Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Kaboom Collective Wins Two Telly Awards for Original Documentary

Kaboom Collective Wins Two Telly Awards for Documentary Beyond the Stage
Kaboom Collective is celebrating two Telly Award wins—Bronze in Student Programming and Silver in Film & Video Documentary—for Kaboom Collective: Beyond the Stage. The film captures the bold, future-focused collaboration between Kaboom Studio Orchestra and Mourning [A] BLKstar, blending genre-defying performance with student-driven production. The documentary premieres Summer 2025 in Cleveland.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Kaboom Collective Releases 2024 Report to our Ka-mmunity Annual Report

Kaboom Collective Releases 2024 Annual Report to Our Ka-mmunity
From launching our first out-of-state Sound Sessions in Wisconsin to reshaping our tuition model for greater accessibility, 2024 was a year of bold moves and meaningful impact. Kaboom Collective’s annual report highlights major milestones, including our landmark collaboration with Mourning [A] BLKstar and the continued evolution of our student-led, production-based education model.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Inside the Magic: Kaboom Collective’s Studio Orchestra Open House Welcomes Over 100 Community Members

Inside the Studio: Kaboom Collective Hosts Open House for Winter Album Recording
On a chilly Tuesday night in Cleveland, over 100 community members stepped inside the world of professional orchestral recording at Cleveland Scoring. From donning headphones and hearing click tracks to watching the Kaboom Studio Orchestra record “Sarajevo” and “River,” guests got an unprecedented look at the making of Kaboom’s upcoming winter-themed album, set to release in November 2025. The event marked a powerful fusion of education, artistry, and community.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Kaboom Collective and Mourning [A] BLKstar Release New Single and Music Video “Hold Me”

Kaboom Collective and Mourning [A] BLKstar Release Debut Single “Hold Me”
Kaboom Studio Orchestra and Mourning [A] BLKstar have released “Hold Me,” a powerful live track captured during their joint performance on May 31, 2024. Accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Derek Snyder, the release marks the first drop from their forthcoming live album and documentary. Stream the single now on all major platforms and watch the music video on Kaboom Collective’s YouTube channel.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Kaboom Collective Launches New Music Project with Wisconsin Students and The Accidentals.

Kaboom Collective heads to Wisconsin for a week-long creative residency, uniting student musicians from Green Bay, Appleton, and Howard-Suamico with indie-folk powerhouse The Accidentals. Culminating in a free live performance at the Weidner Center, the project showcases original music, student-led arrangements, and hands-on industry training through Kaboom’s national Sound Sessions program. It’s a celebration of artistry, collaboration, and the power of music education in action.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Kaboom Collective and Mourning [A] BLKstar Unveil Dynamic Collaboration: A Fusion of Sonic Brilliance and Afrofuturist Soul

Kaboom Collective teams up with Afrofuturist soul pioneers Mourning [A] BLKstar for an unforgettable live performance blending orchestral power and genre-defying groove. Featuring young musicians from Kaboom Studio Orchestra, Cleveland dance students, and reimagined arrangements of MAB’s music, the show takes place May 31, 2024 — and will be captured for a live album and documentary. This boundary-breaking project is a celebration of sound, spirit, and the future of music.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Kaboom Collective Receives $50,000 Donation from The Risman Philanthropic Fund to Complete Multi-Year Animated Short Production

Kaboom Collective has received a transformative $50,000 donation from The Tricia L. and Robert G. Risman Philanthropic Fund to support the completion of its original animated short film. The gift will fund expanded student programming in animation, voiceover, composition, and orchestral performance—culminating in a multi-disciplinary production created by students across the U.S. and Mexico. With this investment, Kaboom deepens its commitment to real-world training and bold, student-driven storytelling.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Kaboom Featured on PBS Applause

Kaboom Collective on PBS Applause
Kaboom Collective was featured on PBS’s Applause, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how our students create, collaborate, and perform as part of our industry-focused Studio Orchestra. From composing and recording to live performance and collaboration with The Accidentals, the segment highlighted what makes Kaboom a new model for arts education.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

The “Ready Routine”: Student Life During an Indie Music Tour

The “Ready Routine”: Student Life During an Indie Music Tour
Touring life isn’t all chaos and curtain calls—sometimes, it’s about finding peace in the little things. In this personal blog post, a Kaboom Studio Orchestra member shares their detailed (and delightfully extra) morning routine while on tour with The Accidentals. From glittery eyeshadow to matching socks and bubblegum K-pop, it’s a snapshot of how structure, self-expression, and a bit of sparkle help set the stage for each day’s performance.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

Making Magic: A Student’s View From the Stage

Making Magic: A Student’s View From the Stage offers a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to tour and perform with Kaboom Studio Orchestra. Written by student musician Isabella Dunlap, this reflection captures the emotional highs of performing for thousands, the joy of connecting with audiences, and the magic that happens when young artists share the stage with The Accidentals.

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Joseph Weagraff Joseph Weagraff

The Accidentals & Kaboom Studio Orchestra Announce New LP: Reimagined

Out Now: Reimagined by The Accidentals & Kaboom Collective Studio Orchestra
The Accidentals and Kaboom Collective Studio Orchestra have officially released Reimagined, a powerful new LP blending indie-folk energy with orchestral brilliance. Featuring 11 cinematic tracks arranged and recorded by student musicians, this collaboration highlights the impact of immersive music education. The album’s release kicks off a multi-city tour, starting August 3 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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