Crusade

Founder’s Vision
Crusade was founded by Darryl Antoine II, on October 1, of 2015. Darryl, an accomplished musician, music teacher, and an inspiring philanthropist created Crusade to help youth follow their dreams of becoming successful artist and musicians. Born in St. Louis, MO Darryl was raised in poverty stricken conditions and experienced the drought of positive outlets. Drowning in a negative environment, Darryl found music to be a positive outlet and a universal language to unite all individuals. Unable to find any music based community programs Darryl spent countless hours researching, studying, and listening to music; teaching himself and developing a deep appreciation and understanding for the arts and established a broad knowledge of all genres of music, and technical innovations. Being a product of his environment, Darryl quickly realized the growing musical needs and interests of the youth in the community, he then decided to lend his time and talents, creating the passion behind Crusade. Darryl's compassion and strong desire to share his musical gifts with others is just one of many attributes that he openly exhibits within Crusade. Darryl's technological background has equipped him with tools he needs to educate children and young adults with his innovative approach to helping youths understand and appreciate the musical arts. His greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the smiles of the faces of those in which he has helped to become successful in their endeavors.

What is Crusade?
Crusade is a Non- Profit organization dedicated and striving to empower and further develop the artistic dreams, musical interests and other talents of youths within the community and the surrounding areas. It is particularly important that organizations like Crusade be available to provide a safer alternative for today’s youth. As referenced in Fortune Magazine, 90% of high level executives, CEOs and Presidents, participated in artistic and musical programs (Fortune Magazine, 2014, editor’s edition).

Crusade offers a variety of programs, training, and other channels in which youths are able to attain their artistic and musical objectives. The organization offers a 12-Week Program that includes life skills training, technical innovation awareness, free lunch, health and fitness activities, mentor leadership, and homework assistance. Upon successful completion of the 12-Week Program, each child will receive his/her own personal Tablet/Laptop, a Leadership Certificate, along with a personal recorded CD and personal Music Video. Along with these items, participants in the program will also walk away with a better appreciation for education and discipline, as well as the tools they need to build a solid foundation in their lives. If these are some of the attributes that you would like to instill in your youth(s), then Crusade is the place to go to promote a successful future for your child!
For many years, music has been a significant means of communication and is considered to be the universal language. Where language barriers may exist, music can easily be interpreted to break down those barriers. Over the years and down throughout the centuries, artists have been using music to bridge the gaps of separation, and to unite the world. From Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig Van Beethoven, to Stevie Wonder and Bono, music has been the instrument used to create peace in such a chaos filled world. Introducing music at an early age can be a substantial privilege in the lives of children, resulting in positive psychological results. For example, a 1993 study, conducted at the Conservatory Lab Charter School in Boston, showed that music had some interesting effects on soothing and calming the brain. Children between the ages of 5 and 10, who were diagnosed with some forms of Attention Deficit Disorders, were found to have improved in their behaviors because of their exposure to music. Research has also found that music has prolific and positive effects on the young brain, creating a calmer pattern of brainwaves. It is so important that children be introduced and exposed to the wonders of music at an early age, so that they can understand, utilize and apply the benefits of music in their everyday lives.

So What?
Crusade contributes to the society of children through:

*Educational Training
*Mentoring
*Innovative and Technological Approaches
*Charitable Services

Now What?
Our primary goals are to instill into youths of today the importance of identifying, chasing and living their dreams of becoming artists, musicians and other talented entities. Our mission is to ensure that these youths have the necessary resources, knowledge and environmental aids to pursue, achieve and surpass their intended artistic goals. The combination of Crusade’s primary goals and mission will help support the “STOP THE VIOLENCE!” movement in our schools, homes, and communities.

Support Crusade and our efforts to help children of limited resources create positive outlets through music and live a happy, safe, productive, and joy filled life.

Your donation is greatly appreciated!