The Heights Center’s Musical Opportunities Supporting the Arts in our Community (MOSAIC) program is creating meaningful change through the power of music. An El Sistema-inspired initiative of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center, MOSAIC provides free and low-cost music education for youth, helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong love of the arts.
The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights community. Located in one of Lee County’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, The Heights Center offers comprehensive support through early learning, afterschool programs, summer camps, adult education, arts enrichment, and more. By addressing the educational, economic, and social needs of the entire family, The Heights Foundation empowers children and adults to break the cycle of poverty.
“Music is a universal language, and through MOSAIC, we are giving our students a voice, a purpose, and a community,” said Melissa Barlow, Director of Arts and Community Programs. “These young musicians are not only learning to play instruments—they’re learning to lead, to collaborate, and to dream big.”
Led by professional conductors Roland Forti and Katrina Rozmus, MOSAIC fosters leadership, discipline, and ambition while strengthening family and community bonds through the shared experience of music.
MOSAIC offers three core ensemble programs designed to meet students at every stage of their musical journey:
MOSAIC Beginners (Grades 1–5)
Serving nearly 50 elementary and middle school students from the Harlem Heights neighborhood, this program offers daily, tuition-free music instruction and multiple performance opportunities that enrich lives and inspire excellence.
Students choose a string, woodwind, or percussion instrument and receive group instruction Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. The program focuses on building musical foundations, confidence, and a love of learning in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Tuition: Free
Contact: Melissa Barlow | melissa@heightsfoundation.org | (239) 482-7706 x4006
Middle School String and Wind Ensembles
Open to students throughout Southwest Florida, these intermediate-level ensembles provide weekly rehearsals and opportunities for ensemble collaboration and continued musical growth.
String Ensemble: Mondays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wind Ensemble: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Tuition: Free
Contacts:
Strings: Isaac Fernandez-Hernandez | isaac@heightsfoundation.org
Winds: Melissa Barlow | melissa@heightsfoundation.org
MOSAIC Youth Philharmonic
This audition-based full orchestra brings together advanced young musicians from across Southwest Florida for weekly rehearsals, small ensemble coaching, and performances. The ensemble presents three concerts annually at The Heights Center, with additional appearances throughout Lee County.
Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuition: $300 annually (scholarships and payment plans available)
Contact: Isaac Fernandez-Hernandez | isaac@heightsfoundation.org
Note: Auditions will take place Monday, September 8, at The Heights Center.
To learn more about MOSAIC or support the program, visit www.heightsfoundation.org/mosaic or call (239) 482-7706.
About The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. Heights Early Learning serves more than 85 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 153 children in AfterSchool and 160 children in SummerCamp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 78% Hispanic, 16% African-American, and 6% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.
