Empire State Youth Orchestras, based in Schenectady, New York, reports that it has doubled the number of students in its free CHIME music education program since it was established in 2015. The program, now working with 60 students at schools in underserved communities in New York’s Capital Region, includes advanced and intermediate string ensembles as well as instruction in woodwind and brass instruments. Participating students receive two hours of instruction daily at their elementary school and continued support in middle school, with the eventual goal being to audition for one of ESYO’s ten ensembles. On November 16, students in the CHIME program performed in a free concert with members of the ESYO String Orchestra and the Saint Rose Chamber Orchestra at the Massry Center for the Arts at the College of Saint Rose in Albany. CHIME Program Director John Connolly led side-by-side performances with CHIME and ESYO musicians; also performing were the Saint Rose Chamber Orchestra, led by David Bebe, and the ESYO String Orchestra, led by Joseph Gumper.
Posted November 30, 2016
