Our Program 

Typically, each session is 1½ to 2 hours a day and lasts three to four weeks with a culminating concert at the end. Each program is unique and many of the songs are selected by the students. Professional soundtracks are procured and students begin learning their parts, within their abilities. Each daily session starts with a group sit down to go over the goals for the day and answer any questions and the A, B, C’s of the program are stressed: Attend, Behave, and Create.  We work hard, our standards are high and in each session joy, laughter and positive nature of music are integral to our program.

The goal of each session is to put on a Las Vegas style show with the music professionals performing alone, performing with and interacting with the students and students performing alone with professional backup. We never put students in situations that are beyond their capabilities.

Here is a short video taken by a parent of the students performing at "A Motown Evening" : www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_qqmZkXVX4

Here is a short documentary video of the Motown Evening benefit performance at the Northshore Performing Arts Center in April 2008. It  features  our creative director Bernadette Bascom, American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar and the students from the Secondary Academy for Success:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF3mg53t_IU

 

Each concert has professionals working in key positions in sound, video, recording, photography and lighting to bring a high level to the production. In many sessions there are student interested in helping with the production aspect and they work alongside the professionals doing what needs to be done. A video and sound recording of each concert is left with the school.

All of this costs money however. The professional musicians need to be paid for their unique skills. They have spent years developing their talents and we will not, as a matter of principle, ask them to volunteer their time. It is very difficult to run any kind of consistent program based on volunteer help. Many school districts have cut music and arts programs due to budget constraints so there has to be support from the community to help get these programs started.

We see monetary support coming from a coalition of groups working together. The Music Project Foundation will work with PTA’s, booster clubs, service organizations such as the Rotary, businesses, government and private individuals who think music and the performing arts are a basic and important part of a child’s growth and are willing to support this belief financially. The cost of a typical music session is $4000. Matching grants may be available through the Music Project Foundation.

1)