Endangered Instruments Program
In 2005 the VYOA added a new point of entry into our curriculum: the Endangered Instruments Program. This program provides free private lessons to encourage students to play instruments that are typically difficult to recruit for the orchestras (such as string bass, French horn, and bassoon).
Students enrolled in this program receive one year of private lessons paid for in full by the VYOA, after which they must audition to join one of our orchestras. If they audition and are placed in one of the orchestras, they may continue with another year of free private lessons. The only other requirement is that the student must participate in their school music program.
Under the Endangered Instruments model, everyone is a winner: the students receive free private instruction on their instrument; the VYOA develops a larger pool of students to draw from in the sections of the orchestra that are typically difficult to fill; and school music programs see an increase in artistic quality from the students receiving this instruction.
EIP lessons have ended for the season and will begin the fall. Currently, enrollment for all instruments is full, however we have a waiting list and will be able to place students into the program when spaces open. If you are interested in placing your name on this list, please contact our office at 802-655-5030, or send an email with all of your pertinent contact information to info@vyo.org.
Thank you for your interest in the Endangered Instrument Program!
The Endangered Instruments Program is possible thanks to a generous grant from the Institute for Clinical Science and Art.
Additional support provided by Vermont Community Foundation.
