Mission
The mission of the Youth Orchestra Project (YOP) is to provide classical music education, instruction and performance opportunities to young people, through after-school programs, youth orchestras and other performing ensembles; and to develop in young people an appreciation for and lifelong love of classical music.
Impact
While the focus of YOP is on musical exposure and learning, the goals of YOP are also social and intellectual – while learning to play as part of an orchestra or chamber ensemble, children also learn valuable life skills including discipline, focus, persistence, teamwork and pursuit of excellence. Participating in an ensemble is analogous to succeeding within a society, where participants grow socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem and purpose.
How We Do It
YOP’s programs are designed to introduce music and instrumental playing at the elementary level, and to build upon that introduction through ensemble programs at the middle school level, and youth orchestras for middle- and high-school players, creating a path for young people to make classical music a part of their ongoing lives. YOP has launched its programs in the western San Fernando and eastern Conejo Valleys in Southern California, with an emphasis on creating geographically scalable programs that can be employed successfully in any area. YOP currently offers elementary-level after-school enrichment classes in general music and string instrument instruction, and middle school ensemble coaching. Youth orchestras will be introduced in the coming year.