The Youth Orchestra of Bucks County will pilot test a new musical outreach initiative -- Students In Concert -- in the Bristol Township School District.
This program is inspired by the hugely successful “El Sistema” youth-music initiatives that are being developed across the United States and around the world. Participants in these music education programs reap the proven academic and social benefits associated with the serious study of classical music – among them confidence, a sense of community, commitment, and teamwork.
Working with Keith Krelove, Music Instructor at Truman High School, the Students In Concert project will provide – at no cost to the school district – musical instruments, music scores, instructional specialists, and other support as needed to engage more students. Many students are precluded from participating in the school music program due to financial need. Mr. Krelove and his colleagues in the school music department have identified an existing instrumental ensemble to serve as a cornerstone.
From October 2012 through June 2013, YOBC will financially and musically support that ensemble to allow and encourage a greater number of students to participate, and to strengthen the educational experience for all students in the ensemble. Mr. Krelove is “proud and deeply honored that YOBC has chosen Bristol to pilot this initiative in the Bucks County area. The BTSD Music staff, with the support Dr. Samual Lee, superintendent, are excited and fully committed to building this program into one that will spawn a new era of opportunity for our students and our community. We at Bristol Township thank YOBC for this great opportunity.”
“I grew up in the Farmbrook section of Bristol Township and have directly seen the benefits that YOBC provided my own two children. YOBC’s Board wants to expand the reach of its classical musical programs to include more children, including from my hometown,” said Joe Hochreiter, Jr., President of YOBC.
Generous philanthropic efforts led by the Allen Investment Group of Raymond James in Newtown brought in over $15,000 to kick off the efforts. YOBC partnerned with Musicopia to provide 18 musical instruments to students who join the program.
In addition to music lessons, Students in Concert will offer participants a field trip to hear the Marine Corps Band at the Trenton War Memorial's Patriot's Theater and workshops with renowned composer and band director Quincy Hilliard of the University of Lousiana.
In addition to music lessons, Students in Concert will offer participants a field trip to hear the Marine Corps Band at the Trenton War Memorial's Patriot's Theater and workshops with renowned composer and band director Quincy Hilliard of the University of Lousiana.
The program kicked off on October 15, 2012.