As a teenager in Midland, Joe Vercellino started his journey in music by performing at Pizza Sam’s. Twenty years later, his passion for music has blossomed into a nationwide mission centered on mental health awareness for young people.
“In the summer, I’d take my guitar down and sing. Some nights I’d earn nothing, while others I’d walk away with fifty dollars,” Vercellino recalls. “I loved that music could connect with people, and I dreamed of making a living this way.”
Fast forward eight years, and Vercellino now travels across twelve states, reaching millions of students with “The Lion Heart Experience.” His aim? To use music to foster self-worth among kids. “We all have songs from our childhood that stick with us. I want to create new ones that resonate,” he says.
Recently, he returned to Midland to share his journey with students at Adams and Central Park elementary schools. Growing up in Bullock Creek, he was part of the marching and jazz bands and was passionate about music. “I practically lived in the band room—my best friends and favorite teacher were there,” he shares.
After earning a music education degree from Central Michigan University, Vercellino faced challenges in finding a teaching job. Despite advice to remove “street performer” from his resume, he kept it on, believing the right school would recognize its value. “It shows you’re creative and resourceful,” he explains.
Eventually, he landed at Voyageur Academy, a charter school in Detroit without musical instruments. Vercellino’s solution? Let the students create their own music. “We performed only original songs. This approach not only engaged the kids but also drew interest from other schools.”
In 2021, he was honored as Detroit’s Teacher of the Year and launched The Lion Heart Experience, combining music, storytelling, and visual arts. Now, one of his former students, Tae Sosa, leads performances as a featured artist.
For younger audiences, Vercellino uses a paint canvas during his presentations, illustrating how words shape perceptions. “It’s a chance for them to see beauty, even in messy situations,” he notes. He hopes schools will invite him back to discuss belonging, an essential part of his message.
A recent study from the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that 58% of young adults feel they lack purpose. Vercellino aims to counter this through shared experiences, emphasizing that belonging strengthens community and fosters growth.
His motto, “For the last, the lost, the least & the looked over,” reflects his mission to support kids who often feel invisible. In addition to school visits, The Lion Heart Experience extends outreach to juvenile justice centers and recovery facilities. “To truly make an impact, we have to engage the entire community around young people,” he emphasizes.
Grateful for Midland Public Schools’ support, Vercellino hopes to one day bring his message back to Bullock Creek. “It would mean a lot to return home and uplift the community that shaped me,” he concludes.
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