VYOA receives National Endowment for the Arts Funding for after-school programs
We are delighted to share that we have received a $10,000 NEA grant for the 2015-16 season for our work with the after-school program at JFK Elementary in Winooski. For the past three years the VYOA has been hosting beginning and intermediate strings and percussion classes as part of the 27-week after-school program. Also, as part of the part of our annual partnership, the entire school attends a school-day concert here at the Elley-Long Music Center in March, receives tickets to VYO Flynn concerts at no-charge, and has one of the VYOA ensembles perform a school tour concert at their school.
The VYOA strives to eliminate barriers to arts education and instrument instruction with the Beginning Music After-School Program. Knowing that the economic circumstances of children are not indicators of their musical talent, interest, or appreciation, the VYOA is strengthening relationships with economically challenged public schools to create sustainable partnerships and increase opportunities for all Vermont students to hear live music and play music with their peers. To that end, during the 2014-15 school year the VYOA hosted a woodwind chamber program at Bakersfield Elementary and an 8-week beginning string class in Newport Town.
