A nonprofit organization hosted a workshop Thursday for more than 100 Coachella Valley elementary students for a day of music education and youth empowerment with appearances by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Matt Sorum and Grammy-winning artist Macy Gray.
Adopts the Arts Foundation held the event for the 2025-26 Changels Honor Choir from 9:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Agua Caliente Elementary School, 30800 San Luis Rey Drive.
The Changels comprises auditioned third- to fifth-grade students from six participating elementary schools across Palm Springs Unified School District.
Participating schools include Cabot Yerxa, Cathedral City, Della S. Lindley, Vista Del Monte, Agua Caliente and Bubbling Wells.
The workshop featured a “high-energy choreography” led by Emmy-nominated choreographer Jennifer Hamilton and former “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant Carley Blaney. Additionally, the honor choir rehearsed three songs, including “Beauty in the World” by Gray.
Gray attended the event to visit the students and for a Q&A about her songwriting process, sharing inspiration behind “Beauty in the World,” organizers said.
The nonprofit was founded by Sorum, a former Guns N’ Roses drummer, and provides undeserved elementary schools with high-quality music education, curriculum and resources, officials said in a statement.