This story originally appeared in Plymouth’s Fall 2016 Newsletter.

When JJ Stein became a Housing Case Manager at the St. Charles, he had no idea how many musicians he’d find among its residents. “I was amazed at how many residents used to be serious musicians, but hadn’t touched an instrument in years,” he says. And so, JJ got a drum kit from a friend and set to work converting one of the historic building’s small utility rooms into a music studio. When he had the drum kit set up, he invited a resident to play. JJ describes what happened next: “I watched him just light up while he played. He apologized over and over again for being rusty, but he was the best drummer I had ever heard.”

And that was just the beginning. For the last three and a half years, there has been music at the St. Charles. The band is now made up of Plymouth residents, staff, and volunteers who come together once a week to practice and, most importantly, enjoy music and camaraderie.

This year, they gave themselves a name—the Aztec Rhythm Band featuring the Soul Stirrers—and have begun performing for audiences. In the spring, they played for Plymouth staff, volunteers, and First Hill residents at an Earth Day cleanup event (watch a video of that here!), and at a summer barbecue they treated the residents of Plymouth’s Pat Williams Apartments to a fantastic performance.

Nathan (guitar) and Jeb (drums) met during a group volunteer project: decorating and painting the St. Charles music studio. Little did they know at the time that soon they’d be practicing in that room each week! Jeb says, “It’s fun for everyone. It’s healing for everyone.” Nathan adds, “It’s more than music. It’s a space for expression and encouragement.”

Michelle (vocals) works at the Pat Williams Apartments, and has been singing since she was five years old. “I love making people happy with my music,” she says. When she’s at rehearsal, she describes it as like being with her second family. “I’m giving back through music—paying it forward.”

Before singing with the Aztec Rhythm Band, Claudia (vocals) performed with the Path with Art choir, and she wanted to do more of it. Like Michelle, Claudia has been singing since she was young. Her grandfather founded a church in North Carolina, so, she says, “music was always in my home.”  She describes her life as a “long, hard road… [but this band] gives me the opportunity make somebody feel what I feel. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

When residents discuss what the band means to them, they share deeply personal, positive stories. It’s clear that the band—a creative outlet, a support network, a high point in everyone’s week—changes lives. JJ sums it up best, perhaps, when he says, “You can’t help but be present for music, and when you’re present, you’re alive.”

If you’d like to donate instruments, equipment, or your time to the Aztec Rhythm Band, contact Plymouth’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Meghan Rowley, at: volunteer@plymouthhousing.org or 206-374-9409 x 135.

Photography by Jorge Lausell (portraits) and Amanda Vail (group photo).