Memphis Youth Arts Initiative’s (MYAI) rhythmic sound of drums is echoing through the air, as it gets ready to celebrate its fifth year this July. This nonprofit organization’s founder, Corey Travis brings 15 years of experience in the arts, providing young people with the opportunity to engage in the most impactful world of music and performance.
Founded in 2019, MYAI is committed to empowering youth and creating a community impact within them through the performing arts. This nonprofit offers programs in music, drama, and dance to children aged 7-18, fostering both artistic skills and essential social-emotional growth.
This initiative began in a modest one-room office located at the corner of Walnut Grove and Tillman Street, with all the equipment stored in a stuffed space of less than 900 square feet. Despite many challenges posed by limited space and resources, the program quickly gained momentum. Today, this nonprofit organization operates from a larger facility in Whitehaven, offering a range of programs including choir, praise dance, and a student band.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, MYAI continued to meet, adapting to outdoor sessions to keep the community engaged and safe. This perseverance has paid off, with the organization now recognized as one of Memphis’ premier youth performing arts programs.
“Our mission is to empower young people through the arts, to promote creative expression, and to foster a more equitable and inclusive community,” says Corey. This mission is not just a statement but a lived experience for the hundreds of children who have found their voice and confidence through MYAI.
Corey’s journey to this point is as inspiring as the organization he founded. Growing up in an urban area of Memphis, he discovered his passion for music early on. In high school, he was deeply involved in the marching band and choir, which fueled his dream of becoming a band director. However, his path was fraught with challenges. It took him nearly 14 years to complete his degree in music education, a journey marked by determination and resilience. Despite the setbacks, including professors doubting his potential and financial struggles, Corey never gave up on his dream. He juggled multiple jobs, from working in restaurants to serving as a cafeteria monitor in public schools, all while volunteering his time to teach music to children. “No degree was going to stop me from teaching music to kids,” he says. And it didn’t.
In 2015, when faced with the adversity of a school program shutdown, Corey Travis decided to take matters into his own hands. He started teaching music using buckets from a home store, leading to the formation of an elementary school drumline. The initiative quickly gained momentum, with donations pouring in and more students joining. This success laid the foundation for the Memphis Youth Arts Initiative.
Under Corey’s leadership, MYAI has achieved remarkable success. The organization has performed on prestigious stages, including the Pearl Drumline Battle hosted by Drum Corp International and the No Limit Tour with Master P. They have collaborated with notable entities like FedEx and Amazon Corporation for Employee Appreciation, showcasing their talents and spreading their message of empowerment through the arts.
One of the most compelling aspects of MYAI is the sense of community it fosters. For many participants, the organization becomes a second family. “We help youth understand what they have to offer matters and strive to be that place for it all to happen,” this musical creator explains. This sense of belonging and support is echoed by alumni like Javon Hurt, who began in the bucket band and is now a college graduate and a staff member at MYAI. “MYAI creates a sense of family and a strong bond with everybody,” says Javon, highlighting the deep connections formed through the program.
In a poetic turn of events, Corey Travis recently returned to his high school alma mater, now serving as its band director. Despite not having the official credentials initially, his extraordinary impact and the success of MYAI earned him the position. “I am in my last class at the University of Memphis to get my conferred degree,” Corey proudly states. His story is a testament to perseverance, illustrating that passion and dedication can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
As MYAI celebrates its fifth anniversary, it continues to inspire and uplift the youth of Memphis and beyond, proving that the arts can change lives, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to discover and develop their unique talents.
Media Contact
Name: Corey Travis
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