, live performances at Club events, recognition on social media and website, and major bragging rights
Entry Requirements
- Original song or jingle
- Length: 30 seconds to 3 mins
- Record yourself (in-studio or on phone)
- File format: Submit as a MP3
- Open to YAA Students and Club Members (vocalists, singer-song writers, or bands)
Theme Song Guide
Create a song that captures what the Boys & Girls Club means to you OR the impact the Club has on the kids and teens in our community.
It can be fun, emotional, upbeat, powerful—or all of the above–and in any genre (rock, pop, country, hip hop, etc.)
Include themes like:
- Belonging & Safety
- Opportunity & Potential
- Empowerment & Confidence
- The Club Experience
- Great Futures Start Here
- Future, Purpose, Growth
- Caring mentors & strong community
- Blue Door
Word Bank
- Club Love
- Great Futures Start Here
- Be Great
- Opportunity
- Access
- Empower / Empowered
- Thrive
- Rise
- Safe
- Second Home
- Caring Adults
- Mentors
- Support
- Trust
- Guidance
- Someone Who Cares
- Respect
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Confidence
- Courage
- Responsibility
- Doing the Right Thing
- Learn
- Grow
- Achieve
- Excel
- Academic Success
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Community
- Belonging
- Friendship
- Team
- Next Generation
- Path Forward
Youth Music Programs
Where Kids Take Center Stage
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
Get one-on-one instruction from professional artists in a wide variety of instruments. All ages & skill levels welcome. Instrument rental add-ons available.
ROCK BAND
JAZZ BAND
Recommended for grades 6-12
Explore diverse jazz styles and unlock the secrets of improvisation. This class is the perfect compliment to your school band/orchestra journey, a booster to next-level classes and ensembles, and an ideal playground to transform those private lesson skills into group harmony.
Music Instrument Rentals
Our Youth Arts Academy offers affordable music instrument rentals for aspiring musicians! Learn More
Contact Info
Elizabeth Stewart
Program Manager
YAA@bgcGreaterTogether.org
Ages Served
5-18 and adult
Grades Served
K-12
School Break Camps Offered
Summer Camps
Adult programs offered
Adults are welcomed to take private lessons with us. We also have many volunteer opportunities for teens and adults in our band programs.
