Passing the Torch's mission is to bridge the gap between our elders and our youth, using music to create stronger bonds within the family and community at large, to create community partnerships to organize free community events, such as block parties throughout the entire United States of America, where our network of music industry professionals will offer free performances and workshops on how to read and play music, music theory and composition, music history and appreciation.

We are motivated by the overwhelming evidence of how the power of music brings people together. The healing power of music as a therapeutic tool is a way to truly activate the brain. In a Harvard Health Publishing article, "Can Music Improve our Health and Quality of Life" , by Lorrie Kubicek, a certified music therapist, writes, "Active music making truly engages your entire brain.  This creates the most potential for distraction, pain reduction, cognition, fine and gross motor development, and expression."

Maestro Curtis aka Papa C developed the Music Therapy Program, at the Bayview Hunter's Point Adult Day Health Center,  (Sponsored by the United Way) which garnered him national attention through a story in USA Today.  This program was developed for seniors and patients who are suffering from dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease and is based on the theory that music is a means of communication for individuals who have lost verbal capacity.  The life changing improvements Maestro Curtis, along with families and doctors witnessed of their patients at the Adult Day Health Center, was a revelation and a testimony to the power of music some 40 years ago when music therapy was scoffed at by the Medical profession as a viable treatment,

Maestro and Nola Curtis utilize music therapy techniques in their work with Older Adult Choirs they direct in San Francisco, of which, all 5 of their children assist and accompany the choirs for performances and incidentally creating a wonderful inter-generational community partnership activity.  This inspired Maestro and Nola to create their nonprofit organization, Passing The Torch, so they could take their work and expand into the community at large, reach more older adults and elders, along with youth, especially families, and encourage music making, pursuing music education not only for the children, but for the entire family.  Using the power of music to strengthen the bonds of family and the community, will not only engage the health benefits of music, but develop new skills and spark new connections and break down walls of ignorance and fear.

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