Intensive Community Program Recruitment Process
Every spring BYSO interviews prospective students in grades K through 2 and their families who would like to be considered for Intensive Community Program (ICP). In order to announce these interviews, BYSO sends direct mail information to teachers and principals of Boston public schools, 165 inner-city churches, and 60 community organizations, such as Boys and Girls Clubs and the Haitian Women's Association. BYSO limits interviews to the first 80 students who respond.
Essentially, these interviews are 30 minute lessons with groups of four children at a time. The Artistic Director of ICP evaluates a variety of items during this session, such as motor skills, enthusiasm, interest, ability to listen and ability to work in a group. Only those who show exceptional interest in learning how to play a stringed instrument are invited to participate in the program. From the initial group, 35 students are then invited to take four weeks of trial lessons once per week in June and finally 16 students are invited to join the full program. Once accepted to the Fall Program, all students must pass rigorous performance evaluations in order to maintain their ICP membership. The BYSO then provides ICP students scholarship assistance for weekly music lessons, ensemble classes and instrument rental throughout the year. In September the hard work and fun begins!
For more information about ICP please email Ms. Judy Grant or call (617) 353-3348.
