The Jeptha Program

The brainchild of Musicambia Alumnus Jason Naradzay, the Jeptha Program is offered once a month for men housed in the Mental Health Unit at Sing Sing. In Jason’s words, Jeptha is “providing music for the most forsaken in prison.” This program utilizes a curriculum inspired by the principles of music therapy, with a focus on participatory music-making. A session could span anywhere from a free-form drum circle to a deeply emotional hip-hop cypher.

The program is named after the Biblical figure Jephthah, who appears in the Book of Judges. Born illegitimately, Jephthah is initially scorned, but later commands a group of bandits to military victory, and ultimately becomes a leader of his people: an outcast turned hero.

Last updated: 10-29-24