The Florida Orchestra’s partnership with the Florida-based nonprofit Prodigy organization is expanding with free violin lessons and other musical experiences for children in Hillsborough County, following a $100,000 grant from Hillsborough County and University Area CDC, a nonprofit that supports at-risk people in areas surrounding University of South Florida’s Tampa campus through youth programs, adult education, and resource assistance. The grant will fund instrument rental, class supplies, and the hiring of a violin instructor and part-time coordinator. The Florida Orchestra-Prodigy partnership began over the summer when the orchestra taught group violin classes twice a week to young people at Roy Haynes Recreation Center in Tampa, a first for TFO and Prodigy. The orchestra also performed chamber concerts, hosted Prodigy students and families at a Masterworks concert, and offered instrument petting zoos at various venues. The Prodigy activities are in addition to the orchestra’s concerts in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
Posted January 2, 2019
