UPDATE 12/06/20:

Through the support of our generous, giving community, each and every student has access to MusicFirst, a music education software suite that is enhancing their remote education and helping our musicians find new and exciting ways to collaborate.

Your support has made a positive impact on the lives of 550 students and their families, and has helped spread joy in our community when we need it most.

From all of us to you - thank you for being a part of this momentous day!

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Despite the challenges faced over the course of this unprecedented year, the music at the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras was never put on pause.

WHO:

In March 2020, our students and faculty transitioned to online learning and have been finding new and innovative ways to create beautiful music together ever since. This fall, BYSO launched a virtual curriculum centred around new technology that will enable the 500 students across our orchestras and ensembles to learn and collaborate remotely.

WHAT:

"MusicFirst" software is a comprehensive online platform that will complement BYSO students' virtual learning experience this year. The suite of programs offers access to modules that focus on ear training, music theory, recording assignments with real-time feedback, and even a web browser-based digital audio workspace where students can record multiple audio tracks to make a project, or can invite their friends to collaborate with them.

This digital workspace is also allowing BYSO musicians to continue playing "together" in small chamber groups. Coaches can record each part of a string quartet into the platform, for example, and the student can play along with the parts.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS:

Your support of this campaign will help us reach our goal of $10,000 to bring this technology directly into the hands of the 500 young musicians of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO). Each gift, of any amount, opens new possibilities of exploration and mastery. Thank you for your support of our students!

"While our Sunday’s are no longer spent driving from Vermont to Boston, our home is filled with music. Every day, my daughter, Jing Yi, finds new ways to make music with her peers through BYSO’s virtual offerings. This is a difficult time for so many, and the consistency of Jing Yi’s BYSO musical education has truly helped create a sense of normalcy for our family. These unique opportunities have deepened her learning through online lectures with conductor Mark Miller, Zoom sectionals with her fellow cellists, and even the experience of playing alongside other BYSO musicians in a virtual performance of Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’!"
- Tarasa Lovick, BYSO Parent

"As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how the new music technology provided to all BYSO students is shaping my eight-year-old daughter Olivia’s progress this year. I have been deeply impressed by the clarity of instruction, sense of discipline, and the warm, welcoming environment. As an educator, I recognize the value in exposing young musicians to methods of collaboration and new technology that place the tools of discovery at their fingertips. The musical education being offered to students this year is industry-leading, virtually unparalleled among youth orchestras and upholding standards that go above and beyond what I have seen offered elsewhere."
- Robert Beaser, BYSO '72 Alumnus, Board Member & Parent, Composition Faculty at the Juilliard School

"During my time at home, I've been continuing to develop my musical skills through BYSO's online programs and private lessons. Despite the difficulty of not being able to physically meet in person, I have been provided with many exciting opportunities, such as performing over Zoom for younger musicians and peers. It's unfortunate that we haven't been able to gather during these strange times, but I'm grateful that BYSO and my teachers have been dedicating their time to continue helping me grow as a musician."
- Chase, BYSO student

Help BYSO students put "MusicFirst" this Giving Tuesday!

Team Members