Building Bridges Through Music

We’re thrilled to introduce the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Strategies (IDEAS) Program at Lakeland Youth Symphony! This exciting initiative expands opportunities for young musicians from all backgrounds, with a special focus on serving students in underserved communities. IDEAS offers no-cost music education to kids who may not otherwise have access, supporting them through two years in our Prelude program before they join our orchestra levels. It’s a meaningful step toward making music accessible for everyone while strengthening and connecting our community.

IDEAS

What makes this program special?

Our senior orchestra members will step up as mentors, offering extra support to IDEAS students. From mini private lessons to helping out in group classes, these service opportunities will create a supportive, hands-on learning environment where everyone thrives. This program promises to inspire and empower every participant.

We started with a pilot program in 2023 at the Neighborhood House in Morristown, and we’ll keep building from there. Our ultimate goal is to secure funding for instruments, supplies, and transportation, so by the 2026-2027 season, IDEAS students can be fully integrated into our orchestras. Together, we’re breaking down barriers and making music a shared experience for all!

    • Integrate and immerse IDEAS students with our Lakeland Youth Symphony orchestra levels after the first two years of Preludes

    • Provide service opportunities for senior orchestra members that helps bridge the socioeconomic gap by helping  IDEAS students with additional coaching and support.

    • Support students from all backgrounds regardless of race, faith, financial standing, sexual orientation, or gender identity

    • Expose students to a variety of composers and repertoire, specifically those who have been underrepresented in the music world

    • Conduct Satellite Prelude classes in under-resourced communities, initially focusing on cities like Morristown and Dover by providing scholarships funded through donations and grants

    • Plan enrichment trips that expose the orchestra members to relevant music experiences, performance opportunities, and culture.

    • Bring music performances to communities 

    • Provide transportation to and from rehearsals through support of the community, grants, and supporting organizations

    • Modify practice strategies and schedules for students during after-school care

    • Enhance cultural appreciation and community within the Lakeland Youth Symphony by enlisting students in our highest level orchestra as teacher aides in satellite programs. 

Petit Suite de Concert- Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was a British composer and conductor. Of mixed-race descent, Coleridge-Taylor achieved such success that he was referred to by white musicians in New York City as the "African Mahler" when he had three tours of the United States in the early 1900s.