At Boston Music Project, we aim to bring together the community through music education and innovative ways to explore the art of music, even under unique circumstances. As we reflect on the past year to see what we’ve achieved, check out this recap of the collective successes of our 2020-2021 school year!
July 2020
Launched First-Ever Creative Summer
In July 2020, we launched our first-ever summer program and provided daily group music and private lessons to over 60 youth from Boston Public Schools and throughout Greater Boston.
August 2020
Rebranded our Organization
To kick off our 2020-2021 season, we proudly shared that Josiah Quincy Orchestra Program would begin a new chapter in our history, marked by a new name that reflects our program evolution and long-term vision.
September 2020
Expanded our Programming
We welcomed four new teaching artists to our team, introduced piano and guitar instruction, and launched new partnerships with Boston Public Schools.
October 2020
Collaborated with Celebrity Series
In October, we partnered with the Celebrity Series and Hub New Music for a contemporary composition project with our 4th-7th grade musicians.
November 2020
Launched our Youth Advisory Council
Our Youth Advisory Council helped to plan our December (and June) Virtual Showcases and created virtual music activities for younger BMP musicians.
December 2020
Built Community through Paper Instruments
Our friends at Beaver Country Day helped to create a step-by-step guide and design kit for our K1/K2 families to build their paper instruments virtually.
January 2021
Led 15 Regional and National PD Sessions
BMP staff presented at 15 conferences, including sessions with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and National Association for Music Educators.
February 2021
Lifted Up Silenced Voices
Our elementary orchestras celebrated the music of Ignatius Sancho and middle school students composed music inspired by the poetry of Maya Angelou.
March 2021
Celebrated Black and Hispanic Excellence
We investigated iconic works from the Antebellum period and the music of Latin America, performing “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and composing an original Samba.
April 2021
Produced Three Student-Composed Albums
In April, we launched our Creative Sessions, a national speaker series aimed at redefining the sound and aesthetic of music education. In collaboration with BMP teaching artists and Oakland-based Hip Hop Orchestra, Ensemble Mik Nawook, BMP students produced a total of three digital music albums.
May 2021
Performed in Honor of AAPI Heritage Month
On May 12th, 2021, BMP youth from our Chinatown programs prepared a short virtual performance for the Boston City Council meeting at the invitation of Councilors Michelle Wu and Ed Flynn.
June 2021
Celebrated a Year of Profound Resilience
On June 16th, 2021, Boston Music Project celebrated the power of music education with over 400 of our closest friends on YouTube! The event featured 15 virtual orchestra performances, 41 chamber and solo performances, and 3 performances by our Beethoven Ensemble supporting Boston youth with special education music programming!