They belt out songs into the mic and play the guitar and drums. It’s a band of kids bonded by their love of music.

“What does it feel like? Really fun,” said 8-year-old Lucien Carrier.

They are all students of Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury Park. Some are there on full scholarships funded by the Asbury Park Music Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth music education. It was founded in 2011 by locals determined to preserve the music history and keep the sounds alive in the Monmouth County beach town, says Foundation Chairman Jim Lenskold.

“Asbury Park has been a pretty big music destination. I believe it goes back to the 30s or 40s, and it was partly due to the location being between New York, Atlantic City and Philadelphia. It was a nice stop for the musicians to make. And of course everyone know the legacy of the years with Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and Steve Van Zandt, that all happened right here, but there was also a lot of blues and soul happening here even before that. The community was one, big music community, and of course there was a bit of a downturn and it all kind of quieted down for a quite a while,” Lenskold said.

He says that’s since changed with the city’s vibrant music scene, so in recent years the foundation turned to the youth, particularly those on the west side of town.

“It was really a partnership between the Asbury Park Music Foundation and Lakehouse Music Academy to say, look, if we can educate the kids on music, it’s going to be much bigger than just the music alone. It’s going to give them the life skills they need. It’s going to engage them with other kids in the community. They’re just going to grow up together and we expect a lot of great things are going to happen around that, of course keeping the music alive in Asbury Park,” said Lenskold.

The Asbury Park Music Foundation and Lakehouse Music Academy also offer programs in a number of schools in Asbury park and throughout the surrounding communities, like daily music and performance classes. Lakehouse instructors visit the school, bring the instruments and gear and students work throughout the semester. The end goal? A concert.

“You get to share something with other people instead of just keeping it to yourself,” said 12-year-old Made Pierre, who plays the keyboard and sings. “It gives you something to do to let loose and be someone that you never thought you could be.”

Eleven-year-old Shakim Patterson’s happy to now follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.

“I used to play around with my grandfather’s guitar until he died, and my mom gave me his guitar,” he said.

Now he’s not playing around. He’s playing the instrument.

“I just think this is amazing, and I don’t know what I would do without it,” said Patterson.

“It’s mostly fun and teaches you many lessons like teamwork and respect,” said 9-year-old Matthew McGlennon.

“I like performing all of our songs,” said 12-year old Anthony Lyons.

The foundation is funded by grants, corporate sponsors and private donations, says Lenskold.

“It’s a mission to spread music,” said Albie Monterrosa, Lakehouse Music Academy music director. “Little by little, I got to tell you, it only takes a few weeks. I see them really start smiling more, holding their head up, feeling like they belong. And this is the place they belong because of the music.”

Nine-year-old Nolan O’Toole says performing is awesome and it makes him feel like a rock star.

“I look back at old memories and photos and I never would have thought being on TV like I am right now,” he said.

The instructors insist all the performers are stars.