Youth On Record is a Colorado-based non profit organization that operates music programs in residential treatment facilities. We use computers, music software, instruments, and music theory to teach adolescents important technical and life skills.
Program participants develop computer literacy, learn to manage their own creative process, and use peer reviews and feedback to promote positive social interaction and self-confidence. Our staff will consistently provide your residents with the attention and inspiration to step into their own as artists.
In summary, our programs have accomplished the following:
- Taught over 170 classes in residential treatment centers in Colorado since February of 2010.
- Reached over 85 residential treatment students and 150 youth in the community.
- Traveled over 4,384 miles to reach our students.
- Committed over 612 instructor hours to the classroom.
Letters of Recommendation
Principal and Program Director – Devereux Cleo Wallace
Marketing and Business Development Manager – Devereux Cleo Wallace
Staff – Devereux Cleo Wallace
Dr. Iglahliq and Qaumaniq Suuqiina
Indigenous Messengers International
Pathways Alternative Middle School – Littleton Public Schools
Residential Supervisor – Shiloh House – Longmont Campus
Staff Evaluations
Lead Treatment Counselor – Shiloh House – Longmont Campus
Program History and Achievements
- Conducted a twenty week pilot program with The Shiloh House campus in Adams County. Students were boys between the ages of seven and eleven years old, and their music is hosted in the student music section of this website.
- Maintained an ongoing program for over twenty-two weeks with The Shiloh House campus in Longmont, CO. The students are boys between the ages of twelve and seventeen, and their music is hosted in the student music section of this website.
- Conducted a workshop with Mentors and Friends in Greeley, CO. We equipped their computer lab with music production software and conducted a workshop for some of their students and staff.
- Maintained an ongoing program at Shiloh House in Littleton for over fourteen weeks now.
- Maintained an ongoing program for over fifty weeks with Devereux Cleo Wallace in Westminster, CO. Students are boys and girls between the ages of fourteen and nineteen years old and receive credit for their high school diplomas through our program. Their music is hosted in the student music section of this website.
- Maintained an ongoing program with Savio House for over thirteen weeks.
- Received a $10,000 grant through The Christian Foundation of Colorado to purchase music equipment for our students.
Our Staff
Nathan Schmit is a long time music producer with a history in home health management for the elderly, residential treatment care for teens, construction management, general management in the service industry, and is currently co-managing El Camino Community Tavern in the Highland’s district of Denver. While working with youth, Nathan became interested in the various approaches relevant to youth interaction. As a result, he founded and supervised several clubs for residents, intent on creative exploration as a means of self-development.
Cody Davidson has been involved in the support and mentoring of youth for many years. He has been on the board of directors and a volunteer at the Armageddon Cafe, a teen center which supports at-risk youth through music programs in Homer, Ak. Cody is also a seasoned musician, and he has played in many bands, most recently “Found Among Stones”, which he used as a platform to encourage sobriety among the youth who were drawn to his heavy metal/hip hop hybrid band. Cody has found his calling in leading the youth which allows him to both give to those in need of positive encouragement and continue on his path towards his love of music.
Aaron Makaruk has a Philosophy degree from the University of Colorado, is a dedicated yoga teacher and practitioner, musician and producer, and is the co-founder of Youth On Record. He has a passionate commitment to establishing programs and practices built on respect for life through the integration of deep ecology, nutrition, creative expression, physical fitness, spiritual practice, rational thought, and political engagement.
Robert Switzer has been producing music since he was twelve years old, and is talented at playing the guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano, and as a vocalist and producer as well. He is well traveled, having lived in Costa Rica, Oregon, and Alaska where he worked as a commercial fisherman, Robert Nels Switzer is an indispensable member of the Youth On Record organization. He has a deep heart and wisdom beyond his years, and the students are lucky to have him in the classroom.