Community Music Project | "Reduce, Reuse, Remix": A Trash to Treasure Contest
October 31-November 22, 2025
The Community Music Project continues the Center for the Arts' goal of fostering artistic expression among PK-12 students from various schools and districts. In collaboration with the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech, this project invites students to create and submit early childhood instruments from recyclable/found items in celebration of music making for all ages!
Submissions will be displayed Friday, October 31-Saturday, November 22 at the Center for the Arts. Students who submit instruments showing high levels of creativity, musical functionality, and innovative use of recycled plastics will receive recognition from the Global Change Center for their successful work highlighting the issue of plastic waste and promotion of sustainable practices within the community.
All submissions will be displayed, provided they meet the project dimensions (8 x 8 inches). The Global Change Center will evaluate works for recognition based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and originality
- Artistic expression and aesthetics
- Use of recycled plastics
- Environmental or social message
- Craftsmanship and effort
- Student reflection (only applicable to grades 6-12; please keep reflections to 100 words or less and submit with your instrument)
Awards will be given for Best Message, Most Creative Use of Plastic, and Community Impact. A guiding rubric can be found below.
Go Further
We encourage schools to arrange a workshop to create your instrument with assistance from the Center for the Arts and Global Change Center facilitators or schedule a tour to see their submitted works on display, to provide educational insights and enrich learning experience. Please contact bethanycostello@vt.edu for more information. Can’t schedule a workshop at this time? Get your step-by-step lesson plan to walk your students through the project, complete with VADOE Standards of Learning.